Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal

Location

Mukilteo, Washington

Owner

Washington State Department of Transportation & Washington State Ferries

Collaborators +

Project Size

23,710 square feet

Project Status

Completed

Certifications

Certified LEED New Construction Gold

Services

Architecture, Interior Design

The cultural significance of the Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal transcends its function as a critical piece of transit infrastructure. The project is located on the site where the 1855 Point Elliott Treaty was signed, guaranteeing perpetual hunting and fishing rights to the tribes on their ancestral lands. The project illustrates how sensitive placemaking, inclusive engagement, and environmental awareness can redefine civic architecture.

The building’s longhouse form, derived through close collaboration with Coast Salish Tribes, enriches the passenger experience, streamlining circulation and managing large patron flows with intuitive wayfinding. The waiting room is a daylight-filled space with views to land and sea that help orient ferry riders. Tribal cultural artworks created by local Native American artists Kate Ahvakana, Earl Davis, Joe Gobin, and James Madison are displayed throughout the terminal, creating a strong connection to the tribal community and history. A new waterfront promenade connects a path from downtown, through the terminal and onto the beach, creating an elevated pathway for public use.

The Firm worked closely with several Coast Salish Tribes to incorporate environmental stewardship into the concept. The project significantly improves regional mobility while incorporating the cultural influence of the community and paying homage to the site’s historic roots. The ferry terminal demonstrates a sustainable approach and has become a model for how local, state, and tribal governments can work together. The project represents what is possible when the community and a multidisciplinary team collaborate in support of a shared vision.