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1275 Mercer

Yale Campus

From Kenworth Motor Truck Corporation’s manufacturing facility to its new life housing a Bright Horizons Childcare facility and family recreation and café operator, PlayDate SEA, 1275 Mercer is a prime example of adaptive reuse.

Adaptive reuse has become increasingly popular in the Seattle area. The retention of an original building helps preserve neighborhood character while also supporting environmental sustainability.

1275 Mercer was built in 1928 as Kenworth Motor Truck Corporation’s first manufacturing facility. In 2007, Blume Company Real Estate acquired the property.

In 2010, Bright Horizons made 1275 Mercer its South Lake Union home, becoming the largest childcare facility in the area. Two years later, PlayDate SEA, a children’s recreation area and café, moved in to the south end of the building, filling the remaining space.


Property Facts:

  • Property Use: Retail + Service
  • Building SqFt: 28,800
  • Year Built: 1928
  • Floors: 1