We partnered with Seattle Restored to redesign their website so that it better supports their work in revitalizing Seattle neighborhoods with creativity and commerce. Their website is a way to connect consumers with program participants, to engage with property owners, and to foster new program participation.
Interact and scroll with the live website above
Seattle Restored partners with small businesses and creative entrepreneurs to transform vacant storefronts into vibrant community spaces. These projects benefit Seattle neighborhoods by creating engaging streetscapes, while encouraging the public to support local businesses and artists – particularly historically underrepresented groups.
We collaborated with Carkeek Studios to build a custom WordPress theme that incorporates Seattle Restored’s brand elements into a new look and feel for the website. Our custom WordPress themes allow our clients to have complete control over website content so they can manage updates post launch.
Specific goals to the user interface included designing a more visual way of displaying current and archived businesses and program participants. The Explore Locations map plots participants in their location throughout Seattle and provides filters as a way to sort search results.
The website design sources brand elements that include a vibrant color palette, stacking geometric shapes and different color combinations of their logo.
This custom WordPress website is responsive for different screen sizes. We incorporated the WordPress block editor, allowing for flexible page layouts and templates that surface current and relevant content, like the home page.
The project also made improvements to website accessibility, language translations, intake forms for program applicants, and news and events posts.
Above: Teasing out shapes that can be used as patterns in WordPress blocks.
Since launching in 2021, Seattle Restored has transformed over 75 vacant storefronts into vibrant pop-up shops, window art installations, and artist residencies. By activating these spaces, the program has boosted local business sales, increased foot traffic, and contributed to beautification and safety in these areas. For participating artists and small businesses, Seattle Restored offers a vital platform to grow their customer base and expand their inventory and teams. This support has enabled many to thrive, turning short-term opportunities into lasting success and fostering a more diverse and dynamic local economy.