Postmark Center for the Arts
The Auburn community transformed its 1939 Post Office into the Postmark Center for the Arts, giving new public life to a long-standing civic building. Johnston Architects adapted the historic structure to support arts education, studios, and public programs, balancing preservation with selective interventions that bring daylight and flexibility to the spaces within.
Details
LOCATION Auburn WA
AREA 4,482 SF
COMPLETED 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY Will Austin
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
2025 Historic Seattle Preservation Award,
Community Investment Award
2025 Seattle DJC
2024 AIA Washington Council Civic Design Award, Merit
2023 King County John D. Spellman Award for
Achievement in Historic Preservation
2023 Seattle DJC
2022 Green Building + Design
2021 Seattle DJC
During demolition, the original Postmaster’s vault was rediscovered and converted into a small gallery, now home to rotating exhibits of intimate works.
The design celebrates the building’s original structure and materials. Demolition of interior walls and ceilings revealed expansive volumes, terrazzo floors, and plaster detailing, creating a light-filled open and flexible modern space infused with historic character.
The first floor features gallery spaces, classrooms, and an artist-in-residence studio. The lower level adds studios, rehearsal areas, and teaching spaces for community-based arts programs.
A main-floor gift shop provides local artists with a place to showcase and sell their work, ensuring the building continues to serve as both an artistic and economic resource for Auburn.
Original marble wainscoting was carefully salvaged and repurposed as the café backsplash and counter front, pairing history with new function. A catering kitchen enhances the space’s role as a community event venue.
