More about The Formula. Dimension was developed through a number of interesting discussions that led to a process of trying to understand the DNA of Seattle and then serving up something that responded to what we found. We were not foolish enough to think we could make this trip alone - we pulled together a team of musicians and artists and foodies and went deep into spaces that were best accessed in the middle of the night. It was in those places that we think we found what makes Seattle tick – independent expression, individual freedom and interesting level of credibility and substance supporting things that could just be thoughtless ventures in other markets. People actually give a damn about what they are doing in Seattle. We decided to build something that could open the doors and let that spirit in…a co-mingling of sorts that could lead to extraordinary ad–hoc events. A long shot to say the least, but one that was taken.

The building itself was carefully programmed with the input of some of the world's most highest grossing and revenue-generating musicians, stage designers, concert promoters, media channel owners, and artists. The ground floor was designed so that stages, sets and galleries could pop up in various configurations and the ceiling designed with an electrical grid where power cords could drop down at any point. The exterior glass to the building was then designed to peel back allowing the energy to spill out onto the street and vice versa. We then added control rooms, sky boxes, jam rooms and a professional kitchen in a glass box at the top of the tower with additional performance space on the roof overlooking epic views. That was matched up with units designed by challenging a talented team of designers to create something based on how people live and who they are - rather than simply choosing trendy countertops and floor tiles. 

The team developed relationships with various members of the cultural community that could help switch on this place in a way that may just fill a void that no one knew was there. We call it the Ground Floor Project, the perpetual work in progress based on the interests of our residents and implemented by our creative staff. Music, food and art was a good starting point for this endeavor and we are continually working on some unique programming for our residents and for our community related to organic food, undiscovered music that is framed by an artistic masterpiece in the form of a permanet mural that was rolled out by the Ames Bros. on the first floor of the community.

A WOOD PARTNERS CASE STUDY