John Torrance inducted to the NAIOP Washington State Hall of Fame in recognition of his visionary work and its impact on the industry and the Seattle community | Double honors laud Microsoft’s Building 121 + 122, which won Redevelopment/Renovation Project of the Year & People’s Choice 2019
 
SEATTLE – Announced on Friday, November 8, at the annual gala event, NAIOP Washington State’s 2019 Night of the Stars Awards highlight how the development community continues to find creative solutions to support the Puget Sound market. For 2019, new categories this year in particular acknowledge growth in multi-family and affordable housing development to serve the fast-growing population and to address housing needs for families at all income levels.
 
Each year, Night of the Stars also honors an individual whose outstanding contributions in the CRE industry have changed the field and the region we call home. Best known for conceiving and promoting the “StarDome” retractable roof stadium concept for the Mariners’ home field, John Torrance, Principal of J.R. Torrance Properties, is this year’s honoree and the newest member of the Hall of Fame. In addition to the development of T-Mobile Park (then Safeco Field), Torrance has been involved in dozens of significant projects over the years, including Microsoft Headquarters, Washington Park Tower, and Insignia Towers, and helped create and build the company now known as CBRE. Click here to watch a video interview with John Torrance. 
 
Finally, each year, our judges recognize projects that make a special impact with the Judges’ Innovation Awards. These honors go to projects that stand out for criteria not strictly required for their category. They are projects make a strong impression on the judges, often transcending categorization. This year, the Judges’ Innovation Award for Regional Impact honors Propeller Airports Paine Field Passenger Terminal, which is enhancing traveler experiences at Paine Field as well as alleviating congestion at Sea-Tac Airport. And the Judges’ Impact Award for Innovation went to 621 Woodland Square Loop SE. The judges appreciated the risks undertaken to revitalize and redevelop a former utility office building into a Class A campus in Lacey, especially in consideration of the potential long-term positive impact on the city.
 
NAIOP Washington State congratulations all nominees, finalists and winners of the 2019 Night of the Stars for achieving tremendous success this year. The association also offers appreciation for the dozens of commercial real estate professionals and firms that participate as sponsors, judges, volunteers, and committee members to make NAIOPWA’s Night of the Stars awards and gala possible each year. Thank you.
 
Visit the Night of the Stars 2019 Project Gallery for project information and photos.
 
Night of the Stars 2019 Winners

Special Honors

Most of us know the ports in Washington as little industries within themselves, responsible for Washington’s link to international trade around the globe and the distribution infrastructure of our region. Ports also manage airports and public marinas, and support additional recreational opportunities via parks and open spaces. 

NAIOP WA members and guests gathered last Wednesday morning to learn about tourism and hospitality in our region. Before the panel started, attendees were treated to a video montage from September’s Community Enhancement event at Farmer Frog, a sustainable, educational farm in Woodinville.

NAIOP Washington state outgoing president Kristin Jensen introduced the morning’s breakfast topic. The hospitality and tourism sector is growing in Seattle and the Puget Sound. The panel discussed the factors making that a reality, including exponential population growth, and what the 58 cranes dotting the Seattle skyline mean for the future of the industry.