Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal - Exterior

Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal

Location

Mukilteo, Washington

Owner

Washington State Department of Transportation & Washington State Ferries

Collaborators +

Prime Consultant: KPFF Consulting Engineers (Structural, Civil, and Bridge Engineering)

General Contractor: IMCO General Construction

Mechanical & Plumbing Engineering: FSi Consulting Engineers

Electrical & Civil Engineering: Jacobs Engineering

Landscape Architecture: HBB Landscape Architecture

Lighting Design: Dark Light Design

Signage: Ilium

Project Size

23,710 square feet

Project Status

Completed

Certifications

Certified LEED New Construction Gold

Services

Architecture, Interior Design

The Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal is more than a transportation facility—it is a landmark of cultural recognition and environmental stewardship. Built on the historic site of the 1855 Point Elliott Treaty, the terminal honors the enduring rights and heritage of the Coast Salish Tribes. Its longhouse-inspired architecture, developed in partnership with tribal representatives, creates a welcoming, intuitive space that guides passengers efficiently while celebrating Native traditions.

The terminal’s daylight-filled waiting area offers panoramic views of land and sea, grounding travelers in the region’s natural beauty. Throughout the building, artworks by local Native American artists deepen the connection to tribal history and community. A new waterfront promenade extends public access from downtown Mukilteo to the shoreline, enhancing the civic experience. Environmental responsibility is woven into the project, reflecting tribal values and advancing sustainable design. The terminal not only improves regional mobility but also demonstrates the power of inclusive engagement and collaboration among local, state, and tribal entities, setting a new standard for civic projects rooted in shared vision and respect for place.

Photography: Benjamin Benschneider, Adam Hunter

Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal - Interior

The waiting area contains cases for rotating displays of ancient tribal artifacts and contemporary works, including carved pieces by Coast Salish artists.

Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal - Interior
Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal

Efficient heating of the concrete-slab main floor with electric heat pumps provides interior comfort in the winter, while in the warmer months a thermostatically-controlled rack and pinion window system optimizes airflow and comfort.

“This design really created a destination for a building and structure which otherwise would have been a pass-through... Everything about this building made it an experience in and of itself.”

– Jury, 2021 AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards
KPFF Site

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Prime Consultant

Website

Selected Awards

2023 AIA National Honor Award for Architecture

2022 ACEC National Honor Award

2022 U.S. WoodWorks Wood Design Award for Wood in Government Buildings

2022 Build Washington Awards, Highway/Transportation Over $50 Million

2022 Build Washington Awards, Highway/Transportation $15-$50 Million

2022 Build Washington Awards, Grand Award for Construction Excellence

2022 Chicago Athenaeum, American Architecture Award

2021 ENR Northwest Regional Best Projects, Best Airport/Transit Project

2021 AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards, Honor Design Award

2021 ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers, Project of the Year

2021 WTS International Award for Innovative Transportation Solutions

2021 Conde Nast Best New Ways to Travel, Hot List

2021 WAN Awards, Gold Award

2021 Prix Versailles, Finalist

2021 AIA Seattle Honor Awards, Energy in Design Award

2021 IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter INawards, INpublic Award, Honorable Mention

2021 ASCE Region 8, Project of the Year, Greater than $10 Million

2021 WTS Puget Sound Chapter, Innovative Transportation Solutions Award

2021 ENR Northwest Regional Best Projects, Northwest Project of the Year

2021 ENR Northwest Regional Best Projects, Award of Merit for Sustainability

2020 DJC 2020 Building of the Year, Top 5