The Sunset Hotel was constructed in 1901 and was designated as a primary structure in Seattle's Ballard Avenue Landmark District. A fire and an earthquake damaged the building in 2000 and 2001. The following year, a multidisciplinary team led by BOLA, was brought in to study preservation and development options for the building. The team recommended demolition of the former hotel and construction of a new, one-story infill building, a concept that was approved by the Ballard Avenue Landmark Board. Construction of the new 6,400 sq. ft. building, was completed in 2005.

Challenges included an irregularly shaped, small site along a sloped street front. Additionally, the building needed to address Bergen Place Park and busy Market Street to the north while maintaining a link to historic Ballard Avenue. The design of the new building harmonizes with its historic neighborhood through the use of a traditional masonry storefront pattern and rhythm as well as including three interior levels. This strategy allows separate tenants to occupy the tall, one-story building. BOLA subsequently designed one of the interior improvements and provided permitting documentation for a new retail tenant.