MOLLY MOON’S WATERFRONT

Set along Seattle’s reimagined central waterfront, this Molly Moon’s location brings their locally made ice cream to the restored Washington Street Boat Landing. The compact ice cream shop occupies less than 300 square feet, but will be able to meet the sweet-treat needs of the many visitors and locals flowing onto this busy part of town during the summer.

 The project is designed to fit into the larger transformation of Seattle’s waterfront, which aims to reconnect the city to its shoreline with pedestrian spaces, parks, and improved access to the water. Within the existing historic structure, GBA carefully integrated Molly Moon’s recognizable brand while honoring the material palette of the boat landing’s architecture. Historic ticket windows have been repurposed as service counters, creating a moment of continuity that ties past and present together.

 Given the site’s scale and seasonal nature, thoughtful design solutions extend beyond the primary storefront. A pair of freestanding walk-in coolers, discreetly nestled under the protective pergola across from the main building, provide critical storage for ice cream and supplies. They are scaled to blend seamlessly with the site, adding to the sense of enclosure and intimacy while framing views out to the water. In the off-season, the coolers serve as a hub for storage and distribution to other Molly Moon’s locations.

 Navigating the complexities of preservation and modern use, the project balances respect for history with the practical demands of contemporary small business. The result is a welcoming neighborhood anchor and a new destination along Seattle’s changing waterfront.

Photography: Alessandra Brescia
Location: Seattle, Washington
Type: Commercial
Team: Jim Graham, Noreen Shinohara, Allison Acosta
Contractor: Wilcox Construction