Populus Hotels announces Seattle debut in historic Pioneer Square with the upcoming opening of Populus Seattle, a carbon positive hotel set to launch in late spring 2025. Housed in the revitalized Westland Building from 1907, the 120-room boutique hotel blends Pacific Northwest charm, sustainability, and contemporary luxury in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
The new hotel brings a pioneering model of adaptive reuse to the forefront. Instead of constructing a new building, Populus Seattle transforms a historic structure, preserving its original character while dramatically reducing its carbon footprint. With this opening, Populus introduces the second carbon positive hotel in the United States, following the acclaimed Populus Denver.
Spearheaded by Urban Villages and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, Populus Seattle features Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, a signature restaurant called Salt Harvest, and immersive biophilic design inspired by Washington’s rainforests. A central part of the hotel’s philosophy is to plant one tree for every night stayed through its “One Night, One Tree” program.
Guests are welcomed through a lush entryway into a grand lobby where native flora, preserved Douglas Fir beams, and nature-themed artwork create a calming, earthy ambiance. A dramatic staircase leads to the second-floor restaurant and the glass-wrapped Solarium, filled with greenery and natural light. Further up, the rooftop bar offers sweeping views of Seattle’s skyline—an ideal place for golden-hour cocktails or late-night gatherings.
Throughout the hotel, the interiors curated by design studio Curioso and architecture by The Miller Hull Partnership create a connection between old and new. Historic elements like exposed brick and original wood beams are paired with contemporary touches and sustainable materials. Local landscape firm Site Workshop helped bring in native plants and ecological inspiration across the property.
Art, Culture, and Sustainability Intertwine
Populus Seattle features an extensive art collection curated by ARTXIV, including over 300 original works created on-site by 35 local and international artists. These artworks appear throughout the public spaces and guest rooms, weaving together themes of identity, resilience, and transformation in harmony with the region’s culture and natural beauty.
Guest accommodations range from serene and minimalistic to elevated and expansive. The Lupine King Room showcases curated art, exposed brick, and oversized windows. The Noble Fir Studio King includes a lounge area and modern soaking tub. For a luxury experience, the Summit Suite offers a top-floor sanctuary with a dining area, kitchenette, and a private terrace overlooking the city.
The hotel’s culinary centerpiece, Salt Harvest, offers hearth-driven cuisine and a locally inspired menu. Guests can dine at the Chef’s Counter, reserve private dining rooms, or relax in The Solarium, surrounded by greenery. The rooftop bar brings new energy to the Pioneer Square scene, while The Café at Salt Harvest, serving Monorail Espresso, provides a cozy neighborhood spot for coffee and conversation.
In addition to dining venues, Populus Seattle also offers flexible spaces for gatherings. The Library and The Art Room host up to 70 guests and will feature regular community events designed to spark collaboration and creativity.
A Commitment to the Planet
As a carbon positive hotel, Populus Seattle goes beyond traditional sustainability efforts. The adaptive reuse approach cut embodied carbon emissions by 36 percent—the equivalent of removing 492 tons of coal or 2.2 million miles driven. The project also avoided building an on-site garage to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment and reduce environmental impact.
Design strategies focus on enhancing natural light and energy efficiency, while certified carbon credits ensure that all remaining emissions are offset. Populus Seattle follows a rigorous Life Cycle Assessment process, evaluating the sustainability of every system and material from construction to eventual decommissioning.
Environmental features include the use of 100% renewable electricity, partnerships with regenerative farms, and BioGreen360 technology to turn food waste into compost with real-time data tracking. Every aspect of the hotel’s operations, from supply chains to energy use, is measured against a net positive goal for the planet.
Rooted in Community, Built for Travelers
Populus Seattle is strategically located just 15 minutes from Pike Place Market and the cruise port, making it an ideal destination for both leisure travelers and locals. With its proximity to Seattle’s Stadium District and major creative and tech hubs, the hotel caters to sports fans, business professionals, and vacationers alike.
Whether it’s a morning coffee run, a post-work rooftop cocktail, or a weekend stay wrapped in natural textures and artistic ambiance, Populus Seattle invites guests into a living, breathing space that embodies its local roots and global mission.
Reservations are now open, with nightly rates starting at $469. With its combination of sustainability, design, and Pacific Northwest spirit, Populus Seattle aims to redefine what hospitality can look—and feel—like in the heart of the city.
