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US: Populus Hotels is set to open its second carbon-positive property in the United States this spring, as it prepares to launch in Seattle in the city’s historic Pioneer Square district.
Populous Seattle has been developed by Denver-based real estate development and property management company Urban Villages and will be operated by the Chicago-based Aparium Hotel Group.
The 120-room hotel occupies a restored 1907 building, formerly known as the Westland Building, and marks the first adaptive reuse project by Populus Hotels. The brand debuted in 2024 with Populus Denver.
The interiors feature preserved Douglas Fir beams, exposed brick, and over 300 commissioned artworks created onsite.
The property will be carbon positive, meaning it offsets more carbon than it emits over its full lifecycle. Design strategies included retaining the original structure, eliminating plans for an onsite parking garage, and sourcing 100 per cent renewable electricity.
The hotel will also plant a tree for every night stayed, as part of Populus’ ongoing “One Night, One Tree” initiative.
Amenities at Populus Seattle will include a café, meeting rooms, an all-day restaurant called Salt Harvest, and Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar.
The hotel is part of a larger revitalisation of the neighbourhood’s alleyways and historic buildings.
Jon Buerge, president of Urban Villages, said: “The greenest building is the one you don’t have to build from the ground up. With adaptive reuse, we’ve preserved the character of this historic building while prioritising the health of the planet. Populus Seattle represents Populus Hotels’ commitment to responsible hospitality and meaningful guest experiences that reflect the city’s rich culture, arts, and vibrant local ecosystems.”
Mario Tricoci, CEO and founder of Aparium Hotel Group, said: “This isn’t just a hotel with a strong sustainability story. It’s a living, breathing space that reflects the character of Pioneer Square and the people who bring it to life. Whether you’re visiting or a local, the design, the culinary perspective, and the spirit of the place feel distinctly independent, thoughtfully elevated, and deeply personal.”
Key takeaways:
• The 120-room Populus Seattle hotel will open in spring 2025, located on Pioneer Square.
• It has been developed by Urban Villages and will be operated by Aparium Hotel Group.
• Populus Seattle marks the first adaptive reuse project for Populus Hotels; the property is housed in the former Westland Building.
• The hotel will be carbon-positive, offsetting more carbon than it emits during its full lifecycle.
