Looks like Architect: Runberg Architecture Group from:

http://exxelpacific.com/projects/inprogress/stack-house-apts-supply-laundry-bldg

(once I added "-steak" to the search terms it helped filter out the steak houses that google thought I might be interested in)

They are also the architects behind the 230 Broadway project and another one with SRM partnership at 315 1st Ave N, across the street from Key Arena (the pdf for this project showed up a couple days ago; they are aiming at 189 units and 247 parking spots).

They also designed 101 Taylor Ave N and 100 Republican (U/C). All very decent projects, given the size.

Skanska's 13-story project gets review

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12038985.html

That's big! Excited to see a rendering.

Looks like careful recycling separation going on at this Terry/John site. Via6 in the background.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/IMAG1113.jpg

100 punks crash a design review meeting (http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/03/22/one-hundred-punks-crash-city-design-meeting-to-save-the-funhouse) for the 500 John St project.

Ah, the Funhouse. I'm actually glad they went - the developer was arguing for no retail? Maybe this is the wrong project for that site.

Looks like careful recycling separation going on at this Terry/John site. Via6 in the background.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/IMAG1113.jpg
Great vantage point!

I wonder why this one is being so delicately disassembled. Are their reusable materials or something?

Perhaps hazardous materials ?

100 punks crash a design review meeting (http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/03/22/one-hundred-punks-crash-city-design-meeting-to-save-the-funhouse) for the 500 John St project.

Ah, the Funhouse. I'm actually glad they went - the developer was arguing for no retail? Maybe this is the wrong project for that site.

(Edit....I was thinking of 975 John when I wrote the following)

This would be a horrible site for retail, due to the lack of pedestrian flow to/from the south and east, and the lack of sidewalks on some adjacent properties. Horrible might be an understatement.

All retailers know this, except some mom & pops that would learn the hard way by failing despite their half-price leases. All financiers know this (actually they go too far to the conservative side). The developers apparently know this. Thankfully reason has apparently won out in this case.

Meanwhile, Westlake can develop as a good retail street, if regs don't demand that retail get diluted around the neighborhood instead. Even if SLU grows to the fullest extent envisioned by potential zoning upgrades, it'll never be remotely the density needed for good retail on more than a few streets, plus some convenience stuff scattered as well.

Yes, a terrible place for retail. Sandwiched between all of those new office workers at the Gates Foundation and SLU, the tourists at Seattle Center, and new apartment and condo dwellers all around. Especially with the high visibility under the Monorail. Wouldn't want that.</sarcasm>

Westlake is a completely different market. We're talking about a site 13 blocks away.

Oooooh, sorry. I was thinking 975 John!

5th Ave N is better, but still not good. Pedestrians still can't cross on the east side of Denny, which is a major black mark. East-west pedestrians will be light for the first year or two after the project opens, i.e. until the cross-Aurora connections are re-established after the tunnel opens. Gates has in-house services plus the QFC, so there's less demand coming from up 5th. The saving grace will be that the densifying neighborhood will funnel pedestrians along 5th since other streets don't go through (Taylor N and 6th N will always be death to retail).

Another building is currently being demo'ed on Westlake Avenue (across from Kenmore Air). Makes me wonder if there is some movement on that long stretch of razed properties. I can't remember what is anything was planned for the site.

Boy I hope so. That's such a swath of prime potential office real estate with views galore!!

Yeah, I suppose the views would be OK.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6123/6039187137_939c640352_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6089/6039718596_d1f85eae70_b.jpg

http://www.djc.com/news/co/12039521.html

Boxcar apartments will have recycled steel modular system
By JOURNAL STAFF

Tarragon is building 145 apartments in South Lake Union, using ready-to-install wall panels that are shipped to the job site and bolted together.
Construction is under way on a 145-unit apartment project called Boxcar that is being built with a modular frame system that the contractor says will save time

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120403/Boxcar_big.jpg

Where's this one located? it'll be interesting to see how quickly it goes up.

Where's this one located? it'll be interesting to see how quickly it goes up.

The building on the right is the North East side of Rollins Street Flats

OK, this is kind of funny and I don't have a map so try to follow along!

Elliot Bay Auto Brokers for a long time was at 717 Dexter. Until 717 Dexter Project prone ground last winter. So they moved across the street to 801 Dexter and set up in the old Esterline/Korry Electronics site.

Next project, 801 Dexter is due to break ground in June. Elliot Bay has moved across the street again to what would be 808 Dexter (I'm guessing). This is the last standing Esterline site in the area.

I wonder if there are plans for it to be apartments too, someday.

Just amusing how this is their second move in less than a year.

Jim - Is this the building you are talking about?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/6869683002_b0c705343e_c.jpg

I did a walking tour down there a couple of weeks ago and was thinking about some of the buildings/parcels down on Dexter and east of there, like on 8th and 9th Ave, and thinking of them as redevelopment parcels for office/residential, whatever, just something better than an old empty warehouse.

Example:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/7015759975_96fd9a8a61_c.jpg

BTW, what were Esterline/Korry Electronics?

Yes, that's the building. Korry moved up to Everett (I think). At the Dexter location, they made aircraft dashboards or instrument panels I believe.

I know one of those warehouses (Roy and Dexter or near there) appears to be a homeless shelter of some sort.

We are still months away from MOHAI opening at the Armory Building, but stuff is moving in!!

http://oxblue.com/open/sellen/mohai

Article from this mornings DJC. Not exactly cutting-edge quick, but......

http://www.djc.com/news/co/12039759.html

Plymouth starts 84 apartments on a site in South Lake Union
By JOURNAL STAFF

Plymouth Housing Group has started construction on 84 apartments in South Lake Union.

The Williams Apartments at 219 Pontius Ave. N. will house homeless people, including veterans, with chemical dependency and other disabilities. Three PHG staff members will live on site, providing support to residents who are moving from the streets to permanent housing.

SMR Architects designed the project, which will target LEED gold certification. BNBuilders is the contractor. O'Brien & Associates leads the LEED-certification process.

Among the green features are rooftop solar panels to pre-heat water, high-efficiency heat and hot water systems, low-flow toilets and occupancy sensors to control lighting in common areas.

Common areas include a community kitchen, laundry areas, patios, computer center and a P-patch.

The studio apartments average 260 square feet, with kitchens and private baths.

The project is named for Pat Williams, who helped plan and develop PHG's new buildings for the past 20 years.

Scheduled to open in early 2013, Williams Apartments will be Plymouth's 13th residential building in Seattle.

The estimated construction cost is $10 million. Funding is from Plymouth's Sustaining Hope Capital Campaign, JP Morgan Chase Bank, city of Seattle, King County, National Equity Fund, Washington State Housing Trust Fund, the state Housing Finance Commission, and the Federal Low-Income Tax Credit Program.


http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120410/PHGWilliams_big.jpg

We are still months away from MOHAI opening at the Armory Building, but stuff is moving in!!

http://oxblue.com/open/sellen/mohai

I'm really looking forward to this being open.

Shitty 400 Fairview pics:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/6920404454_c5a24d4219_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68993706@N02/6920404454/)
400 Fairview (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68993706@N02/6920404454/) by LCCIII (http://www.flickr.com/people/68993706@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7066483597_ebfcc63e80_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68993706@N02/7066483597/)
400 Fairview (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68993706@N02/7066483597/) by LCCIII (http://www.flickr.com/people/68993706@N02/), on Flickr

Does anyone know if they are planningto bury the powerlines in SLU?

Seattle may curb building to protect floatplanes

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/print-edition/2012/04/13/seattle-may-curb-building-to-protect.html?ana=e_ph

I refuse to believe there isnt a win-win solution to this. Why can't they just take off and land in the other direction?

They generally do. My guess is that they either want the ability to take off and land in bad wind conditions (strong N-S winds? does that happen here?), or need room to abort a landing when you suddenly realize that swimmer practicing for the Danskin in the middle of the lake right where you were planning on touching down.

No. Unacceptable.

I live just off Lake Union watching (and hearing!) the planes all day long. They almost always take off and land in a northerly direction regardless of winds. They do this at the southern end of the lake and I've got to believe that it is almost more of a safety issue with other lake-users. Interesting in the summer how they sometimes have to thread a needle to land.

That in mind, I doubt we will see the needle towers along Valley that some were hoping for.

I refuse to believe there isnt a win-win solution to this. Why can't they just take off and land in the other direction?

Planes takeoff into the wind, or as close as they can get to it. Taking off or landing with a tailwind of even 5 mph can increase distances by up to 20%, not to mention reduced climb performance.

Just strange that planes land/takeoff southbound from Sea-tac most days (northbound when the weather is nice it seems), but in the 9 years I've lived next to the lake see 99% of the seaplane landings/takeoffs to the north.

There must be some other influence other than wind dictating this.

Can't read the whole article because I don't have a subscription. What are the restrictions they're talking about? If there can't be 400-foot towers in SLU, that's honestly okay, as long as they can still build at a considerable density.

Here's 400 Boren (residential). EDG is just for massing and location - no real design stuff just yet:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013013AgendaID3558.pdf

Here's 400 Boren (residential). EDG is just for massing and location - no real design stuff just yet:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013013AgendaID3558.pdf

An article in todays DJC re: the 400 Boren project.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12040102.html

City reviews Greystar plans for apartments
By MARC STILES
Journal Staff Reporter

Weber Thompson designed the seven-story project on a half-block at 400 Boren Ave. N., at the northeast corner of Boren and Harrison Street. The site is north of David Smith & Co., a furniture business.

It is unknown whether Greystar has selected a contractor. Company officials did not return calls, and the permit application does not list a contractor.

City rules limit the height to 65 feet, but the project team is proposing a contract rezone to allow an 85-foot project.

The plan calls for five floors of wood-frame construction above a two-story concrete structure. There will be two levels of underground parking. The proposal mentions no commercial uses.

The market-rate project will have a mix of studio and open one- and two-bedroom units. There will be a roof deck and garden as well as three courtyards.

An early design review board was scheduled to review the project last night, but a packet filed with city shows the proposed massing of the project and gives some insight into design strategies.

In a section called “design cues,” Weber Thompson's proposal calls for using “color, detailing and modulation of varied massing heights” to break up the long facade. There will be large expanses of glazing and angled bays to create views of Lake Union, Queen Anne and Capitol Hill.

At street level, entrances to apartments will be private but open to the street. The project will look like a series of stepped buildings, each with a unique look.

Vulcan Real Estate owns part of the block that is now covered with surface parking and small buildings. Last month, a Vulcan representative said Greystar has a contract to buy that portion of the site.

Two limited liability companies own the rest of the nearly one-acre property. Hendricks & Partners brokers Kenny Dudunakis and Marty Leith are listing these properties for sale. Yesterday, Leith said the buyer and seller haven't authorized him to talk about the deal.

Charleston, S.C.-based Greystar has been active in the Puget Sound region. Last year, it bought 1.1 acres in Redmond along with plans for a 134-unit apartment project.

In January, Greystar paid nearly $71 million for The Mill at Mill Creek, a 516-unit apartment complex.

Greystar manages more than 190,000 apartments across the country. Since its founding 19 years ago, the company has invested approximately $3 billion in projects.

From the SLU Community Council blog re: Final EIS and growth proposals.

http://blog.slucommunitycouncil.org/final-eis-released/

A milestone has been reached! The final South Lake Union Height and Density Environmental Impact Statement was released by the Department of Planning and Development for the City of Seattle on April 4, 2012.

http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Planning/South_Lake_Union/EnvironmentalImpactStatement/default.asp

The Final EIS includes the draft and final studies, as well as all public comments submitted and all of the City’s responses to those public comments. The EIS was not appealed and this means that the process of defining the zoning ordinance can move forward.

James Holmes, Senior Urban Planner for the City of Seattle, said that they are currently developing the city’s recommendations that will be based on what was learned through the EIS, and through input from the community. The EIS outlines growth alternatives 1-4 and Holmes said that the city will not necessarily pick a particular proposal, but rather will propose a solution that falls into the range of growth outlined by the EIS. Holmes said that the recommendations will be released in mid-June and that there will be an open house at that time to present the results.

The city council will vote on the recommendations this summer, turning the ordinance into law, and the new zoning will be in effect after that. Holmes says the SLU area is booming and development ideas are stirring. “We get calls all the time – a number of projects are waiting to see what the recommendations will be,” Holmes said.

http://blog.slucommunitycouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Volunteer-Park2.jpg

Now just pan a little bit to the left so we can see a built out denny triangle.... yes... thats nice...

Once SLU is built up, we'll have no choice but to march east through First Hill with Skyscrapers...:)

Once SLU is built up, we'll have no choice but to march east through First Hill with Skyscrapers...:)

And south through Beacon Hill and the Rainier Valley.

Cannot wait!

And south through Beacon Hill and the Rainier Valley.

And north through Interbay and Ballard.

Oooh! I like the proposed rezone!

I would add that we should encourage similar heights in Lower Queen Anne. That way, Belltown, Lower Queen Anne, and South Lake Union will constitute one cohesive whole.

That small forest of stubbies is inspirational indeed and quite a surprise coming from the final South Lake Union Height and Density Environmental Impact Statement and Nothing Too Scary Please Tea Club.

From yesterdays DJC. This development looks to be in addition to the 400 9th St. activity.

Vulcan takes step towards 390,000 sf development
By JON SILVER
Journal Staff Reporter

Vulcan Real Estate is taking its next steps with plans to develop a nearly full-block site at the southwest corner of Westlake Avenue North and Mercer Street in South Lake Union.

The company filed a proposal with the city of Seattle to build a six-story, 240,000-square-foot office building at 500 Ninth Ave. N. and a six-story, 150,000-square-foot office building at 515 Westlake Ave. N.

The larger building, facing Ninth, would include 3,000 square feet retail and parking for 333 vehicles. The smaller building, facing Westlake, would include 12,000 square feet of retail and parking for 213 vehicles.

The proposal also seeks to vacate an alley that runs between Mercer and Republican streets.

ZGF is the architect.

Rob Arron, a senior director for Vulcan Real Estate, told the DJC last fall that the company was doing pre-development work on the site, and could build 400,000 square feet. The proposal, at 390,000 square feet, falls just short of that.

Lori Mason Curran, Vulcan's director of real estate investment strategy, said yesterday that the company is getting the office buildings ready for “if and when” it lands a tenant, but that it doesn't have a timetable for construction.

“We probably would not build spec,” she said.

Most of the site is currently given over to surface parking. The exception is two-story, 19,000-square-foot warehouse on Westlake that Vulcan purchased in 2008.

A city design review board plans to hold an early design guidance meeting on June 6.

Last October, Vulcan filed plans for a 196,000-square-foot office building with 3,200 square feet of retail on the block directly south, at 400 Ninth Ave. N.

Curran said that site also awaits a tenant.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120504/VulcanSites_Map_web.jpg

Looks like shoring and excavation work has been paused at 202 Westlake. Not obvious if it's due to $/contract, a technical issue or something entirely different but it seems a little odd. With dirt remaining (or moved) against west wall and sidewalk plus curb lane parking blocked off it seems like it could be some kind of issue. Curb lane and sidewalk were reopened after demo several weeks ago. We'll see what hapens. Maybe it just looks like a pause but really isn't.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/IMAG1364.jpg

Funny. I passed by there today and was just going to note that it appears they've hit the bottom and I was anticipating a tower stump placement soon.

Oh, well. Keep us posted, Seasun!!

Awww, nerds! Looks Like UW Medicine Phase 3.2 is not imminent. I was hoping they'd start the 2nd building when the first one topped out. Now it appears they are laying something down (protective membrane or something) where the 2nd tower will go instead of prepping for construction. They may be developing some green space.

What kind of rock lies beneath SLU?

From todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12040765.html

Walsh eyes complex on S.Lake Union site
By JON SILVER
Journal Staff Reporter

Walsh Construction Co. is looking to redevelop the site where its Seattle offices now sit in South Lake Union.

The company shares a 26,000-square-foot office building at 509 Fairview Ave. N. with Mercy Corps and RDH, a building-science consultant.

The proposal is for a 275,000-square-foot structure that would include up to 9,800 square feet of restaurant and retail space, and four levels of parking for 375 vehicles.

The developer is an entity associated with Walsh called 509 Fairview Partners LLC. Seneca Group is the owner's representative.

Architect Weinstein A|U filed a preliminary massing proposal with the city that shows an 11-story tower and a 12-story tower joined by an elevator core. A 7,000-square-foot public plaza would face Republican Street at the southwest corner of the site.

Parking would be accessible from an alley west of the building. Because the site is steeply sloped, parking will be partially underground.

Tom Mathews, president of Walsh, said this is an early step in a two- to three-year process that will prepare the owners if an attractive development possibility comes along.

Walsh now occupies 14,000 square feet, and Mathews said he wasn't sure if the company would be a tenant in the new building.

The proposal suggests the building could have a large tenant or several smaller ones. Mathews said no tenants are lined up.

Ed Weinstein, principal at Weinstein A|U, said the plaza would join other significant public spaces that are contributing to a campus-like atmosphere in South Lake Union.

The Walsh plaza and main building entrance will face Republican because Fairview doesn't get much pedestrian traffic, Weinstein said.

Amazon's Fiona Building sits immediately to the west of Walsh's site, across an alley.

Skanska USA is planning an office and retail project on a block kitty-corner to the site at 400 Fairview Ave. N., and Touchstone Corp. is planning a pair of 12-story office buildings on another nearby site at Fairview and Thomas Street.

While much of the neighborhood has a 65-foot height limit, the proposals anticipate a rezone that will allow heights of 160 feet.

Mathews said the scale of the Walsh building is based on what new zoning would allow.

A Seattle design review board is scheduled to get its first look at the proposal at an early design guidance meeting June 20.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120509/WalshSite_Map_web.jpg

What is there now?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6908697230_e42debf721_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5191/6908698398_b366824aa9_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/6908694680_b66ebdd396_c.jpg

Great post!

Amazing how that primo spot (Mercer/Fairview) is yet to have planned development. Seems to cycle through furniture showrooms. Something better could go there though.

That small forest of stubbies is inspirational indeed and quite a surprise coming from the final South Lake Union Height and Density Environmental Impact Statement and Nothing Too Scary Please Tea Club.

Yeah. I like it primarily because it's a lot more daring than I expected from the "Nothing Too Scary/Taupe Breadboxes Only" Tea Club. Obviously I would like it to be even more daring.

How's SLU in the evenings now? I imagine there's some pedestrians along Terry going to Brave Horse and Cactus but that's about it. I used to work down there and it was bustling during lunch but is a ghost town by 6pm. Kind of like all of downtown Seattle twenty years ago.

It's ok. It's not completely dead like it was 3 years ago, but it's not bustling either. My parents bought a condo there, and it's been very interesting watching the neighborhood grow. The 1,200 + new apartments coming to the area should help.

It's ok. It's not completely dead like it was 3 years ago, but it's not bustling either. My parents bought a condo there, and it's been very interesting watching the neighborhood grow. The 1,200 + new apartments coming to the area should help.

I'm not going to wring my hands over this too much, but it's a little disappointing how all the office space is clustered around Westlake and the residential is east of Fairview or west of 9th around Dexter. I suspect the residential/office dispersion adds to the lack of bustle -- office-oriented lunch spots are a moderate walk for a residentially-oriented dinner crowd.

On the plus side, the distances involved are pretty short. And anywhere with no residential upstairs has better music venue potential.

A 157-unit project was proposed on the north side of Denny Park this week. Terry & John opens next year. The wave in Cascade (*) is coming in the next few years including the Stack House and low-income projects underway now. There's also one announced recently on Boren. Plus the ones on Dexter. Combined that's 2,000 units in this wave if they all happen, in maybe 300 acres.

Ok, that's a fraction of the unit count needed to contribute significantly to 300 acres being a busy area, even mixed with what's there now. Cascade will reach a decent residential density, but resident counts between Fairview, Denny, and Aurora will remain very low for the moment. But even scattered new buildings will be big steps in the right direction. And there's a ton more room for growth.

* The Cascade name is used differently by some people. During the Commons effort, it generally refered to the area between I-5, ramps, Fairview, and Denny.

Are there any plans for the large empty blocks between Mercer and Valley? The side facing Valley are great sites for more residential units and/or an extension of South Lake Union Park.

From todays DJC; the 157-apartment that mhays speaks of.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12040809.html

157 apartments for S. Lake Union site
By JOURNAL STAFF
SEATTLE — MacFarlane Partners of San Francisco is moving forward with plans to build a 157-unit apartment building in South Lake Union.

The half-acre site, at 777 Thomas St., is at the southwest corner of Thomas Street and Eighth Avenue North, near Denny Park. MacFarlane, a developer and real estate investment manager, purchased the site for $6.25 million last December. Two commercial buildings totaling 21,600 square feet would be demolished.

The design for the new building calls for seven stories and includes nine live-work units. Underground parking for 93 vehicles is also planned.

Ankrom Moison is the architect.

MacFarlane told the DJC in January that it was looking to begin construction by the end of the year.

The city has scheduled the first early design guidance meeting for July 11.

What is there now? I'm pretty sure this is right.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5295/5419402637_c5db13fb5c_z.jpg

Are there any plans for the large empty blocks between Mercer and Valley? The side facing Valley are great sites for more residential units and/or an extension of South Lake Union Park.

No sound plans yet, but I think most of us are hoping for some skinny residential towers to fill the blocks - a hotel would be great too. Generally, residential buildings should off-set the predominantly office type buildings (Amazon, UW and some other offices clustered in around south Westlake Ave) to the north of the new Mercer.

Be really nice if the ground floor levels (residential above) of those three blocks were restaurants and bars with ample plaza and outdoor seating. Kind of a restaurant row right across from the park. Imagine it on major weekends like the 4th of July!

That would be great, especially with Valley turned into a more of a residential street.

I could dig that. It might do really well. Maybe that stretch could be a general tourist spot, or local tourist spot, given that locals might be the top market for MOHAI. Of course worker lunches would be a big part of it.

Speaking of dig, any work lately on 202 Westlake Seasun? I notice the street is closed between Westlake and Terry. but that may be for 975 John St Project.

There have been a few guys on the site this week whenever I look there. I still can't see why they closed the sidewalk and parking lane on Westlake.

Thanks for the update.

If there were something truly sinister going on as far as settlement or a void or something, I would think they would have to shut down the streetcar given its weight.

Hoping things pick up soon. This is one of my favorite projects for 'completing' Westlake Ave N.

Thanks for the update.

If there were something truly sinister going on as far as settlement or a void or something, I would think they would have to shut down the streetcar given its weight.

Hoping things pick up soon. This is one of my favorite projects for 'completing' Westlake Ave N.

Just walked by the site a minute ago and got a few words out of a guy when I casually asked what the deal was. There's a tieback (shoring) crew working this morning and basically they're getting a "fix" done so things should be getting going full speed soon.

Great news- thanks!

http://www.salon.com/2012/05/05/whole_foods_is_coming_time_to_buy/singleton/

Saw that posted on SSP. I guess it turned out to be true in SLU's case! :)

http://www.salon.com/2012/05/05/whole_foods_is_coming_time_to_buy/singleton/

Saw that posted on SSP. I guess it turned out to be true in SLU's case! :)
Shall we give it 5 years for the Interbay Area? I'm skeptical.

Just walked by the site a minute ago and got a few words out of a guy when I casually asked what the deal was. There's a tieback (shoring) crew working this morning and basically they're getting a "fix" done so things should be getting going full speed soon.
Looks like this may be fully excavated (at a quick glance). Shouldn't we se a tower crane anyway??

They're still excavating as of yesterday. When I said "full speed" it was in the context of standard construction timing we all see around Seattle/Bellevue. This contractor appears to take a slower approach to schedule than I'm used to. Probably has something to do with previous projects (http://www.pennonconstruction.com/projects.php?type=office) and almost no apparent overhead/supervision on site when I walk by. I'm thankful no one has been run over when the truck and trailers hauling spoils cross Westlake Ave with barely a flagger to help them avoid bikers, peds, cars and Morningside Academy (http://www.morningsideacademy.org/) kids.

Latest from 400 Fairview (EDG round #2). I really am liking the retail element which hopefully spawns more (better) retail along Fairview:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013102AgendaID3630.pdf

And here is EDG round #1 for Block 93 (or that on Westlake/Mercer/9th). This is another really cool looking project with retail elements. Probably years away:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3012560AgendaID3631.pdf

Latest from 400 Fairview (EDG round #2). I really am liking the retail element which hopefully spawns more (better) retail along Fairview:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013102AgendaID3630.pdf

That is a really interesting retail layout. If it actually gets built that way (or at all) I look forward to visiting it. I love small retail and then they combine that with access from two sides. Could be a landmark.

Wow. That can work really well. The small retail spaces and 2-sided entry is almost Pike Market-esque.

Too bad this wasn't on Westlake instead of Fairview. I feel it is trying to 'force' retail onto Fairview, which isn't a retail street.

^^ Agreed. I prefer Westlake to be retail street to serve both South Lake Union and Denny Triangle neighborhoods.

I recall Paul Allen mentioned around five years ago that he wanted to build a Pacific Place style retail center in South Lake Union one day. Anyone remember that?

Latest from 400 Fairview (EDG round #2). I really am liking the retail element which hopefully spawns more (better) retail along Fairview:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013102AgendaID3630.pdf

Love love LOVE that they're using NYCs Chelsea Market as inspiration! It's such an awesome space and if they achieved even 50% of it's quality this would become a real destination.

And here is EDG round #1 for Block 93 (or that on Westlake/Mercer/9th). This is another really cool looking project with retail elements. Probably years away:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3012560AgendaID3631.pdf

Thanks for posting these today. This one looks great!

Re: 400 Fairview being on Fairview Ave.
The review document shows that existing residential is more to the east in SLU/Cascade. Being on Fairview (3 big blocks closer to existing and pending residential) could be a boost for the residential projects that have been slow to start in that area. This also could make things ripe for a large market to tie the western edge of SLU to the new/pending projects along Westlake.

I think there can be retail sustained on Westlake AND Fairview. Westlake to serve the local workforce while Fairview serves the residential pop to the east. Restaurants/bars on Westlake, services and some retail on Fairview (pharmacies, dry cleaners, maybe even another major grocery store).

I agree with that...if the interior of Cascade doesn't have too much other retail.

Interesting. I love the concept, but I don't know if there's enough money nearby to support boutique retail -- a lot of the housing in that part of Cascade is low-income, and it's on the wrong side of Fairview to rely on Amazon-related traffic.

Still, the developers are probably thinking about that already -- maybe as the Stack House and more of the other market-rate Cascade area housing comes in it will make some sense.

I think the 400 Fairview retail layout would be much better in the U-District than on Fairview if the spaces could be food stands or plain retail. I wish them luck on Fairview. The daylighting approach they're taking looks really promising - kind of an enclosed food court with offices above.

Interesting. I love the concept, but I don't know if there's enough money nearby to support boutique retail -- a lot of the housing in that part of Cascade is low-income, and it's on the wrong side of Fairview to rely on Amazon-related traffic.

Still, the developers are probably thinking about that already -- maybe as the Stack House and more of the other market-rate Cascade area housing comes in it will make some sense.
I think over next few years, new residential coming in will shift the demographic to slightly more affluent. As such, retailers could cater not only to that residential pop, but also perhaps to Amazonian residents living in the area. Pet stores, home fashion (not necessarily furnishings), etc).

Just a thought.

From todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/ae/12041732.html

Design meeting tonight on 2 Vulcan buildings
By JOURNAL STAFF

The city will get its first look at a proposal by Vulcan Real Estate for a pair of office and retail buildings at an early design guidance meeting tonight at 8 in the Queen Anne Community Center.

The buildings are proposed for a nearly full-block site in South Lake Union bound by Mercer Street, Ninth Avenue North, Republican Street and Westlake Avenue North.

The site is two blocks west of the Amazon.com campus.

Vulcan wants to build a six-story, 240,000-square-foot structure at 500 Ninth Ave. N. and a six-story 150,000-square-foot structure at 515 Westlake Ave. N.

The larger building would have 3,000 square feet of retail, and the smaller building would have 12,000 square feet of retail. They would share three levels of underground parking with 546 spaces.

ZGF is the architect.

Vulcan is asking the city to vacate a north-south alley that runs through the site, allowing the developer to build a north building and a south building. This would let vehicles come and go from Westlake rather than Mercer, and allow creation of an east-west midblock walkway where much of the retail would be located.

The upper floors of the buildings would be connected over the walkway.

The proposal envisions retail spilling out onto the sidewalk, including food carts, tables and chairs, and other freestanding retail. Art could be used mark the walkway entrances and signal public spaces.

The project is being designed to earn a LEED gold rating.

Vulcan told the DJC last month it is getting the buildings ready in case it lands a tenant, but it is unlikely to begin construction without one.

The 1.1-acre site houses a parking lot, scooter rentals and a vacant warehouse. Two other businesses on the block, MBI Seattle and Antique Liquidators, would remain.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120606/SLUBlock93_big.jpg

From todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/ae/12041732.html

Design meeting tonight on 2 Vulcan buildings
By JOURNAL STAFF

The city will ...
It's pretty cool to see that if this mid-block layout gets built there could be (in the future) seven continuous blocks with mid-block passage. I'm not a huge fan of mid-block passages as they inevitably dilute pedestrian density on parallel sidewalks but Mercer is a bit of a highway and the block is long enough to justify this layout. If fully built out over time one could walk from the abandoned Broad Street right-of-way/Gates campus all the way to Boren - not a bad option for at least part of a walk. Kind of like how I like walking through Fisher Plaza on occasion.

Almost like a freakish indoor sideways knockoff of the Commons.

Looks like the tower crane is going up on the Supply Laundry Block Project.

Does the city own the blocks that are being used for Mercer Construction staging?

Spot checking a parcel or two on each block, City Investors LLC owns these blocks. A Vulcan Company. Some google references pop-up on City Investors LLC and SLU.

Spot checking a parcel or two on each block, City Investors LLC owns these blocks. A Vulcan Company. Some google references pop-up on City Investors LLC and SLU.

Biding their time until construction finishes?

Well, I just hope those 3 blocks have great architecture.

It's strange that there hasn't been a peep though.

UW Phase 3.3 already has some work done. Vulcan has development planned on the block facing Mercer west of Westlake.

I think the best we can hope for is some residential in the 7 story range. Pencil towers are desired by others here, but seaplane flight paths would affect such development.

Good idea Vulcan!

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Vulcan-offers-2-parking-in-South-Lake-Union-3620208.php

^^ Yay for more traffic!

This may spur more retail and restaurants.

I'm sure that's the point. Great idea, really. A bit of a loss leader for selling your new neighborhood.

^Agreed!

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!!

Top Pot is coming to SLU in the Amazon campus:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2012/06/11/top-pot-doughnuts-continuing-expansion.html

Here's an updated map of the Vulcan Empire:

http://www.vulcanrealestate.com/content/docs/SouthLakeUnionFlyer.pdf

I'm thinking the Top Pot is going in on the corner of Terry and Mercer. Notice too that Rollins Street has leased out its final spot to (what appears to be) an Italian Restaurant - but maybe a specialty shop.

A Specialties is also moving in to the heart of the campus (what took so long? They LOVE Amazonians)>

Here's an updated map of the Vulcan Empire:

http://www.vulcanrealestate.com/content/docs/SouthLakeUnionFlyer.pdf


That map has some weird compression going on -- the map seems to be claiming Alley24 and Stack House are between Boren and Fairview.

It is a cool map but kind of odd to use the parking symbol to indicate parking lots that are never open to public parking.

That map has some weird compression going on -- the map seems to be claiming Alley24 and Stack House are between Boren and Fairview.
Yeah, they have a dotted line in between eliminating part of Cascade.

That dotted break line is very subtle! Clever technique but wow - would lead to some very confused people.

Crane base went in this morning. 224(?) Westlake Ave N.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/IMAG1529.jpg

That would be 202 westlake:

http://www.urbispartners.com/property.php?idx=21

Thanks. I was too lazy to find it.

Yeah!!!

My favorite SLU project!!

(Until the Fairview project gets going)

I don't recall seeing anything on this site before. Nice fill:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013227AgendaID3634.pdf

I remember an article about that project but this is the first we've seen of any designs! Thanks for posting!

I really like the preferred design! At that height it's more than just infill in that part of the city!

I really like this pedestrian map from page 5 of the pdf.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/Fairviewprojectmap.jpg

Cool. It's like they expect everyone to jaywalk as much as I do. So much for the image of a Seattlite waiting at an empty intersection for the light to change.

Or are all of these streets being changed to woonerfs? (or whatever that word is)

I don't recall seeing anything on this site before. Nice fill:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013227AgendaID3634.pdf

I went by that site on Sunday and noticed that the houses/apartments were boarded up.

Vashon - I'd enjoy seeing a GPS plot of your travels the way you get around. Great exploring and documentation.

I'm eager to hear plans for the marquee corner of Fairview and Mercer (where furniture stores and others have been failing for years). Something epic, please!

Cool. It's like they expect everyone to jaywalk as much as I do. So much for the image of a Seattlite waiting at an empty intersection for the light to change.

Or are all of these streets being changed to woonerfs? (or whatever that word is)

A 2 or 3 block section of terry has already been changed to woonerfs

I'm eager to hear plans for the marquee corner of Fairview and Mercer (where furniture stores and others have been failing for years). Something epic, please!


I hope its a tall residential tower.

From todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12040765.html

Walsh eyes complex on S.Lake Union site
By JON SILVER
Journal Staff Reporter

Walsh Construction Co. is looking to redevelop the site where its Seattle offices now sit in South Lake Union.

The company shares a 26,000-square-foot office building at 509 Fairview Ave. N. with Mercy Corps and RDH, a building-science consultant.

The proposal is for a 275,000-square-foot structure that would include up to 9,800 square feet of restaurant and retail space, and four levels of parking for 375 vehicles.

The developer is an entity associated with Walsh called 509 Fairview Partners LLC. Seneca Group is the owner's representative.

Architect Weinstein A|U filed a preliminary massing proposal with the city that shows an 11-story tower and a 12-story tower joined by an elevator core. A 7,000-square-foot public plaza would face Republican Street at the southwest corner of the site.

Parking would be accessible from an alley west of the building. Because the site is steeply sloped, parking will be partially underground.

Tom Mathews, president of Walsh, said this is an early step in a two- to three-year process that will prepare the owners if an attractive development possibility comes along.

Walsh now occupies 14,000 square feet, and Mathews said he wasn't sure if the company would be a tenant in the new building.

The proposal suggests the building could have a large tenant or several smaller ones. Mathews said no tenants are lined up.

Ed Weinstein, principal at Weinstein A|U, said the plaza would join other significant public spaces that are contributing to a campus-like atmosphere in South Lake Union.

The Walsh plaza and main building entrance will face Republican because Fairview doesn't get much pedestrian traffic, Weinstein said.

Amazon's Fiona Building sits immediately to the west of Walsh's site, across an alley.

Skanska USA is planning an office and retail project on a block kitty-corner to the site at 400 Fairview Ave. N., and Touchstone Corp. is planning a pair of 12-story office buildings on another nearby site at Fairview and Thomas Street.

While much of the neighborhood has a 65-foot height limit, the proposals anticipate a rezone that will allow heights of 160 feet.

Mathews said the scale of the Walsh building is based on what new zoning would allow.

A Seattle design review board is scheduled to get its first look at the proposal at an early design guidance meeting June 20.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120509/WalshSite_Map_web.jpg

What is there now?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6908697230_e42debf721_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5191/6908698398_b366824aa9_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/6908694680_b66ebdd396_c.jpg


Heres that article I remembered.

I hope its a tall residential tower.

I would say office is better suited there. Not that there aren't residential buildings near by already, but its right at one of the busiest intersections in the city. The noise that always got me was never the freeway, but cars buzzing by on the street outside my window. Offices can deal with that sort of noise.

I'd predict office buildings lining Mercer with residential buildings along Valley once it gets re-done. Perhaps two 12 story office buildings marking the gate way to SLU as you come off the freeway?

That sounds fine. I just want more residential in SLU in general.

I kinda like that random old house.

Well say goodbye to it!

I kinda like that random old house.

It would look great in Granite Falls...

That project looks good I like the overhang at the entrance!

It would look great in Granite Falls...

Of course. That's something I like about cities --- old buildings that have survived the decades and look completely out of place now.

Just walked by 411 Westlake Ave N and noticed a sign for Goodwill. Looks like they're opening a store in SLU.
http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/Project.aspx?id=6316861

Just walked by 411 Westlake Ave N and noticed a sign for Goodwill. Looks like they're opening a store in SLU.
http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/Project.aspx?id=6316861
Interesting. What's there now (or most recently)?

Honeychurch Antiques still has signage up. I'm assuming they're going away but their website (http://www.honeychurch.com/index.html) doesn't mention anything about a new location.

Well, if that's the case, it's below the upscale development I was hoping for....

Tower crane assembly underway for 202 Westlake. I really thought the apartment across the street (975 John) would have gone up first!).

La Toscanella in Rollin Street building.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/IMAG1546.jpg

Last retail spot in Rollins Street, yes?

Yes, this is the last spot that I'm aware of. If they were to go back to condos some day I think the current leasing office is another retail space.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2018495571_cascade22.html

Developers propose another SLU apartment complex

By Eric Pryne

Big-time apartment developer Equity Residential and Seattle developer Touchstone have filed a preliminary application with city planners for another apartment complex in South Lake Union.

This one — seven stories, 223 units — would be on the west half of the block bounded by Fairview Avenue North, Minor Avenue North and John and Thomas streets, property that for years was the low-rise headquarters of Cascade Natural Gas.

Cascade relocated and sold the site, as well as most of the east half of the block, to Touchstone in 2010. Touchstone later sold the east half to Chicago-based Equity, which has proposed a five-story, 275-unit apartment complex there.

Residential development isn't allowed on the west half now, but city officials are expected to approve a neighborhood-wide rezone that permits it.

Planners are considering alternatives that would allow residential buildings from 160 to 300 feet tall on the site, much taller than Touchstone and Equity propose.

Their plan calls for 11,600 square feet of ground-floor retail and parking for 207 vehicles.

About 900 apartments are under construction, and hundreds more are planned in South Lake Union, home of Amazon.com's 1.7 million-square-foot headquarters complex.

The city's advisory West Design Review Board is tentatively scheduled to consider the Equity/Touchstone proposal Aug. 15.

The DJC article re: this project.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12042263.html

June 22, 2012

Touchstone, Equity plan Fairview apartments
By JOURNAL STAFF

Seattle developer Touchstone Corp. and Chicago-based Equity Residential Properties have filed plans with the city to develop a 223-unit apartment building at 222 Fairview Ave. N.

The seven-story building would also have 11,600 square feet of retail space and underground parking for 207 vehicles.

The site shares the block with another Equity project in the works, a 275-unit apartment building at 221 Minor Ave. N. Equity bought the land for the Minor Avenue project from Touchstone in January.

The new proposal involves developing the parcels owned by Touchstone on the west half of the block, which is bound by Fairview, Minor, and John and Thomas streets.

Runberg Architecture Group is the architect.

The site is currently home to a pair of office buildings previously owned by the Cascade Natural Gas Corp. A restaurant north of those buildings would remain.

An early design guidance meeting for the Equity project and the Equity-Touchstone project is tentatively set for Aug. 15.


What's there now?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/6908719224_e582105a0c_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/7054598757_f311e366cd_c.jpg

This is the proposal for the other half of the block:
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3012798AgendaID3430.pdf

Seattle times article refers to this one as being 5 stories, but the EDG shows 7 stories. Perhaps plans have changed (or perhaps the Seattle Times did their usual level of research). They have them scheduled for EDG on the same day.

Oh god. Freiheit and Ho architects have no business designing buildings in Seattle. See market street landing for an example of why.

Oh god. Freiheit and Ho architects have no business designing buildings in Seattle. See market street landing for an example of why.

I really like the Home Plate Center which their website shows they designed

I don't. The only good thing about that building is the landscaping. Otherwise I think it's cheap looking with the multicolored panels.

Yeah, that building feels suburban to me.

I agree. Based on the examples shown for the slu building I think that firm must have cut their teeth on suburban projects and they're unfortunately bringing that style to Seattle. Maybe they'll learn but a bad firm is a bad firm so I doubt it.

I really like the Home Plate Center which their website shows they designed

I agree. I really like it.

Home Plate Center looks great in SODO!!

I like it too.

Touchstone, Equity plan apartments on Fairview
By JOURNAL STAFF
Seattle developer Touchstone Corp. and Chicago-based Equity Residential Properties have filed plans with the city to develop a 223-unit apartment building at 222 Fairview Ave. N. in South Lake Union.

Touchstone has several projects in the pipeline in the South Lake Union and Denny Triangle neighborhoods.

Prompted by favorable market conditions, Group Health, with its partner Vulcan Real Estate, are putting the Westlake Terry Building up for sale. The building currently houses Group Health’s administrative headquarters and other tenants.

Drove by 975 John Street. Looks like they have started foundation work. Strange that I didn't see a crane. Project this size without one?!

Seasun, maybe you can better assess on a passing-by.

Tall buildings coming to SLU...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018529030_southlakeunion26m.html?syndication=rss

Drove by 975 John Street. Looks like they have started foundation work. Strange that I didn't see a crane. Project this size without one?!

Seasun, maybe you can better assess on a passing-by.

Walked by this morning and skimmed a DRB doc (http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3007906AgendaID3295.pdf). To guess about hoisting I need to know the type of structure. With 7 stories above Terry Ave sidewalk elevation I'm not entirely sure if this is concrete above Terry or maybe steel stud. I don't see much of any columns in the above grade floor plans but there is a concrete core that's what makes me think it might be steel stud at that height. The basement columns all appear to terminate where they are now (90 degree bars that will tie into the deck).

No sign of a tower crane so I'd guess a self erecting crane might be set-up on Terry soon.

It's a modular recycled steel system.

It'll be interesting to see it built - especially if it does arrive to site in large components. It's a little amusing that recycled steel is mentioned since my understanding is that the majority of rebar and structural steel is recycled.

Thanks, guys!

It's a modular recycled steel system.

Shipping containers?

Doesn't look like shipping containers on their floor plans.

624 Yale may start in August:
http://www.djc.com/news/re/12042358.html

Blume may start 624 Yale in August
By JOURNAL STAFF
Seattle developer Bruce Blume says he plans to start construction in August on a seven-story, 220,000-square-foot office building at 624 Yale Ave. N. This is the final phase of Yale Campus North.

NBBJ designed the project and a 2008 building permit application lists Sellen as the general contractor. The intake value listed on the application is nearly $32.8 million.



Cool office building right by the Mercer on-ramp:
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3007451AgendaID2220.pdf

What is there now:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6908660288_edeb40af8d_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7054755903_cd7950c17d_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/6908662630_18d00c1314_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7054753125_9e7971e2d6_c.jpg

It will be nice if this project gets going. Then again, it'll be nice when I can shoot up Mercer to Capitol Hill again.

The DJC article re: this project.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12042263.html

June 22, 2012

Touchstone, Equity plan Fairview apartments
By JOURNAL STAFF

Seattle developer Touchstone Corp. and Chicago-based Equity Residential Properties have filed plans with the city to develop a 223-unit apartment building at 222 Fairview Ave. N.

The seven-story building would also have 11,600 square feet of retail space and underground parking for 207 vehicles.

The site shares the block with another Equity project in the works, a 275-unit apartment building at 221 Minor Ave. N. Equity bought the land for the Minor Avenue project from Touchstone in January.

The new proposal involves developing the parcels owned by Touchstone on the west half of the block, which is bound by Fairview, Minor, and John and Thomas streets.

Runberg Architecture Group is the architect.

The site is currently home to a pair of office buildings previously owned by the Cascade Natural Gas Corp. A restaurant north of those buildings would remain.

An early design guidance meeting for the Equity project and the Equity-Touchstone project is tentatively set for Aug. 15.



Updated version of article - includes name of Boren and Howell project.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12042293.html

June 25, 2012

Touchstone, Equity plan apartments on Fairview
By JOURNAL STAFF
Seattle developer Touchstone Corp. and Chicago-based Equity Residential Properties have filed plans with the city to develop a 223-unit apartment building at 222 Fairview Ave. N. in South Lake Union.

The seven-story building would also have 11,600 square feet of retail space and underground parking for 207 vehicles.

The site shares the block with another Equity project in the works: a 275-unit apartment building at 221 Minor Ave. N. Equity bought the land for the Minor Avenue project from Touchstone in January.

The new proposal involves developing the parcels owned by Touchstone on the west half of the block, which is bound by Fairview, Minor, and John and Thomas streets.

Runberg Architecture Group is the architect.

The site is currently home to a pair of office buildings previously owned by the Cascade Natural Gas Corp. A restaurant north of those buildings would remain.

An early design guidance meeting for the Equity project and the Equity-Touchstone project is tentatively set for Aug. 15.

Touchstone has been on a tear in the South Lake Union and Denny Triangle neighborhoods in recent years.

The developer has completed two office buildings — West 8th at Eighth and Westlake avenues, and the 9th & Stewart Life Sciences Building — and has others in the works.

It filed a proposal last fall to build two 12-story office buildings on a full block at Fairview and Thomas that it purchased from The Seattle Times. The landmark Troy Laundry building, which occupies the site, will be part of the new development.

In April, Touchstone unveiled plans for Boren One, a 13-story office, retail and hotel complex on Boren Avenue between Stewart and Howell streets.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120625/StewartBoren2_Map2_web.jpg

202 Westlake just a few minutes ago.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/IMAG1573.jpg

Nice to see activity there again. Seems like it was quiet for a while. It'll be great to fill that gap on that street.

Thanks for the update, Seasun.

From Tuesday's DJC

July 3, 2012

Compass plans family housing in S Lake Union
■The complex will be near Denny Park, bus lines, schools, shops and services, with one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

By LYNN PORTER
Journal Staff Reporter

A number of apartment developers here have been coming out with smaller units for people willing to give up space to get an in-city location.

Compass Housing Alliance has a different renter in mind: families.

Compass is planning a six-story, 70-unit apartment complex for families at the southwest corner of Dexter Avenue and John Street in South Lake Union.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120703/756JohnStMap_web.jpg

That neighborhood is home to Amazon.com and other cutting edge firms that tend to attract younger people. Compass views it as a good neighborhood for people with children, too.

The complex will be near Denny Park, bus lines, schools, shops and services, with one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

“From our perspective there is a huge need for family housing in South Lake Union,” said Compass Executive Director Rick Friedhoff. “There's a lot of families who have low incomes and work in the downtown core or in proximity to it and need a place to live.”

In-city living means lower transportation costs and less commuting time, he said.

GGLO is the architect and landscape architect.

Other team members are Beacon Development Group., development consultant; Decker Consulting, civil engineer; KPFF, structural engineering; Rushing, mechanical and electrical engineering; and RDH Building Sciences, envelope consulting.

The project should cost about $21 million, which Friedhoff said includes the site Compass has under contract with Denny Park Lutheran Church.

The apartments should open in the fall of 2014. They will be available to households or individuals who make 30 to 50 percent of the area median income. For a family of three, 30 percent is $23,130, and 50 percent is $38,550.

The complex will also have 25 below-grade parking spaces, 5,600 square feet of space for Compass programs for residents, a deck on the second floor, and community spaces including a computer room.

It is being built to Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards.

Financing is from Seattle, King County, Washington state and low-income tax credits.



What is there now?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7474877320_6d21201956_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7474871314_c4a8b8002b_c.jpg

Interesting, although I think it's funny that they make it sound like it would be marketed towards Amazonians, but it is for families earning 30-50% of the area's median income.

Wish they'd wait for that spot until after the rezone goes through.

Their concept probably works better with woodframe, which is dramatically cheaper.

Going taller (assuming FAR is higher) can mean a lot more space, but construction costs per square foot would be much higher. They can't charge more to compensate in this case.

That all makes sense- just feels like a waste since it's dramatically under the new zoning, assuming it goes through. If only this was just a few blocks away in the shorter zone. :/

The lot next to Willamette Dental or the art gallery parcel directly across the street would have been my preference, but what can you do?

What is there now:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6908660288_edeb40af8d_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7054755903_cd7950c17d_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/6908662630_18d00c1314_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7054753125_9e7971e2d6_c.jpg

Woooow. South Lake Union is beautiful.

Lol I worked at one of those to-be-demolished buildings in the summer of 2008 for the Obama campaign. The campaign had gotten it with the assumption that it would be torn down for development as soon as everything winded down but that didn't exactly happen.

Looks like the Goodwill is really close to opening. Racks are stocked with clothes but no sign of a sign outside as of yesterday.

Just walked by 411 Westlake Ave N and noticed a sign for Goodwill. Looks like they're opening a store in SLU.
http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/Project.aspx?id=6316861

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7593504244_f62e69b587_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68993706@N02/7593504244/)
UW Medical Phase 3.1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68993706@N02/7593504244/) by LCCIII (http://www.flickr.com/people/68993706@N02/), on Flickr

Looks great, imo!

WOW! I'm loving it!!! :)

http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/photos/i-bWq42Tr/0/L/i-bWq42Tr-L.jpg (http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/Groups/Meetup-July-2012/24366682_6kGtVp#!i=1985842763&k=bWq42Tr&lb=1&s=A)


http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/photos/i-gVjqCgn/0/L/i-gVjqCgn-L.jpg (http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/Groups/Meetup-July-2012/24366682_6kGtVp#!i=1985842953&k=gVjqCgn&lb=1&s=A)



http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/photos/i-MC7W8M6/0/L/i-MC7W8M6-L.jpg (http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/Groups/Meetup-July-2012/24366682_6kGtVp#!i=1985843605&k=MC7W8M6&lb=1&s=A)



http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/photos/i-nWNZKfN/0/L/i-nWNZKfN-L.jpg (http://www.urbanfocusphotography.com/Groups/Meetup-July-2012/24366682_6kGtVp#!i=1985843323&k=nWNZKfN&lb=1&s=A)



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I just love my neighborhood. Thanks for the pics.

When is is west bound traffic on Mercer going to start?

When is is west bound traffic on Mercer going to start?
Rumor is by the end of September traffic will flow both ways if all goes well.

Rumor is by the end of September traffic will flow both ways if all goes well.

Awesome. I'm still not sure how the westbound traffic will be routed west of Dexter ave. Will it hop onto Broad?

Awesome. I'm still not sure how the westbound traffic will be routed west of Dexter ave. Will it hop onto Broad?

Yes, part of whats left is to construct the ramp from Mecer that connects down to Broad. They've already built the eastbound half. The westbound probably has to wait until they close everything off to make the switch:

http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/ppmp_mercer_desc.htm
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/images/Mercer%20Corridor%20Plan-%20The%20Future-565.jpg

Of course, then they'll immediately be going into Mercer West construction in the area, and DBT construction will continue to intensify, so maybe leave for a few years like me until this all gets sorted out.

Seriously on the move out of town for a few years note. The traffic around SLU and downtown at rush hour is really bad. I've tried driving a few times in recent weeks and it reminds me of why I liked a walking commute for most of the past 6 years. Yesterday it felt like it took 30 minutes to get from SLU to First Hill (then I drove further south on Rainier) during rush hour. I should've just left my car at my office and trained it.

From todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/ae/12041732.html

Design meeting tonight on 2 Vulcan buildings
By JOURNAL STAFF

The city will get its first look at a proposal by Vulcan Real Estate for a pair of office and retail buildings at an early design guidance meeting tonight at 8 in the Queen Anne Community Center.

The buildings are proposed for a nearly full-block site in South Lake Union bound by Mercer Street, Ninth Avenue North, Republican Street and Westlake Avenue North.

The site is two blocks west of the Amazon.com campus.

Vulcan wants to build a six-story, 240,000-square-foot structure at 500 Ninth Ave. N. and a six-story 150,000-square-foot structure at 515 Westlake Ave. N.

The larger building would have 3,000 square feet of retail, and the smaller building would have 12,000 square feet of retail. They would share three levels of underground parking with 546 spaces.

ZGF is the architect.

Vulcan is asking the city to vacate a north-south alley that runs through the site, allowing the developer to build a north building and a south building. This would let vehicles come and go from Westlake rather than Mercer, and allow creation of an east-west midblock walkway where much of the retail would be located.

The upper floors of the buildings would be connected over the walkway.

The proposal envisions retail spilling out onto the sidewalk, including food carts, tables and chairs, and other freestanding retail. Art could be used mark the walkway entrances and signal public spaces.

The project is being designed to earn a LEED gold rating.

Vulcan told the DJC last month it is getting the buildings ready in case it lands a tenant, but it is unlikely to begin construction without one.

The 1.1-acre site houses a parking lot, scooter rentals and a vacant warehouse. Two other businesses on the block, MBI Seattle and Antique Liquidators, would remain.

Here is a link to the presentation for this "Block 93" project. I have alternatively seen this listed by either one of the parcel addresses, 515 Westake or 500 9th Avenue.

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DCPresentation1Block-93AgendaID3684.pdf

Pretty cool video of South Lake Union and especially 202 Westlake construction (and the Denny Triangle projects) from the air:

http://www.king5.com/video/skyking/View-of-South-Lake-Union-construction-boom-from-SkyKING-163733956.html

Here's an interesting DJC article about Boston's Northeastern University opening a campus in South Lake Union next year. It's already advertising its opening on the tram:

http://www.djc.com/blogs/SeattleScape/2012/08/03/university-uses-streetcar-to-get-its-message-across/

Here's an interesting DJC article about Boston's Northeastern University opening a campus in South Lake Union next year. It's already advertising its opening on the tram:

http://www.djc.com/blogs/SeattleScape/2012/08/03/university-uses-streetcar-to-get-its-message-across/
Cool!

I wonder where they will locate - obviously somewhere existing with space for a few classrooms and some office. Past article says they are still searching but classes will start in January.

I'm thinking somewhere along 8th. There are some building there that are not in use I think? Anyone know better where they might set up shop?

It's not talked about much, but the Denny/SLU/Belltown area sure has a lot of college students. Cornish, Antioch, City University (coming), the "Seattle School" (rebranded to avoid the Mars Hill stigma), the Art Institute, and soon Northeastern... That's thousands of students daily, not counting the online ones. The odd hours and youthful vibe are an important part of making these areas work, and continue to get better.

I feel like a DJC article popped up about this a while back, but design review docs are up for 221 Minor/222 Fairview (Now apparently being treated as a whole block development just north of Mirabella).

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3012798AgendaID3697.pdf

I usually roll eyes when I see people say this, but I do wish this one could've been a little taller. More on the Mirabella level rather than a Belltown kind of development tho.

Edit: And I also just noticed this doesn't include the little building on the corner of Fairview and Thomas. I grow tired of these little tumor buildings on the same lots as very large buildings (The one on the same lot as the Neptune is the first example that comes to mind). There's not going to be anything else developed on that land and it makes for some Awkward architecture.

Even if it was just 2 stories taller it would be alright but as is it just looks so damn squat.

What a waste of space. Why even build anything

I've had a couple meals in the main Mirabella dining room near the top of their building facing north. It is nice that this project isn't blocking that view. Should keep the Mirabella a more attractive place to move to in old age.

I feel like a DJC article popped up about this a while back, but design review docs are up for 221 Minor/222 Fairview (Now apparently being treated as a whole block development just north of Mirabella).

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3012798AgendaID3697.pdf

I usually roll eyes when I see people say this, but I do wish this one could've been a little taller. More on the Mirabella level rather than a Belltown kind of development tho.

Edit: And I also just noticed this doesn't include the little building on the corner of Fairview and Thomas. I grow tired of these little tumor buildings on the same lots as very large buildings (The one on the same lot as the Neptune is the first example that comes to mind). There's not going to be anything else developed on that land and it makes for some Awkward architecture.
OK, the tumor reference made my day!! :)



So true. Another one is the little pair of shops on 1st Ave in LQA next to the new apartments going up. Leave the beautiful brick apartments on the corner with Mercer, but 'doze those shops!!

Aside from that, they are building this as tall as they can while remaining cheaper frame construction for residential. I think it's great that the residential in Cascade is moving closer to the central business district of SLU.

Also noticed that each block of Fairview (on one side or the other or both) between Denny and Mercer has some upcoming development in review (with the exception of the big parking lot on Fairview and Denny). This will be the next big thing in the SLU transformation.

Ugh. Awful. On the plus side, it should make our émigrés from the former East Germany feel right at home.

I guess I wish they were a bit taller, but if the height is taken as a given I think the design is pretty good. Obviously these are just massing studies and don't reflect what they building will actually look like. I like the pedestrian mews and the ground-supportive uses all along the ground floor of the buildings.

On page 53 it would appear they are building to the height limit it is zoned for so it is the city not the developer that is keeping it at 7 stories.

Ugh. Awful. On the plus side, it should make our émigrés from the former East Germany feel right at home.

Based off what? The massing?

Based off what? The massing?

I'm just of (and very alone in) the opinion that Euroflair doesn't work here. A narrow street in Europe has developed that way over generations, before cars. Here, it's just an alley, and not always good things go on in our alleys.

They work if they're designed well, like Alley24.

I'm just of (and very alone in) the opinion that Euroflair doesn't work here. A narrow street in Europe has developed that way over generations, before cars. Here, it's just an alley, and not always good things go on in our alleys.

Oh. You made it sound like it was some Communist apartment block.

That is the sort of comparison I was attempting. I worry that once we fill in the streets, the entire SLU will end up being one gigantic seven story building. Like testdrive said, it isn't the devlopers' fault.

Oh no, that'll be like many of the world's best cities!

Yah I don't see how that's a terribly bad thing. I wouldnt like it if the whole city was like that but it's just one cohesive neighborhood. And besides, there are proposals for projects already that will be taller and with the new incentive program that Vulcan is sure to take advantage of there will be some height on the north edge near Lake Union at the least.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu217/Macherat/tobac_warehouse.jpg

Huh?

Oh no, that'll be like many of the world's best cities!

Except these 7 storey buildings won't have history, architectural merit, or interesting facades.

I like a lot of our midrises. My main wish is they wouldn't modulate their facades so much. It's a trick to make them look less like walls...but I like street walls.

I like a lot of our midrises. My main wish is they wouldn't modulate their facades so much. It's a trick to make them look less like walls...but I like street walls.

I agree with you. I can't stand the pointless modulation. A five story building should basically be a box (excepting a courtyard, depending on the size), and there's nothing wrong with that.

Isn't the modulation built right into our codes? I'm pretty sure I've seen it for low/mid-rise residential. If so, this can and should be changed.

I think it is in the code. I too would like to see less modulation and more street walls. Usually, if there's no modulation or 10 colors slapped on the facade, you need to use better quality materials to make the building look good... and that's a win for the city.

The latest design review documents for the Amazon block (Rufus 2.0) are up on the city's website now:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013153AgendaID3754.pdf

Just posted that on the Amazon thread

I think it is in the code. I too would like to see less modulation and more street walls. Usually, if there's no modulation or 10 colors slapped on the facade, you need to use better quality materials to make the building look good... and that's a win for the city.

Modulation tends to add cost. Lots of angles, more exterior per square foot, and less repetition.

From todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12043871.html

August 13, 2012

Another restaurant on Westlake?

By MARC STILES
Journal Staff Reporter
An old auto row building across the street from the area where Amazon.com plans a new headquarters has been sold to a Seattle group that owns Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Pasta & Co. and Maximus Minimus, the swine-shaped food truck that sells pork sandwiches.

Sugar Mountain is an umbrella group that also includes Bennett's Pure Food Bistro on Mercer Island as well as Beecher's and the other food businesses. Last week a company at the same address as Sugar Mountain bought the Moss Building at 2121 Westlake Ave. The buyer paid $4.4 million for the 16,830-square-foot building that is on about a fifth of an acre.

Until this spring, Autosport Seattle was in the building, which is east of Amazon's proposed three-block headquarters. The building also houses the office of attorney Larry A. Jones.

Jones said he heard the new owner plans to open a restaurant. He said people have been inside measuring the 1925 building, so he thinks they plan a renovation, but he couldn't say for sure.

Kurt Beecher Dammeier of Sugar Mountain could not be reached.

Autosport was in the Moss Building for 27 years before moving, according to a company employee who answered the phone Friday. Jones said that until the company left, the building was one of the last operating auto shops on what had been Westlake Avenue's auto row.

Putting a restaurant there make sense, given the growth in South Lake Union. Thousands of people work in Amazon's current 1.7 million-square-foot headquarters, and that has produced a bumper crop of new restaurants in the area.

Tom Douglas opened several restaurants in South Lake Union, and Chris Keff moved Flying Fish there from Belltown. Others joined the migration.

Now Amazon.com is planning a 3.3-million-square-foot headquarters across Eighth Avenue from the property that Sugar Mountain bought last week.

A group called the Other LLC sold the building to Sugar Mountain. Managers of the LLC are Janice Ridgway and Bruce Rihcars, both of Seattle.

I checked out a couple of sites (1201 Mercer St and the NE corner of Yale & Mercer) yesterday to see if there any signs that work would be starting soon. I didn't see anything that was obvious, but the remaining tenants on both sites have moved out.

I'm curious about the north side of Republican at Yale and Pontius. I think that's one of the trio of Holland projects they said they wanted to start around now.

I rode past their 801 Dexter site yesterday and didn't see anything.

I'm curious about the north side of Republican at Yale and Pontius. I think that's one of the trio of Holland projects they said they wanted to start around now.

I rode past their 801 Dexter site yesterday and didn't see anything.

I drove by the Stack Laundry project yesterday (seems to be progressing well) and noticed that this 1260 Republican lot is still quiet.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6908629676_35d963e9a9_c.jpg

I checked out a couple of sites (1201 Mercer St and the NE corner of Yale & Mercer) yesterday to see if there any signs that work would be starting soon. I didn't see anything that was obvious, but the remaining tenants on both sites have moved out.

Vashon - You ever make it up to the couple projects going on on Dexter, specifically 717 Dexter and 901 Dexter? I make mention of this because your photos are so much better than mine.

I live up the street from these (but agree Vashon or Seasun are better photogs). For 901 Dexter, the crane comes down Saturday and move ins start in October phasing in between then and April 2013. The 717 Dexter project has topped out and move ins start next Spring.

As far as 801 Dexter, that was supposed to start demo in June, but leasing company handling the adjacent projects said it will commence before year-end. Tenant moved out earlier this year. I see work being done. No fences up yet and utilities are still connected.

Hope this helps. I drive by these almost everyday.

The Fairview/Minor project, from todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12043937.html

August 14, 2012

Equity shows plans for 490 apartments
By JOURNAL STAFF

Equity Residential is moving ahead on a mixed-use project that will fill most of a block in South Lake Union with about 490 housing units and commercial space.

The site is west of The Seattle Times and near Amazon.com's headquarters, between Thomas and John streets and Fairview and Minor avenues north.

A city board is scheduled to review the early design at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Queen Anne Community Center at 1901 First Ave. W.

Information on file with the city shows the complex will have two buildings: Cascade I and Cascade II. Equity owns half the block and Touchstone Corp. of Seattle owns most of the other half, but the latest information filed in advance of tomorrow's meeting lists only Equity Residential as the owner/lessee.

It was unclear whether Equity might phase the project, though the packet indicates it will be built as a single project. The packet is at http://tiny.cc/cx1ziw.

An Equity spokesman said it's too early to discuss the details and Touchstone officials could not be reached.

Runberg Architecture Group is designing Cascade I and II. No contractor is named on the two master-use permit applications.

The complex will have 7,500 square feet of commercial space and below-grade parking for 470 vehicles. About a dozen of the housing units may be live-work units.

The buildings will be 85 feet tall. This will require a contract rezone for part of the site because the height limit under the proposed rezone for the neighborhood is expected to be 75 feet.

Images filed with the city show walkways through the block that would connect the project with nearby open spaces and corridors.

1260 Republican just got a building permit yesteday. Holland's other projects are scheduled (apparently) well after permit receipt, but at least this means they could start work.

Boston's Northeastern University to open campus in South Lake Union *http://t.co/2aKuyHM0

Finally announced location: 401 Terry Ave N.

Great location! I wonder what used to be there. Newer office building, non-Amazon.

Top Pot Update: They will sell ice cream, too. Read this article and actually salivated at the ice cream flavors! Opens this month:

http://www.discoverslu.com/features/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-sweet-stuff/

Yum!

Great location! I wonder what used to be there. Newer office building, non-Amazon.

Wasn't that where Rosetta used to be before Merck bought them?

Prime real estate may be coming available. Hostess plant may go bye-bye:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2012/08/16/fate-of-seattle-hostess-twinkie.html

Prime real estate may be coming available. Hostess plant may go bye-bye:

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2012/08/16/fate-of-seattle-hostess-twinkie.html

Mixed on that one... 110 manufacturing jobs... but they manufacture nuclear waste for food and in a squat old building in the middle of the downtown expansion wave.... hmmmm.... How bout Hostess goes away and we build a factory into the retail spots of a new building that houses a local company that mass produces Organic/Whole Wheat/Pure Cane sugar containing treats?

This is where the northbound exit ramp of the SR-99 tunnel is going to be; that is to say, it looks like the ramp will rise to Aurora and deposit drivers on Dexter and Republican.

I live up the street from these (but agree Vashon or Seasun are better photogs). For 901 Dexter, the crane comes down Saturday and move ins start in October phasing in between then and April 2013. The 717 Dexter project has topped out and move ins start next Spring.

As far as 801 Dexter, that was supposed to start demo in June, but leasing company handling the adjacent projects said it will commence before year-end. Tenant moved out earlier this year. I see work being done. No fences up yet and utilities are still connected.

Hope this helps. I drive by these almost everyday.

Update on 801 Dexter from todays DJC.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12044063.html

August 17, 2012

Holland buys another site on Dexter; plans to start 286 apartments soon
By JOURNAL STAFF

This week Holland Development paid $13.2 million for a full block on Dexter Avenue North and next week it plans to start building 286 apartments there.

It is called 801 Dexter and will be Holland's third apartment project on Dexter: A block to the north, Holland is building 284 units and a block to the south it's building 100 units.

The 801 Dexter site totals about 1.25 acres.

Holland paid Alexandria Real Estate Equities $8.6 million for the eastern part of the block. Tim Foster of Kidder Mathews brokered the deal.

Holland paid Sebco Inc. $4.6 million for the western part. Mark Zoffel of CBRE put the deal together. Records list James Allison of Seattle as chairman and director of Sebco.

Weber Thompson designed the six-story 801 Dexter and Holland Construction is the contractor. It will have 5,300 square feet of retail and 225 stalls of parking below grade and in the podium.

With about 1,425 units under way, Vancouver-based Holland is one of the busiest apartment developers in Seattle. That number of units includes 134 apartments at 1201 Mercer St. that Tom Parsons, COO of Holland Development, said will start in September.

After that? “Nothing we are ready to talk about,” Parsons said.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120817/801%20Dexter_big_402x.jpg

Whats there now?

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/7015803831_db0f99382f_c.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6034/6869671110_6389f69a4a_c.jpg

Nice post Ruff (as always)!

Holland is definitely the golden child of construction these days.

Yes they are! I wish they'd buy 2nd and Pike from UV so that one could go forward!

Yes they are! I wish they'd buy 2nd and Pike from UV so that one could go forward!

Word. I wish some competent developer would just buy UV's portfolio since they are a joke. 2nd and Pike and the Occidental Park site have been proposed for nearly a decade each.

Word. I wish some competent developer would just buy UV's portfolio since they are a joke. 2nd and Pike and the Occidental Park site have been proposed for nearly a decade each.

Well, their name is Urban Visions. And, technically, they have given us visions. We need an Urban Structures.

Hahaha

Well, their name is Urban Visions. And, technically, they have given us visions. We need an Urban Structures.

Right. I can envision a version of Seattle that is Manhattan-ized from SLU right through to SoDo, and with that and a token I can get on the subway.

Seriously on the move out of town for a few years note. The traffic around SLU and downtown at rush hour is really bad. I've tried driving a few times in recent weeks and it reminds me of why I liked a walking commute for most of the past 6 years. Yesterday it felt like it took 30 minutes to get from SLU to First Hill (then I drove further south on Rainier) during rush hour. I should've just left my car at my office and trained it.
On your next walking commute past 202 Westlake, do you mind checking to see if construction will be girder or concrete (or a mix - concrete elevator core)?

Just curious. And thanks!

On your next walking commute past 202 Westlake, do you mind checking to see if construction will be girder or concrete (or a mix - concrete elevator core)?

Just curious. And thanks!

I'm pretty darn sure this will be all post-tensioned concrete all the way up with a couple shear walls/elevator cores. I'm not walking by there much these days but I'll keep an eye out and post more pics.

I was confused about the Holland site that might start soon in Cascade. It's the SE corner of Minor & Mercer, with about 130 units and a 0.75 parking ratio.

Today's DJC talks about Amli having the proposed project just east on Republican. Now they have a second project on the same block. Total 304 units. Their block will help tie the density together.

Today's DJC talks about Amli having the proposed project just east on Republican. Now they have a second project on the same block. Total 304 units. Their block will help tie the density together.

The article in question.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12044255.html

August 23, 2012

Amli plans 129 units on Pontius Ave.
By JON SILVER
Journal Staff Reporter

Chicago developer Amli Residential has filed plans with the city of Seattle to construct a seven-story, 129-unit apartment building at 528 Pontius Ave. N. in South Lake Union.

The site is on the northwest corner of a full block owned by the Blume Co., a Seattle developer and real estate management company that had planned to incorporate the land into a three-block office, research and retail campus it had proposed before the economy soured.

The block is bounded by Mercer and Republican streets, and Pontius and Yale avenues North.

Last year Amli proposed a 175-unit apartment building on the south side of the block, at 1260 Republican St. The DJC reported at the time that Amli planned to sign a contract with Blume for a 99-year ground lease on the site.

GGLO is the architect for both apartment buildings.

Representatives from Amli and the Blume Co. did not return calls seeking comments about the projects.

Amli purchased a 199-unit apartment building across the street at 535 Pontius Ave. in 2007.

Preliminary designs for the 129-unit project show a C-shaped building with an east-facing courtyard and a possible rooftop deck. A 1,400-square-foot lobby would be at the corner of Mercer and Pontius, and street access to the 150-stall parking garage would be off Pontius at the southwest corner of the building.

In plans filed with the city, the architects say they plan a “straightforward, elegant building” with a residential character at street level.

The 20,800-square-foot site houses a small warehouse that would be demolished.

A city design review board will hold an early design guidance meeting tentatively scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 3 at Queen Anne Community Center, at 1901 First Ave. W.

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20120823/AmliMap_web.jpg

I was confused about the Holland site that might start soon in Cascade. It's the SE corner of Minor & Mercer, with about 130 units and a 0.75 parking ratio.

Today's DJC talks about Amli having the proposed project just east on Republican. Now they have a second project on the same block. Total 304 units. Their block will help tie the density together.
1201 Mercer where MBI Systems use to be.

Could someone put together a list of all the u/c and proposed projects in SLU? There's so much stuff that I've lost complete track of what's going on there.

Loving all the infill in the cascade neighborhood, but can't help thinking... Does anyone want to tackle the building taking up the whole block bounded by Harrison/Thomas, Pontius/Yale... Anyone?... Anyone?....

OK, so Holland certainly has started demo on 801 Dexter. They're in salvage stage removing stuff inside. That means they intend to start on 1201 Mercer next week according to that article noting a new project starting (can't find the link to it at the moment).



Here's the latest on 1201 Mercer project:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3012808AgendaID3480.pdf

The 1201 Mercer sets a new level of bland. On page 29 the render looks like something like a Motel 6. Is it really that expensive to add some design features that make it more inviting?

Could someone put together a list of all the u/c and proposed projects in SLU? There's so much stuff that I've lost complete track of what's going on there.
Just when I feel perfectly equipped to do that, I see a new construction crane rising in SLU and have NO IDEA what this project is.

It appears to be on a block between Westlake and 9th and somewhere around John or Thomas. Red tower crane, and it has some height to it. I'll try to find out more unless someone knows what's afoot.

Just when I feel perfectly equipped to do that, I see a new construction crane rising in SLU and have NO IDEA what this project is.

It appears to be on a block between Westlake and 9th and somewhere around John or Thomas. Red tower crane, and it has some height to it. I'll try to find out more unless someone knows what's afoot.

915 John didnt have a tower crane for the longest time. That sounds about right

From my angle, couldn't be. It's south of Pande Cameron, but north of the Group Health building. Tower cab is attached now. Looks like a 100 foot crane.

It's either something on 9th or something very small on Westlake.

Ok. This is odd The crane is on a building between Pande Cameron and the barbershop and definitely on the Westlake side of the alley Call it about 325 Westlake.

Yah it's coming out of an existing old brick building there that has been undergoing a renovation for a while now. There is a Graham Baba Architects sign on the door so I'm guessing it's going to be a restaurant since that's their thing. Wonder why they need a crane like that?!? I'm intrigued!

http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/Project.aspx?id=6272651

The 325 Westlake project is way more extensive than I would have guessed. According to the "Occupancy and Uses" tab of the permit this will be 5 stories above grade and have 12 housing units. Interesting that this appears not to have needed DRB review - I assume it's under the size threshold or something.

Description of Work: Substantial alterations and additions, including changing use of existing commerical building from office and print shop to mixed use, including appartments and occupy, per plan.