When Bentall Kennedy and Pine Street Group developed Via6, a Seattle apartment property consisting of two 24-story towers, the site was in a sort of no-man’s-land between two thriving mixed-use neighborhoods. It was clear the property would eventually be part of a sustainable urban neighborhood, with many options for the restaurants, retail and services tenants would need. But the development could not wait for that to happen, so the building was designed and marketed as a “vertical neighborhood” with the features and amenities renters would want.

Much of the draw for Via6 comes from its urban marketplace and on-site services, dining and social amenities, many of which have no direct connection to sustainability or wellness. But the marketing also focused on the property’s high walkability and transit scores, its Velo Bike Shop for bicycle gear and repairs, and the ViaBike cycling club — “the new downtown haven for two-wheeled commuters.” Energy-efficient applia