Since their inception in the late 1970s, the Ballard Food Bank has continuously evolved to address the comprehensive needs of the community’s most vulnerable populations. What began as a simple food distribution service has now expanded to offer a holistic approach to community support, including social and medical services through strategic partnerships.
Project Name: Ballard Food Bank
Studio Name: Graham Baba Architects
Project team:
Architect: Graham Baba Architects
Owner’s Representative: Spectrum Development Solutions
Owner/Developer: Jen Muzia
General Contractor: Wilcox Construction Inc.
Structural Engineer: Lund Opsahl
Civil Engineer: KPFF
Landscape Architect: HEWITT
Mechanical Engineer: Holmberg Mechanical
Electrical Engineer: AWA Electrical Consultants Inc.
Building Envelope Consultant: 4EA Building Science
Signage & Environmental Graphics: Studio Matthews
Accessibility Consultant: Studio Pacifica
Acoustic Consultant: A3 AcousticsKitchen Equipment Consultant: CMA Restaurant Supply & Design
Refrigeration Design: Refrigeration Unlimited
Photographers: Lara Swimmer
The organization’s vision for a new facility was driven by two fundamental principles: creating a space that offers dignity and inclusivity to those often marginalized, while simultaneously maximizing operational efficiency to serve more community members in need. The resulting 10,628-square-foot building represents a transformative approach to community support services.
Strategically located near downtown Ballard, the new facility nearly doubles the organization’s previous capacity. The thoughtful design begins with an intentionally positioned entrance—visible from the main street but nestled along a side street, offering privacy and a welcoming approach. The interior is carefully conceived as a community-centered space, with a central service desk and waiting area from which various support services radiate.
A innovative community café doubles as a kitchen, allowing the Food Bank to convert donated commodities into nutritious meals. The HUB emerges as a comprehensive service center, providing an array of critical support including mail services, medical care, counseling, financial and housing assistance, veterans’ support, and case management.
The heart of the facility is the Market—a spacious, supermarket-style space designed to provide a dignified shopping experience. Carefully crafted design elements mirror local markets, ensuring that those seeking food assistance are treated with respect and a normalized experience. An expanded warehouse and outdoor storage area supports the Market and delivery programs, while dedicated office spaces provide a home base for the organization’s administrative team.
Architecturally, the building reflects its functional purpose. An industrial shed-like structure houses the Market and warehouse, complemented by a more residential-scaled section with a sloped roof that encompasses the Kitchen, HUB, and offices. The project’s environmental consciousness is evident in its restoration of a previously abandoned brownfield site, with newly created streetscapes, urban agriculture beds, and community seating areas.
A comprehensive sustainability strategy underpins the entire project, focusing on reducing operational costs and creating a healthier environment that truly serves the unique needs of the community.
