Boora Architects

The new Seattle Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is designed to provide total security and maintain flexibility for long-term expansion by the Federal Reserve Bank. The 95,000-square-foot facility is also designed to minimized impacts on the surrounding wetland ecosystem.

Primarily providing cash processing services to financial institutions throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Northern Idaho, the new facility also accommodates administrative functions of the Federal Reserve. The Branch’s Board of Directors, which helps shape the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank’s monetary policy, also use the facility.

A 2-story glass atrium brings daylight to the core of the building. The more public areas of the building, including administrative offices, human resources, customer support, community development, and information technology, flank the atrium. The facility’s innovative cash processing center increases staff productivity and significantly reduces operational costs.

Achieving a civic image appropriate to the Federal Reserve, while creating a healthy, inviting and secure work environment for employees, were primary drivers of the design. An insulated pre-cast concrete panel system was selected to lend a sense of permanence to the new branch. The custom texture and buff color of the panels also help maintain an image appropriate to the Federal Reserve Bank.