SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 18, 2025 - A landmark debut in late spring
Populus Hotels expands its eco-forward portfolio
Populus Hotels has announced the highly anticipated opening of Populus Seattle in late spring, unveiling Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar and a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience rooted in sustainability and local culture. The 120-room property, a transformative adaptive reuse of the historic Westland Building, is developed by Urban Villages and managed by Aparium Hotel Group.
Preserving history, advancing sustainability
A model for responsible development
“We are incredibly proud to introduce Populus Seattle as the second carbon-positive hotel in our portfolio and in the country,” said Jon Buerge, president, Urban Villages. “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 prioritizing 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.”
Design rooted in place and purpose
Blending Pioneer Square heritage with modern expression
Mario Tricoci, CEO/founder, Aparium Hotel Group, added, “Populus Seattle brings to life a vision of hospitality that’s rooted in place and purpose. 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.”
Immersive experiences from lobby to rooftop
Celebrating the arts, community, and the environment
The hotel showcases the creative energy and cultural depth of the neighborhood through architecture by The Miller Hull Partnership, interior design by Curioso, and landscape design from Site Workshop, inspired by Washington’s ecology. Guests are welcomed into a biophilic entryway leading to a grand lobby with native plants, preserved Douglas Fir beams and nature-inspired art. A striking wood staircase connects to the second-floor restaurant and glass-wrapped Solarium.
Further enriching the guest experience is an art collection curated by ARTXIV, featuring more than 300 original pieces by 35 local and global artists that reflect the Pacific Northwest’s landscape and creative identity.
The Library and The Art Room, located on the ground floor, provide flexible venues for meetings, events, and community gatherings of up to 70 guests—reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to local engagement.
Carbon-positive by design
From adaptive reuse to regenerative partnerships
Populus Seattle is set to become the country’s second carbon-positive hotel. By adapting and preserving the existing structure, the project reduces its embodied carbon footprint by 36%—equivalent to 2.2 million miles driven or 492 tons of coal burned.
Rather than constructing new parking structures, the design supports walkability and lightens environmental load. Natural light strategies, certified carbon credits, and full lifecycle assessments (LCAs) ensure that every step—from materials to waste—is optimized for climate impact.
As part of its ongoing sustainability program, a tree will be planted for every night a guest stays. The hotel also utilizes 100% renewable electricity, partners with regenerative farms, and deploys BioGreen360 technology to convert food waste into compost, while tracking real-time diversion metrics.
Learn more about Populus Seattle and book your stay at www.populushotels.com