The Switchback

The Switchback is a three-story, garden-style apartment community on the western edge of Cle Elum offering much-needed, cost-effective housing designed to reflect the character of its wooded surroundings. Located directly across from Suncadia Resort and near regional skiing, biking, and hiking trails, the project supports an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle while serving those who live and work locally.

Surrounding the site are mature pine and fir trees, which have been carefully preserved to maintain the natural landscape and provide a visual and acoustic buffer from nearby Bullfrog Road. The buildings are thoughtfully sited to protect these existing tree stands, immersing residents in a forested setting and reinforcing a strong connection to place.

The Switchback’s design elevates the traditional garden-style apartment through simple massing and durable, context-sensitive materials. Corrugated metal clads the base, grounding the structures, while wood-look aluminum siding above adds warmth and texture. Carefully detailed entries create a welcoming sense of arrival. Each residence includes a private balcony, extending living spaces outdoors, along with dedicated storage for skis, snowboards, and bikes.

Blending practicality with regional character, the project delivers resilient, mountain-town housing that harmonizes with Cle Elum’s landscape and climate.