Reclamation DT

Project completed during tenure at Starbucks Coffee Co. Images copyright of Starbucks.

Overview

Reclamation DT is a 450-square-foot commercial drive-thru and walk-up café in Tukwila, Washington. Originally completed in 2012, it served as a new prototype for Starbucks that explored fast-turnaround construction using recycled shipping containers. The design process lasted about six months for planning and permits. From the start of construction on-site, everything wrapped up in six weeks, which set the pace for similar projects worldwide.

Project Goals

Develop a sustainable drive-thru and walk-up concept as a showcase for Starbucks.
Use modular elements, including recycled shipping containers, to allow for off-site fabrication and quick assembly.
Meet a short site-to-open schedule that tested whether this approach could be repeated at other locations.

Design and Implementation

Layout/Structural Changes

The design featured one 40-foot container paired with a 20-foot container that extended to form a “hammerhead” shape, accommodating both drive-thru and walk-up. Upper containers housed mechanical equipment and created room for signage, which included a backlit display.

Materials and Finishes

The project relied on decommissioned shipping containers sourced near Seattle’s waterfront. All steel framing avoided major penetrations, preserving watertight integrity. The exterior received a protective coating, while the interior layout followed a double-galley arrangement for brewing equipment and barista workspace.

Key Elements
1. A vertical container element acting as a lantern with perforated steel panels and backlighting.
2. A drive-thru arrow and signage featuring stenciled star patterns.
3. Minimal cladding to highlight the raw container surfaces and emphasize the reclaimed concept.

Challenges

Fitting a full café program within two containers required careful planning, especially for brewing equipment and ventilation. Achieving a watertight structure without traditional cladding meant sealing channels and controlling water runoff. The tight design timeline and off-site fabrication called for precise coordination among various teams

Outcome

Reclamation DT successfully met its six-week construction window and opened to the public as a LEED-certified project that demonstrated Starbucks’ commitment to eco-friendly innovation. Its modular system and container-based design attracted attention and paved the way for 57 similar locations worldwide. This flagship approach reduced on-site work, saved time, and supported the company’s focus on sustainability.