Haven't read it myself but NW Mike on the SSP forum reports that in the latest Puget Sound Business Journal, there's an article about Donald Trump possibly entering the Seattle market. Perhaps he'll be the one who builds Seattle's next super tall. Thoughts on this?

Whoa, that's so crazy. I was just wondering about that...It might be a little too late though. Maybe next cycle?

Would you even want a trump tower here?

ID take a trump tower^ his two new towers in new orleans and chicago are quite impressive. Bring trump! I would sure hope he came here and you know he would build somthing iconic in seattle.

His towers are not always attention grabbers. He built a tasteful set of two in Yeoido, Seoul that complimented that portion of skyline very well without overtaking KLI 63. If he builds in Seattle, that doesn't mean it will be a new tallest or something garish but it will likely be a welcome addition. Though I would love something over 1100'.

Might not be the tallest but if he builds i bet its at least 700+

Bring on Trump.:banana: I am all for it baby.

I got my hands on the article. Trump and a developer, Wood Partners LLC, are searching for sites to build one of Trump's signature hotel/condo towers. He views Seattle as an up and coming market for this type of development.

Where was this article?

For me, it's like the Sonics, I could live with or without it and be okay either way.

It was in the PSBJ a few days ago. http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2007/03/05/story5.html


Do you think he'd build it along 2nd avenue where all the other luxe things are happening? 4 seasons, 1521, 2nd and pine? It'd only make sense. Although midtown with escala is getting there too...

I prefer he build something tall on 2nd, and get rid of some of those parking garages. Any difference in height restrictions between midtown/escala and 2nd ave? I noticed 4 seasons is quite short...the one in denver is 50 stories.

I am not really a big fan of Trump, but the towers under his name (yes, he doesnt own them) look pretty cool, especially the one going up here. It would be interesting to see the design for a Seattle Trump.

Correct if I'm wrong, but would this be Trump's first venture into the westcoast market--assuming it gets built?

yes, i believe so^ he only has that los angeles golf course thing on the water...but no towers! :)

Well do you consider Las Vegas “West coast?” I’m just asking because it’s under west coast in this forum.

As far as location goes, a couple sites that I think could work are:

-NE corner of 1st and Stewart. This is one of the last major surface lots in the main downtown core that does not have a proposal set for it. Not sure who owns it but its been long overdue to be developed. A mixed use tower here could really bridge Belltown and the Pike Place district.

-The block behind Pacific place that is bounded by 6th, 7th, Olive Way, and Stewart. I believe Vulcan owns 3/4 of this block, minus the building on the SE corner. The Vulcan owned portion includes a surface lot and two older buildings with crappy retail at the base. Paul Allen once had a proposal for a hotel/condo here before turning his attention to SLU instead. This would be a great location for a major mixed use tower with hotel/condo/retail. Not only would it help extend the retail corridor another block north but it's close to the convention center which makes it ideal for a large hotel. It's also a block away from the future Westlake street car station.

Those are great locations to be developed for the reasons you stated. I would also like to see something happen to that triangle property on Pine between the Paramount theater and I-5. Talk about location. I understand there was a proposal a few years ago but it was shot down by residents of Cap Hill. I think they need to bite me let this city grow

Well do you consider Las Vegas “West coast?” I’m just asking because it’s under west coast in this forum.

No:)

Those are great locations to be developed for the reasons you stated. I would also like to see something happen to that triangle property on Pine between the Paramount theater and I-5. Talk about location. I understand there was a proposal a few years ago but it was shot down by residents of Cap Hill. I think they need to bite me let this city grow

That is a great location but it seems too small to have anything significant built there. I would think the retaining wall for I-5 would pose a problem for any large project but I could be wrong.

Trump seeking Seattle location
Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) - March 2, 2007
by Jeanne Lang Jones
Staff Writer

The Donald is coming.

The tough-talking developer turned star of "The Apprentice" TV series, Donald Trump, plans to bring his brand of luxury living to the Seattle area.

Trump and Wood Partners LLC, a multifamily developer based in Atlanta, are in negotiations to find a site in Seattle for a hotel/condominium project, according to a report in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Further details about the size or location of the project weren't available. Wood Partners did not immediately return calls.

Trump, Wood, and Dezer Properties Inc. of New York are partnering on Trump Towers Atlanta, a $260 million, 48-story luxury condominium project in midtown Atlanta.

What might we expect from Trump, a man nearly as famous for his over-the-top hairdo and lifestyle as he is for his glitzy real estate projects?

First off, Trump is a man for whom less is not more. One can also bet the Trump name will grace the marquee, as in Trump Tower, Trump Tower Tampa, Trump World Tower at United Nations Plaza or Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas.

That Trump is interested in putting his brand in Seattle is a tribute to the strength of the area's housing market compared with other cities, said Roger Nyhus of Seattle-based Nyhus Communications LLC, who is marketing the Four Seasons hotel/condominium project.

So how does Nyhus think famously laid-back Seattle will react to The Donald?

"Seattle certainly is a brand conscious city but it is not a city of conspicuous consumption," Nyhus said. "Trump has done some amazing buildings in other markets but the brand seems a little out of character with Seattle."

^^ Tacky!
Don't want a skyscraper with TRUMP on top of it....yuck!

I'm always excited for new, potentially tall buildings. What about the block between 2nd/3rd and Pike/Union? There is a parking lot there, gym, some restaurants and small shops... doesn't seem like anything too irreplaceable.
Or the block between 2nd/3rd and Marion/Columbia? The only problem I'd see there is Seattle Met. Credit Union and the Met. Both those blocks seem very underdeveloped compared to the surrounding areas though.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003606994_trump080.html

A Trump tower in Seattle? It could happen
By Amy Martinez

Seattle Times business reporter

Real-estate mogul and reality-TV star Donald Trump wants to add his moniker to the downtown Seattle skyline.

But is low-key, polite-to-a-fault Seattle ready for Trump, a tough-talking New Yorker who's popularly known for the TV phrase "You're fired" and for nasty public spats with celebrities like Rosie O'Donnell?

Ivanka Trump, his 25-year-old daughter and vice president of his real-estate company, says the answer is yes. In a phone interview Wednesday, she confirmed the Trump Organization is interested in finding a site in downtown Seattle for a hotel and residential condo tower.

She said it's too soon to say what the tower would look like or what it would be called — although you can bet it would carry The Donald's surname and his lavish style.

"We always do luxury," she said. "It would definitely be a five-star hotel, or if it's just condominiums, it would be the highest of the high end."

Trump has developed ornate hotels and condominiums in New York, and has projects under way in South Florida, Chicago and elsewhere.

Some wonder how well a Trump tower would go over in Seattle.

"The Trump brand has sort of this East Coast, gold-cuff-links aura," said David Yuan, an architect with NBBJ in Seattle. "I'll be interested to see how that plays out in Seattle with our history of being pretty practical.

"We wear galoshes and windbreakers," Yuan added. "That's not the Trump image."

Leslie Williams, president of the local condo-marketing firm that bears her name, said she has visited Trump high-rises in New York and praises the interiors as "gorgeous. He does a really nice job on the finishes.

"The lifestyle he offers probably will be more opulent than what we have here," she said. "It's going to appeal to some people, not to others."

A Trump-branded tower would compete with at least three hotel-and-condo projects planned for downtown over the next several years. Each promises luxury hotel accommodations and condos with panoramic views at jaw-dropping prices. Among them: the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, where all condos cost more than $2,000 a square foot.

"We'd do better than that," Ivanka Trump said, echoing her father's brash demeanor. In a follow-up e-mail, she said, "We will build a better building."

Financier and large-scale land developer Spencer Alpert, who splits his time between Seattle and Dallas, is working with the Trump Organization to find a suitable location here.

She gets it

He first raised the possibility of a Trump expansion into the Northwest over lunch last fall in New York with Ivanka and her 29-year-old brother, Donald Jr. Shortly thereafter, Ivanka joined Alpert in Seattle for a two-hour driving tour.

Alpert said Ivanka gets Seattle.

"When we met, she had already walked around downtown and gone down to Pike Place Market," Alpert said. "She didn't have Birkenstocks on, but she had the Ivanka Trump equivalent. She looked like she fit in and felt very comfortable in Seattle."

Alpert said he hopes to find a site — preferably one with water and mountain views — in the next several months. If all goes well, the tower would open in late 2009, he said. "We've had discussions with different property owners and have a very good feeling."

The Trumps, whose interest in Seattle originally was reported in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, would develop the tower with Alpert and Atlanta-based Wood Partners.

Thinking green

Peter Truex, a commercial real-estate broker at Colliers International in Seattle who's working with Alpert, said the Trumps want to build a "Seattle project, not a New York project built in Seattle. It's going to be really special and different, and it will reflect their interest in green development" — environmentally sensitive development practices.

Added Ivanka Trump: "I think Seattle is a very young market, and green development is very important, as it should be. You build New York buildings in New York, Las Vegas buildings in Las Vegas, and Seattle buildings in Seattle."

Even so, she said, discussions about Seattle are still very preliminary. She already is working on more than two dozen projects worldwide.

"I'd love to find a great site," she said. "I think the name would do very well there."

Or the block between 2nd/3rd and Marion/Columbia? The only problem I'd see there is Seattle Met. Credit Union and the Met. Both those blocks seem very underdeveloped compared to the surrounding areas though.

my understanding is that's the only "developable" full block in a DOC 1 zone

brettro the first site you mentioned would be great, but it already has a building proposed for it. a 410' hotel/condo building. the 2nd one would be good too, because i think that's just a two level food court. the only problem with that block, is that as of now there's nothing around it to do. i imagine trump would build in an already established residential area, and not an up and coming one. i think the block just south of the new wamu would be great, not as underdeveloped as the blocks you mention but i think the tallest building is like 8 floors. also somebody was talking about developing a 51 floor tower where the gameworks is maybe trump could buy that site and develop it

I hope Donald Trump will build a supertall in downtown Seattle not just 700' or around to it. Seattle really need to have at least one supertall for its skyline. I hope his tower WILL NOT HAVE GOLD OR BLACK GLASS! I hope this new Trump tower will be badass one and hopefully it will be the best Trump tower ever.

I'm flattered that Donald Trump chose Seattle as the first city on west coast to build his tower! :cheers:

^^ I think we need a tallest with a huge spire!

^^ I agree! I hope that tower will be very attractive and futuristic looking. I can't wait for the details and renderings!

Trump may be outrageous and intense, but he's also very smart. If he builds in Seattle it will be a "Seattle" building. Subtle, environmental, and blending into the neighborhood. Come on in Mr. Trump!

EDIT: I know, not all of Seattle's buildings are subtle!

Although trump is known to be outrageous and whatnot, I doubt the building can be any more exclusive than some of the projects we already got---like 1521, 4 seasons, Escala...etc.

I'm dying to know where this building will be!!!

I don't consider Escala very exclusive. The cheaper units are similar to the average house in King County. I almost bought one with my below-average income.

Well yeah...but those cheaper prices probably only consisted of a handful of units on the bottom floors. That's like saying Cosmopolitan is an exclusive building because of its penthouse on top.

I think the series I was going to buy included four units on at least a dozen floors. There were also about four per floor that were 15% bigger if I remember. It's all relative, but I'd guess there are a few dozen units cheaper than anything at 1521, using its $700,000 figure. If you use a $1,000,000 figure for 1521, then a great many more.

I would say that Four Seasons is really the only 'exclusive' building of the bunch. 1521, Escala, Olive 8, and 2nd & Pine are all real close in terms of $/SF. 1521 leans to the top end simply because the are all 2BR+. I will be surprised if Trump were to build at a $/SF higher than the Four Seasons. $2000/SF is already a lot higher than the $700-1000/SF of the other buildings.

I'm not too worried about how a Trump building would fit in. Look at the project in Chicago - it fits very well with the surroundings, and was designed with 3 tiers to match the heights of nearby buildings. Definitely will be an awesome addition to the Chicago skyline.

Did anyone else notice how the Trump New Orleans and the Trump Chicago look real similar? If he builds in Seattle, it better look different than his other projects.

^^ I'm sure this time will be differently... Look at his project in Toronato and Dubai... WOW! Very impressive! Trump Tower Seattle better to blow everyone's mind out! :nuts:

As I posted earlier, Mr. Trump is smart. The jury is still out on whether he will build in Seattle or not. The reality is it is all about economics and how the commercial real estate market is currently performing and projections of how it will perform in the next 10 years. I think those indicators are quite strong right now, but if there is over-building, he might very well back out.

With all that having been said, if he does build it won't be small. He just doesn't work that way. Anything that he might put up will be big and make a statement.

^^ I am sure he will come up something brilliant. He is very brilliant. I will wait and see about his project in Seattle when he release the details and renderings. I'm very looking forward to learn more about this project. :)

All I'm waiting for at this point is the concept and renderings of how Trump Tower: Seattle will look.

Bump.

I haven't hear any news about Trump Tower in Seattle lately... Anyone knows yet?

^^ Tacky!
Don't want a skyscraper with TRUMP on top of it....yuck!

What if it is in cursive?

¿Or with international punctuation? Granted, the question marks don't make any sense but opposing exclamations....

Of course, I can't find the umlaut code. And my hangeul function isn't working either! Christ...abort post.

Correct me if I'm wrong (I know you will) but I don't believe in Seattle you can have signs on the top of skyscrapers, unless they are hotel logos, and even then, there is a limit on size.

You know that is interesting. I have never noticed that there are no signs on any of the buildings downtown. I guess you learn something new every day. :D :dunno:

Interesting... I seen some signs on 30s buildings but I never seen at least one sign on any skyscraper that got built after 40s anywhere in downtown area.

Most of Trump's Towers do not have a big Trump on top.

If Trump does build a tower, wouldn't part of it be a hotel anyway?

He said this Seattle tower will be luxury condo-hotel tower.

Anyone watch the Apprentice this week? I had no idea Trump was in Vegas, but he is building a condo tower there. Candidates task was to market a 2nd tower to mirror the first one under construction. These towers will be about 645 feet tall (65 stories) each!

One of the tallest buildings in Vegas as there are a few under construction around this height range.

I'm thinking that if Trump breaks ground in Seattle, he will also seek to be the tallest building (maybe at least the tallest condo).

Concerns about the gaudiness factor. These towers in Vegas are all GOLD!! Ick. Not a blend for Seattle. Maybe all GREEN.

Thoughts?

^^ I hope he won't build GOLD tower in Seattle! He said he will have "Seattle" tower that fit in Seattle. I think he might mean it will be green building as eco-friendly building. I really hope his Seattle tower will be tallest and very attractive as Two Union Square.

^^

Yeah, well those ugly gold towers would be perfect for Vegas. IMO, Trump and Seattle don't exactly blend together well. I don't know why, I can't really explain it.

Anyway, one of the final four candidates on the Apprentice is from Seattle! So...

Go James!

^^ I understand. Only one of Trump towers I would say fit in Seattle well... Trump's planned Tornoto Tower... That building is very attractive and I think it would fit Seattle skyline well.

Have you seen Trump's Chicago Tower, now thats beewwtiful.

^^ Yes I have been looking at this project very closely. I love that design too but I don't think it would look good for Seattle. Maybe same concept but different design?

r u kidding! haha id take that anyday in seattle! i think it would look good!

^^ ya Im with ya on that one jiggawhat?

Anyone watch the Apprentice this week? I had no idea Trump was in Vegas, but he is building a condo tower there. Candidates task was to market a 2nd tower to mirror the first one under construction. These towers will be about 645 feet tall (65 stories) each!

One of the tallest buildings in Vegas as there are a few under construction around this height range.

I'm thinking that if Trump breaks ground in Seattle, he will also seek to be the tallest building (maybe at least the tallest condo).

Concerns about the gaudiness factor. These towers in Vegas are all GOLD!! Ick. Not a blend for Seattle. Maybe all GREEN.

Thoughts?

I was just in Vegas over the weekend and saw this thing up close. It is classic Trump, from the 80's guido-style all-gold facade to the humungous TRUMP signage at the top. The design and height are quite nice but it is completely ruined by Trump's lack of style. Perfect fit for Vegas I must say.

By the way, if you want to see a genuine construction BOOM, go down to Vegas. And I thought the Bellevue skyline was crowded with cranes...holy christ...

^^ Las Vegas boom is nothing new. It has been going on for years now. Most of new skyscrapers are hotel or condo only... Not many office towers there lately...

I recently read an article about the Trump Tower(s) in Atlanta, and they mentioned that the Seattle project was likely next... I think this project is further along than we all think it is...

I recently read an article about the Trump Tower(s) there, and they mentioned that the Seattle project was likely next... I think this project is further along than we all think it is...

Do you have a link to this article?

Just read an article in the PBSJ about Schnitzer's office projects, there was a small blurb about how they received a call from Trump inquiring about the 505 Madison site. Schnitzer gave them a price and Trump declined.

If he built the new tallest that would be cool, but as I think about I think I would much rather see the new tallest to be an office tower and not a residential building.

I was just in Vegas over the weekend and saw this thing up close. It is classic Trump, from the 80's guido-style all-gold facade to the humungous TRUMP signage at the top. The design and height are quite nice but it is completely ruined by Trump's lack of style. Perfect fit for Vegas I must say.

By the way, if you want to see a genuine construction BOOM, go down to Vegas. And I thought the Bellevue skyline was crowded with cranes...holy christ...

Las Vegas's boom is generated by tourism and casinoes. The boom here isn't the same as Las Vegas. Seattle/Bellevue boom is created by jobs and the local economy.

I think Bellevue's downtown boom is more exciting than Las Vega's boom because it's true meaning of downtown other than sprawling buildings like Las Vegas do.

Our boom is also created by the quickly-increasing desire to live in our downtowns.

Las Vegas's boom is generated by tourism and casinoes. The boom here isn't the same as Las Vegas. Seattle/Bellevue boom is created by jobs and the local economy.

I think Bellevue's downtown boom is more exciting than Las Vega's boom because it's true meaning of downtown other than sprawling buildings like Las Vegas do.

I am with you this point. I honestly think Las Vegas's boom is wasteful... For example, they built couple of new hotels plus parking garages... Few years to decade later, they razes them and build bigger and bigger hotels and parking garages. It was just tourist boom not in the general boom compared to Seattle/Bellevue. Seattle/Bellevue booms aren't wasteful because they uses long term development that anyone will use it for decades instead redeveloping it more than twice per decade compared to Las Vegas. I won't be surprised if Las Vegas booms ends and on the decline one day because they're very dependent on tourism to boost its economy.

I just realized something that I have been reading about Trump's past/current projects lately... Donald Trump has tried to build world's tallest building in New York City; Television City but failed (unknown reason), one in Los Angeles but failed because the city of Los Angeles wanted to build new high school instead... One in Chicago was supposed to be taller than what it is being built right now but got reduced because of 9/11 attack. Recently, Tornoto one got reduced. I think it might happen same thing to Donld Trump's project in Seattle once it might be proposed as Seattle next tallest... It could get reduced... Who knows? :dunno:

The tallest building in the world is currently under construction (no surprise!) in Dubai. It's called Burg Dubai (not to be mistaken with the 7-star hotel). Because of competition among architects, builders, and cities themselves, the exact height is being kept top secret. From the model I saw it is not a building that peeks above others.

Estimates are around 2600 feet makig it a 1000 feet taller than the current tallest. Can you believe it?!

http://www.burjdubai.com/

OK, a little research. They are already up to the 120th floor and the full 160 story office building should be done next year.

I think Russia Tower will be around 2300ft, unless it got reduced.

LOL! That is soooo old news! I have been involved Burj Dubai thread for a while now. Also there is next world's tallest building which will be in Dubai again called Al Burj with nearby 4,000 ft with 200 stores.

4000ft? aint that pushing it

^^ Offical height is about 3,900 ft I think. It is proposed right now. It is more likely to get approved in Dubai since anything is possible there.

I just got back from Dubai. The city's surreal! Anyway, it's killing me to not know where trump seattle will be. I found it interesting he was looking for sites in the financial core...

I just realized something that I have been reading about Trump's past/current projects lately... Donald Trump has tried to build world's tallest building in New York City; Television City but failed (unknown reason), one in Los Angeles but failed because the city of Los Angeles wanted to build new high school instead... One in Chicago was supposed to be taller than what it is being built right now but got reduced because of 9/11 attack. Recently, Tornoto one got reduced. I think it might happen same thing to Donld Trump's project in Seattle once it might be proposed as Seattle next tallest... It could get reduced... Who knows? :dunno:


I don't think Trump has any intention of building a new tallest in Seatle/west coast...he flat out missed the market and faces fierce competition....not to mention he will have to pay through the no$e for a site....I don't see this one happening anytime soon....

^^ Who knows?

Man... Donald Trump is taking forever... I am starting to lose my patience on his project in Seattle... :gaah:

^^ haha, relax man. It hasn't even been 2 months since we heard the rumor that he may build something. Nothing is even concrete at this point regarding the plans. Since they are still looking for a site to develop, I wouldn't expect to see any firm plans or renderings for another year at least. In the meantime, there's plenty of other projects to talk about. This one won't materialize for a while...

^^ Haha I know that. I just got too excited about this project. That's all. :)

Did you see Trump Atlanta on the apprentice finale, wow we need something like that in Seattle. :cheers:




Actually here it is:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/SJM87/trumpatlanta.jpg

^^ WOW! That is really impressive! I'd love to see something similar to this to get built. I prefer to have an unique Trump Tower in Seattle than being copycat any another Trump Tower just add new character to beautiful Seattle skyline. :)

no. no we don;t. We need something a little less bling

That development would be a nice fit in Bellevue

No, not for Bellevue either. Something like that should be in Lynnwood, Renton, Federal Way...

4000ft? aint that pushing it
Yes, that's pushing it. I'm impressed with Dubai's boom, but they're getting a little bit too greedy. There's a limit on how tall a skyscraper can really be.

IMO, Trump doesn't seem like the kind of personality who would enter our market.

We should hear the details about Donald Trump's plan for new Trump Tower in Seattle soon since his goal to get it built in 2009...

Clise is sitting on 1/2 of the Denny Triangle and kicking out the operators of two of the three hotels it owns...somehting must be brewing...Trump???

When and where did you hear this about Clise? Thats good news!

Good news! That is a really crummy area full of surface lots and shitty hotels. Clise has historically been one of the most conservative and risk-adverse developers though, it might be a while for them to pull the trigger on something but if they're kicking out the hotels that's definitely a good sign.

Good news! That is a really crummy area full of surface lots and crummy hotels. Clise has historically been one of the most conservative and risk-adverse developers though, it might be a while for them to pull the trigger on something but if they're kicking out the hotels that's definitely a good sign.

Clise has no reason, what so ever to speculate on the market.....the family is loaded so why take a chance.....clise has been trying to kick those hotels out for some time now. I know the family that he booted (via rent hikes through the sky) out of the best western before its current owner...

Hmmmm I haven't hear anything about that before... I know about Clise family but I never heard that they have been trying to kick three hotel operators out... I know that they has big plans to redevelop Denny Triangle since it was on Seattle Times Newspaper around last year.

In my own understanding that Donald Trump have been looking at the sites around Retail Core/Central Business District... Now Denny Triangle? I'm confused?

I agree with that guy on the other closed thread that trump will want to be more in the central business district.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/520930465_2b625f8d88.jpg?v=0

I don't know why the other thread was closed - its was speculation on 5th and Stewart. May not be Trump. at any rate, the # of opportunities in the CBD proper - DOC 1 - are limited. The block where the Met is located is, to my knowledge, the only block with full -or nearly full development potential. Even half block sites are limited - Nitze Stagen had one and Schnitizer has one.

i think a really good spot would be the block just south of the art museum, pretty underutilised block. ugly 4 story red apartment building some nasty two floor retail. the only one that is somewhat acceptible on thast block is the building on the northeast corner

flotown, this thread isn't about a particular site, it's about *all* potential Trump sites. That's why I closed the other one.

The north half of the the block is DOC 1 and the south half is DOC 2. I forget the name of the historic building on the north half but it has been nicely restored and has a residential penthouse treatment built ont top - ie - aint being demo'd. the south(west) corner of the block is basically vacant and the other quarter block is an apartment building (I think) above some higher-end shops. Seems like a tough candidate - depends whether the building on the (north)west corner has historic status. If not, a 500' building is legally possible, if not physically practical given the lack of alley acess behind the half block. The chances of getting a curb cut for 500 stall garage on first ave are about nil and so your left with access down a steep one-way or up a (less steep) one way

The block south of SAM does currently have an alley. More info on the two old buildings facing 2nd Avenue:

From: http://www.samis.com/Main_retail.html

The Galland & Seneca Building
1201 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Directly across the street from the Seattle Art Museum and Washington Mutual Tower the Galland & Seneca Building consists of the Galland or north building which totals 6 stories and the Seneca or south building which is 2 stories. Office tenants include Hillis, Clark, Martin & Peterson. Street level galleries and services include a hair salon, a tailor and a deli.
Retail Square Footage: 23,000 total building retail sf
Excellent Street Exposure
Adjacent to the Seattle Art Museum
Onsite parking available
Beautiful stone facade
High ceilings
For more information contact your broker or Cindy Bogar at 206.957.8752 (Samis)
Available Space Map (back to top)

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12001060.html

here we go again!

sweet rendering of the possible tower. This + 5th and Columbia + Civic Square will drastically change our skyline to a very futuristic look.

^^ YESSS FINALLY!!!!!!! Damn I love this rendering! This is serious badass tower! It included spire!!! :)

I counted 88 floors on the tall tower. Maybe it'll be called Trump Piano.

http://www.alpertinternational.com/seattle.htm

Its called The Emerald City Tower

I like this tower name. It fits Seattle well. I wonder how tall it will be... It look like supertall or possibly to be next Seattle's tallest after Columbia Center.

That's exciting. But in reality, who would start a project like this in the current economy? It would be a huge gamble, but if timed correctly could be successful.

I think Trumpy just read the report showing Seattle as the top for commerical real estate and said "Hell, why not. I build in way more stupid locations so lets build this thing in a city thats consistent."

And that we have a Four Seasons, etc I bet every time we get something that high end, the luxury developments we get increase exponentially from the exposure it brings.

^^ LOL!!! :lol::lol::lol: Funny about the comment about Trump.

Yeah I noticed since Four Seasons opened, we are seeing some more high end businesses coming to downtown Seattle recently.

This would be 5 years out at best. I think things will be dramatically different in downtown Seattle by then. He's got the guts, but does he have the financing?

If I'm correct in my floor count (and I just got reading glasses, so I may be off here) and it is 88 floors, could we assume then the height would be a minimum of 880 feet? If so, wouldn't this have to be in the business core, not something that could be built in the Denny Triangle area without new height zoning.

From the drawing in the DJC, there was an indication that this would be a 1/2 block development. I'm wondering if this could go on the block due south of the Wells Fargo Center? Or perhaps where the old Federal Reserve was? Just curious, I'm sure they have their eye on someplace, but I think they will be limited to the 34 square blocks that are in the DOC-1 zoning in downtown Seattle.

Map of the zoning heights is here: http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/cms/groups/pan/@pan/@plan/@proj/documents/web_informational/dpdp_016345.pdf

Trump aims for the appropriate ultimate, always. So you can bet the Trump Seattle will be green and precious.

Can Seattle actually build that tall currently, or would there have to be some sort of special exemption ?

Aren't there zones in the CBD that are like 450 base - unlimited?

Btw that Trump Tower design would be best out of all the current ones!

I'd hope that's not the final design because it looks hideous and cheap.

Can Seattle actually build that tall currently, or would there have to be some sort of special exemption ?

Yes, it is unlimited in the CBD for non-residential, and residential with bonus. This was posted earlier.

http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/cms/groups/pan/@pan/@plan/@proj/documents/web_informational/dpdp_016345.pdf

Yes, it is unlimited in the CBD. This was posted earlier.

http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/cms/groups/pan/@pan/@plan/@proj/documents/web_informational/dpdp_016345.pdf

thanks

If I'm correct in my floor count (and I just got reading glasses, so I may be off here) and it is 88 floors, could we assume then the height would be a minimum of 880 feet? If so, wouldn't this have to be in the business core, not something that could be built in the Denny Triangle area without new height zoning.


I seriously doubt it will be 880 feet. Columbia Center (Seattle's tallest) is 76 stories and almost 1,000 feet tall. My friend and I discussed about this proposed tower height estimation, he thinks it might be around 1,200 feet tall.

What I seen from this rendering it is looking like it will be built in Central Business District.

Can Seattle actually build that tall currently, or would there have to be some sort of special exemption ?

Yes Seattle can. CBD in downtown Seattle has unlimited height but could be cut down the height by FAA. Any developer can build taller than height limition at any part of downtown Seattle area if the developer is willing to pay more to fund affordable housing.

I'd hope that's not the final design because it looks hideous and cheap.

It is original rendering and we will see more new rendering of Emerald City Tower one of these days. I have to disagree with you, it doesn't look hideous and cheap. You might change your mind if this design of this tower get built like it happened to many people on here including me. :)

CBD in downtown Seattle has unlimited height but could be cut down the height by FCC.

I believe its the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the FCC is the federal communications commission that monitors content on TV and radio

I believe its the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the FCC is the federal communications commission that monitors content on TV and radio

OMG! I'm dork! Thanks for the correction.

Which leads to the question, if the unlimited area is just the CBD, wouldn't the FAA refuse anything above about 1000 feet? I recall a tower could not be built on top of Columbia Center because of this. Would it make any difference in the northern part of the CBD that is designated unlimited?

Its funny cuz when youre looking downtown from Boeing field its laughable that any building in downtown could become a hazard at all.

Which leads to the question, if the unlimited area is just the CBD, wouldn't the FAA refuse anything above about 1000 feet? I recall a tower could not be built on top of Columbia Center because of this. Would it make any difference in the northern part of the CBD that is designated unlimited?

A while ago, Mhays mentioned that, it shouldn't be an issue for FAA if supertall to get built just north of CBD.

I seriously doubt it will be 880 feet. Columbia Center (Seattle's tallest) is 76 stories and almost 1,000 feet tall. My friend and I discussed about this proposed tower height estimation, he thinks it might be around 1,200 feet tall.

Columbia Center is an office building. Office buildings typically have floor to floor heights around 14'. This tower is proposed as a condo. Much lower floor to floor heights can be achieved. 880' would still be a little short, but I could see it coming in under 1000' easily.

Columbia Center is an office building. Office buildings typically have floor to floor heights around 14'. This tower is proposed as a condo. Much lower floor to floor heights can be achieved. 880' would still be a little short, but I could see it coming in under 1000' easily.

Trump Tower in Chicago is around 92 stories and over 1,300 feet tall. It is condo-hotel tower. I see it as possible to have around 1,200 feet tall tower in Seattle.

Columbia Center is an office building. Office buildings typically have floor to floor heights around 14'. This tower is proposed as a condo. Much lower floor to floor heights can be achieved. 880' would still be a little short, but I could see it coming in under 1000' easily.
Actually it's described as an office/condo combo so there would be a blended floor/ceiling height. I think 1000 feet is reasonable to figure.

Very interesting, though I can't help but doubt the seriousness of the proposal.

I hope he demolishes that nast parking garage just due north from the library. That would be a perfect location.

Hasn't some Dubai group also been talking about building a supertall in Seattle?

I realize that both of these are obviously years away if they have any chance of getting built, but it's still interesting.

Any idea on what site this is proposed for??

Hasn't some Dubai group also been talking about building a supertall in Seattle?

I realize that both of these are obviously years away if they have any chance of getting built, but it's still interesting.

Emaar was interested in the Clise land. I think they were going to fill it with 400 footers at least in the rendering I saw.

This just looks absolutely.....FABULOUS!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff140/taiwanesedrummer36/TrumpSeattle_big.jpg

I hope he demolishes that nast parking garage just due north from the library. That would be a perfect location.
I think that would be a perfect location too.

Very interesting, though I can't help but doubt the seriousness of the proposal.

I think Donald Trump is serious about this proposal. He is kind of person who doesn't play any game.

Hasn't some Dubai group also been talking about building a supertall in Seattle?

I realize that both of these are obviously years away if they have any chance of getting built, but it's still interesting.

Really? Why would Dubai group wants to build a supertall in Seattle? I thought Dubai group tend to focus on Dubai alone? Is Seattle Dubai's favorite America city?

Really? Why would Dubai group wants to build a supertall in Seattle? I thought Dubai group tend to focus on Dubai alone? Is Seattle Dubai's favorite America city?

One of the Dubai group's bigwigs is a Seattle U graduate. There was an article in one of the papers a while back: he came back for some sort of Seattle U celebration. The article mentioned a proposed bid for the Clise properties but I think the group had decided by then not to submit a bid. I've a hazy memory...sorry.

If they built this further down the hill, closer to the water, you'd be able to achieve more height. ie. Columbia Center may have been able to be taller had it been further down the hill, closer to the water so that there would't be any FAA objection. So if this project is proposed to be even taller than Columbia Tower, and we'll still have to see about that, then being further down the hill than the parking garage between the Fairmont and Hotel and library would probably be in order.

As the article states:

A developer who said he hopes to partner with the Trump Organization of New York on a strikingly tall marquee two-tower condo project in downtown Seattle said he's in serious negotiations to purchase a site for it.

The name "Trump" will be enough to make 45% of Seattleites automatically disapprove, probably.

The name "Trump" will be enough to make 45% of Seattleites automatically disapprove, probably.

45% of Seattlites need to get over themselves. They should be more open-minded.

45% of Seattlites need to get over themselves. They should be more open-minded.

Amen.

Well, it's hard to say what to think about the building from this rendering. But if its tall, ads density and has an interesting design that significantly changes/adds to the Seattle's skyline than I APPROVE.

Couldn't care less if it's Trump, Plump or Forest Gump.

So on a recount, I came up with 85 floors, but who the heck knows, its still very preliminary. But at 85 floors, the first 30 in the larger tower look further spaced apart, so that would indicate offices. At 14' per floor, 30 floors would equal 420', add 55 floors of residential, at 11' per floor (reasonable?) and that's 605'. So just for the inhabited structure, you're at 1025'. That doesn't include the roof treatments and spires. 1200'? 1300'?

You guys should help us flood the Slog story on this with positive comments. Its like 3 of us that are Pro and like 30 people that are predictably whining about it. Here I though NIMBY's were all old...

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2008/12/11/the_tallest_building_in_seattl

^I did just that before coming here. Realistically, this probably won't start in three years. I give it 5. I'm blissful at the thought of something so tall and striking improving our skyline. We have a stunning skyline with so many different angles and elevations to view it from. It's always an inspiration for me.

Is it just my screen resolution or are the spires actually twisting all the way up?

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12001060.html

here we go again!

sweet rendering of the possible tower. This + 5th and Columbia + Civic Square will drastically change our skyline to a very futuristic look.
Looks awesome! But I won't get too excited until I see the foundation poured and the steel rising - which won't happen for at least 5 years.

Is it just my screen resolution or are the spires actually twisting all the way up?

The image quality kind of sucks, so i'm guessing the spires aren't twisting. The rendering looks sketchy anyways...

k added my 2 cents worth

Bring it on! That tower would be awesome.

You guys should help us flood the Slog story on this with positive comments. Its like 3 of us that are Pro and like 30 people that are predictably whining about it. Here I though NIMBY's were all old...

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2008/12/11/the_tallest_building_in_seattl

These are the same type of people who support the GMA and stopping sprawl, then turn around and oppose density in the city. It just seems really disgusting to me.

Anyway, the article gives us a number: 82 stories.

So on a recount, I came up with 85 floors, but who the heck knows, its still very preliminary. But at 85 floors, the first 30 in the larger tower look further spaced apart, so that would indicate offices. At 14' per floor, 30 floors would equal 420', add 55 floors of residential, at 11' per floor (reasonable?) and that's 605'. So just for the inhabited structure, you're at 1025'. That doesn't include the roof treatments and spires. 1200'? 1300'?

The DJC says 82 stories. so it could be about 992 for the inhabited structure.

992 might pacify the nimbies. After all, you haven't brooched the evil 1,000' barrier.

These are the same type of people who support the GMA and stopping sprawl, then turn around and oppose density in the city. It just seems really disgusting to me.

Anyway, the article gives us a number: 82 stories.

Crap you beat me to the 82 number and it and had smart remark about the dreadful slog readers.

992 might pacify the nimbies. After all, you haven't brooched the evil 1,000' barrier.

That's based on Capitol Hill's calculations and without the roof stuff and the spire, etc.

My numbers are pure guesstimates from somebody who doesn't really know the numbers for floor heights, I'm sure many of you can come up with much better numbers than mine.

!!!!! amazing!!

So according to the article, the developer will talk to Trump once he secures land and when the economy gets better... He also said he's not 100% certain he'll partner with Trump.

Woops, just found this thread after asking questions about this project elsewhere. My bad.

No news since December? Is there any inkling at all that this project is still being planned in any fashion? I think it sounds mostly like a pipe-dream.

I also think that rendering is really terrible. :( I just can't see Seattle getting any supertall structures in the foreseeable future, especially now that WAMU and amazon will be opening up a huge abundance of office space. I hate this economy and I hate Chase! LOL. I think Bill Gates should build a supertall in either Seattle of Bellevue just for sh*ts and giggles! Kidding.

:(

You can pretty much figure any new highrise project in downtown Seattle is not going to happen for at least 3 years, maybe longer.

You can pretty much figure any new highrise project in downtown Seattle is not going to happen for at least 3 years, maybe longer.
It seems to me this is one of the best times to start building for the future!! LOL!! The cost of fuels and raw materials are lower than they've been for ages, this recession won't last forever, and by the time a big structure would be done, we should be well on our way to recovery and maybe even a boom!

Yeah I know, wishful thinking. :)

That would make sense if you didn't need construction financing, but right now, NOBODY would lend for speculative office or condominium construction. My understanding now is for office construction there must be ironclad leases for 60% occupancy (almost unheard of -- Amazon notwithstanding). For condominiums, I don't think you can get construction financing in this market at all.

Woops, just found this thread after asking questions about this project elsewhere. My bad.

No news since December? Is there any inkling at all that this project is still being planned in any fashion? I think it sounds mostly like a pipe-dream.

I also think that rendering is really terrible. :( I just can't see Seattle getting any supertall structures in the foreseeable future, especially now that WAMU and amazon will be opening up a huge abundance of office space. I hate this economy and I hate Chase! LOL. I think Bill Gates should build a supertall in either Seattle of Bellevue just for sh*ts and giggles! Kidding.

:(

It is first rendering. I am sure they will make some changes with the designs before they wins the approval from the City of Seattle before they can start construction when economy gets better.

Honestly, at this point, that rendering has about as much possibility of being built as any rendering that you come up with.

Just not going to happen in this economy.

I hope Trump brings a tower to Seattle bit I kind of hope it doesn't end up being the new tallest. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see a supertall in Seattle, but preferably it wouldn't be a Trump Tower.

Of course, as said above, it's not happening any time soon.

^^ I don't mind Trump Tower being new Seattle's tallest as long as they don't put T R U M P sign on top of the building.

We don't allow that sort of signage, except for hotels (so guests can find their way back), and even then only within limits.

We don't allow that sort of signage, except for hotels (so guests can find their way back), and even then only within limits.

mhays, I was going to post the same thing, however, a question for the group. I personally don't mind the signage on the top os skyscrapers like Vancouver has. Am I in the minority here?

If I recall, the city had to have a waiver for the Key signs on top of Key Arena, as well.

^^ When I lived in Greater Los Angeles area, they have so many skyscrapers with corporation names on the top. It looks really bad and ugly if corporations has crappy logos.

We don't allow that sort of signage, except for hotels (so guests can find their way back), and even then only within limits.

Trump also own hotels. If Trump is interested to build one in downtown Seattle with hotel attached then it would be likely to put his signage on his tower.

I don't mind signs within reason. I hate the Verizon sign on the building right next to the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan but I don't mind there being names on the building.

mhays, I was going to post the same thing, however, a question for the group. I personally don't mind the signage on the top os skyscrapers like Vancouver has. Am I in the minority here?

If I recall, the city had to have a waiver for the Key signs on top of Key Arena, as well.

I don't want signs on our towers. It's ok for hotels within limits.

Trump would not put signage on the top of the tower, with the exception of vegas, most of his property does not have big signage.

mhays, I was going to post the same thing, however, a question for the group. I personally don't mind the signage on the top os skyscrapers like Vancouver has. Am I in the minority here?

If I recall, the city had to have a waiver for the Key signs on top of Key Arena, as well.

Ha. " . . . like Vancouver has". Why do Seattleites always compare their city to Vancouver? Vancouver could ship us its raw sewage, and we'd eat it up as if we were feasting on hand-picked truffles; "Mmmm! Vancouver makes such delicious raw sewage. Why can't we make such tasty human waste here in Seattle??"

Vancouver's buildings are a bit tacky--especially all those vinyl awnings on all the shopfronts. I don't like corporate signage on buildings. It's ugly. Certain abstract designs, however, are okay in my opinion. Like the Red Lion logo.

What I don't understand is why the city bans corporate signage on office towers, but allows billboards??

Ha. " . . . like Vancouver has". Why do Seattleites always compare their city to Vancouver? Vancouver could ship us its raw sewage, and we'd eat it up as if we were feasting on hand-picked truffles; "Mmmm! Vancouver makes such delicious raw sewage. Why can't we make such tasty human waste here in Seattle??"

Vancouver's buildings are a bit tacky--especially all those vinyl awnings on all the shopfronts. I don't like corporate signage on buildings. It's ugly. Certain abstract designs, however, are okay in my opinion. Like the Red Lion logo.

What I don't understand is why the city bans corporate signage on office towers, but allows billboards??

maybe because its a simple and close point of comparison. A little over-analytical no?

Personal taste but I too think Vancouver is overrated and I prefer Seattle. Not that Vancouver isn't really nice, especially the close in neighborhoods but I think we shouldn't sell ourselves short.

I love Vancouver architecture in general. And I love its main streets lined with vinyl awnings.

The article from the DJC is on Albert International website.
Here is the Article:

Real Estate December 11, 2008
Alpert says he's looking at site for Trump towers
By LYNN PORTER and JON SILVER Staff Writers

A developer who said he hopes to partner with the Trump Organization of New York on a strikingly tall marquee two-tower condo project in downtown Seattle said he's in serious negotiations to purchase a site for it.
Spencer Alpert of Alpert International said the project would be built in phases, possibly starting in three to five years.
The first tower may rise to 82 stories, higher than Seattle's tallest building, the 76-story Columbia Center, and would include upscale offices and condos, retail and a private club, he said.
The second building, possibly more than 40 stories, would be only as tall as the office phase of the first so as to not block the views of condo residents in the taller structure.
It would have upscale condos and retail, he said. A sky bridge would connect the towers at the club level. Parking for the first tower would be underground. Parking for the second would be an automated valet system. “We're able to build a real marquee (project) that would change the Seattle skyline — something that would stand out in the Seattle skyline, but improve on what exists today,” Alpert said. He declined to identify the site, but said it has excellent access to major facilities and views of water and mountains. Given the heights he proposes, the range of possibilities is limited to a roughly 30-square-block area.
Dennis Meier, a senior planner at the Department of Planning and Development, said a new tower the height of Columbia Center (at 937 feet) could only be built in the city's DOC1 zone, situated west of Interstate 5, between Union and Jefferson streets. Heights in the DOC1 zone are unlimited if developers can meet certain conditions, depending on the building use. The next-tallest downtown zoning area limits heights to 500 feet. Alpert said his merchant banking/development firm based in Seattle and Dallas has been working with real estate developer Donald Trump's organization in the last couple of years to find a site for the project. He estimates it will cost $500 million to $600 million to build. The Trump Organization declined to comment on Alpert's plans Wednesday. A spokeswoman said that “although Seattle's a great market, we aren't currently expanding there now.” According to a published report in March of 2007, Ivanka Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump and an executive with his real estate company, said the firm was interested in finding a downtown Seattle site for a luxury hotel and condo tower. The report said Trump was working with Alpert to find the property. Alpert said in the last couple of years the Emerald City has developed more of an appetite for mixed-use projects with specialty retail and upscale office and condos, like the 58-story Trump Tower in New York City. The Seattle project would include a three-story private club as an amenity in lieu of a hotel for condo residents. Office tenants could join the club, which would be along the lines of Club Cielo, a private social club planned for the 31-story Escala condo project under construction downtown. That facility will have private dining rooms, a restaurant, spa and fitness center, steam room, spa services, exercise classes and personal trainers, theater, garden terrace and a wine cave. Alpert said he has been working with ClubCorp, which is involved in owning or operating golf courses, country clubs, private business and sports clubs, and resorts. Additionally, Alpert envisions the towers having “leading-edge” sustainable features, perhaps including rain water recycling and energy efficient windows so condo owners could opt out of air conditioning. “It won't just be promoted as a green building, it will be green,” he said. The Trump Organization has seen Alpert's preliminary design for the towers. Alpert said Trump's response was “let's talk further after you've acquired the site and we're in a different (development) cycle.”
While there may be some demand for office space in downtown Seattle now, there isn't any for condos, Alpert said, and financing “isn't going to occur in this cycle” given the economic downturn. However, he said the downturn has made Seattle landowners more willing to consider selling their properties. Peter Truex, Colliers International senior managing director for the Puget Sound region, has been assisting Alpert in finding the Seattle site. According to Alpert's Web site, his firm is working with the city of Auburn on a downtown mixed-use development known as Auburn Junction. It also is working on public/private partnerships and other investment opportunities in other Puget Sound region cities, including Bellevue, Des Moines, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Renton and Tukwila. In addition to Alpert International's own investments, the company recently began to provide project management and consulting services to outside property owners, investors and developers.

From: http://www.alpertinternational.com/docs/DJC%20-%20Alpert%20says%20he's%20looking%20at%20site%20for%20Trump%20towers%20-%2012.11.08.pdf

Wow that is really interesting. However, in this economy it would seem unlikely. (alluded to in the last paragraph). Perhaps in the next decade if we can climb out.

I wish they tell us the exact height of this proposed tower. I hope it will be supertall (over 1,000 feet tall).

^Unlikely if the 82 story portion is residential, but you never know.

We surely could use a balance for Columbia Tower on the skyline, but a look at the map shows few, more like zero, tear-down blocks available in the height zone. Still, it's reassuring that a developer has an interest in coming here and helping us to save rain. To be totally cynical about it, I wonder how many other cities enjoy speculation about Donald Trump coming and laying down tons of money and pizzaz. (All of them?)

^Unlikely if the 82 story portion is residential, but you never know.

Yeah. It said it would be higher than Columbia Center. I think it would be supertall but not too tall compared to Columbia Center. Columbia Center is very close to be supertall.

I also would like to see another supertall in Seattle, but the reality is not strong. Until the economy rebounds, the odds are small. However, when and if the rebound occurs, Seattle may be one of the first cities to see new development. Perhaps the city should prepare for this, if not already.
When we come out of this economic funk, Seattle shoud be well-positioned.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing 5th and Columbia(maybe a tad taller though) become Emerald City Tower, maybe Daniels Development should use Trump as the tenant of their building. It will definitely speed up development of 5th Columbia if they can make that happen. Btw, I really don't like the design of Emerald City Tower. However, 5th and Columbia is a green gem.:colgate:

What about the block between 2nd/3rd and Columbia/Madison? (I think those are the streets.) It's got a credit union and food court on third avenue which could clearly come down. On 2nd there's the gym and a restaurant. The 2nd Ave. buildings are old but I don't think they have landmark status. And I think the boundry of the Pioneer Square District is Cherry. Seems like this block could be taken down for a supertall.

What about the block between 2nd/3rd and Columbia/Madison? (I think those are the streets.) It's got a credit union and food court on third avenue which could clearly come down. On 2nd there's the gym and a restaurant. The 2nd Ave. buildings are old but I don't think they have landmark status. And I think the boundry of the Pioneer Square District is Cherry. Seems like this block could be taken down for a supertall.

It is my understanding in the development community that this is indeed the one block that would support a building that would surpass Columbia Tower. The issue becomes you would flood at a minimum 1.5 million sq. ft. of space onto th market, so the timing of a project like this would have to be laserlike in its precision.

whatever the next super-tall shall be, it should follow this model

http://www.jetsongreen.com/2008/11/anara-tower-pla.html

Dubai is creating such amazing projects.

^^ I really love this tower but I don't think many people want that tower to be built in Seattle if that tower's "turbine wheel" isn't spinning to create energy for the building. I think it is tacky to build a tower with turbine wheel isn't spinning at all.

By the way, what I have been told that project is dead from Anara Tower thread.

Please no. I don't like that design. ;D No offense, but I'd be for more of a "normal" looking tower, but maybe with a nice flare to it.

Proponents say that turbine doo-dad can power 27,000 homes and, together with the massive retention of precipitation otherwise lost to runoff, I'd say approval for such a subtle edifice is all but guaranteed.

Please no. I don't like that design. ;D No offense, but I'd be for more of a "normal" looking tower, but maybe with a nice flare to it.

We have enough of "normal" looking towers here. We need some crazy towers for both Seattle and Bellevue.

Personal taste but I too think Vancouver is overrated and I prefer Seattle. Not that Vancouver isn't really nice, especially the close in neighborhoods but I think we shouldn't sell ourselves short.

PDXPaul, I agree with you. Vancouver recently received a Top 12 places to live in the World from MSNBC online. Tell me how Vancover managed to get in this list and Seattle didn't even get a mention?

I think its because all those movies that are filmed in Vancouver but are supposed to be Seattle locations. This sleight of hand ticks me off because its deceiving the public and insulting our intelligence.

The main reason I agree with your view is that Vancouver has a BORING skyline. Its like Hong Kong Light. Probably not too surprising since 40% of the residents are from Hong Kong and immigrated to VBC before China assumed control of HK.

Seattle's skyline is much more interesting and it doesn't look as monotonous as VBC. Just seems our skyline reflects American individuality, rather than the robotic cookie cutter designs so dominant in VBC. Overall, I like visiting VBC but its skyline doesn't hold a candlle to Seattle's.

PDXPaul, I agree with you. Vancouver recently received a Top 12 places to live in the World from MSNBC online. Tell me how Vancover managed to get in this list and Seattle didn't even get a mention?

I think its because all those movies that are filmed in Vancouver but are supposed to be Seattle locations. This sleight of hand ticks me off because its deceiving the public and insulting our intelligence.

The main reason I agree with your view is that Vancouver has a BORING skyline. Its like Hong Kong Light. Probably not too surprising since 40% of the residents are from Hong Kong and immigrated to VBC before China assumed control of HK.

Seattle's skyline is much more interesting and it doesn't look as monotonous as VBC. Just seems our skyline reflects American individuality, rather than the robotic cookie cutter designs so dominant in VBC. Overall, I like visiting VBC but its skyline doesn't hold a candlle to Seattle's.

Heeey,hold on now. I totally disagree, Vancouver BC is way ahead of Seattle in many ways. For example, mass transit, development, density, style and etc... I'm not gonna lie, if Vancouver BC was in the U.S, I would be living there right now. Also, there skyline looks much better too. Take away the Space Needle from Seattle skyline and there not that much to look at.Well maybe the Columbia Tower. Vancouver BC sets the standard for me on how northwest cities should be built. I believe Seattle has a lot of potential and its geography is better. Unfortunately, right now, we're not even close to BC status.

Especially when you're on the ground in Vancouver, the constant repetition of glass is noticeable. I also felt like, on the street, the setbacks, the lawns around the skyscrapers were strange. It detracted from the feeling of mass I appreciate about urban environments. I will also say our greater concentration of jobs is another point for Seattle, Vancouver on a weekday downtown is surprisingly quiet. But overall I'd say Seattle-Vancouver-Portland share more similarity than difference.

<----- Note how Seattle came first :)

Trump's proposed towers may be 1000 and 500 feet. However, it may not be built because there may be height limits prohibiting any building taller than the Columbia Center to be constructed in Seattle.

Trump's proposed towers may be 1000 and 500 feet. However, it may not be built because there may be height limits prohibiting any building taller than the Columbia Center to be constructed in Seattle.


huh?

Trump's proposed towers may be 1000 and 500 feet. However, it may not be built because there may be height limits prohibiting any building taller than the Columbia Center to be constructed in Seattle.
There is no such restriction in Seattle's land use code. Height limits vary between Downtown zones but within the DOC1 (office core) zone, there is no limit on how tall a building can be built.

Indeed, the most likely block a future tall bldg would be constructed would be on the block immediately south of Wells Fargo Center (used to be First Instate Center).

Only limit now is set by the FAA. Columbia Center was originally going to be taller than 1000 feet but the FAA wouldn't let them do that so its just under 1000. However this wouldn't be a problem for that site because it is a ways down the hill. I really hope it gets built!

Has there been any chatter or updates on this building lately? Like anything Trump might have said.

Cut down both towers' heights by 200 feet and there won't be any problems.

Both?

Both?

The latest proposal had a 40 story tower next to an 82 story tower.

I'd like a 1200-1300 ft tower built in middle of the skyline rather than near Columbia center because it looks kinda like a staircase from West Seattle. :P

We can't have 1200-1300 foot towers in Seattle because of the proximity to Lake Union Seaplane airport and Boeing Field, but we can probably do a thousand footer at that block we were talking about earlier. Because it's down hill from Columbia Center it would look about the same height, but be more towards the center of the skyline. I also hope we can get some 40-50 story tapering down to 20+ story buildings south of Columbia Center going into SODO to balance out the skyline.

I'd like a 1200-1300 ft tower built in middle of the skyline rather than near Columbia center because it looks kinda like a staircase from West Seattle. :P

Agreed. Now it looks like a giant slope lol.

Seattle probably has one of the most unique skylines in the world because of that. I kind of like it.

Best way to fix the slope is to slope up from the Stadium side and build a tall major core.

Best way to fix the slope is to slope up from the Stadium side and build a tall major core.

That's a liquefaction zone, isn't it...?

The seaplanes have no airstrip, nor any right-of-way. They're as resilient as a helicopter landing. I see them everyday (and hear them!). Sometimes a big loop, sometimes a little one. Sometimes land due north or northwest - whatever. Just don't hit the boats and buildings.

Well yeah, but the FAA probably wouldn't make it sound that simple... And anyways the Boeing Field flightpath is pretty close to downtown.

We can't have 1200-1300 foot towers in Seattle because of the proximity to Lake Union Seaplane airport and Boeing Field, but we can probably do a thousand footer at that block we were talking about earlier. Because it's down hill from Columbia Center it would look about the same height, but be more towards the center of the skyline. I also hope we can get some 40-50 story tapering down to 20+ story buildings south of Columbia Center going into SODO to balance out the skyline.

This statement is totally false, Boeing Field does not inhibit any building height as the departure is straight out over Puget Sound. Sea Tac departure and arrival is west of downtown over capital hill. The planes approach over dowtown Seattle on an ILS approach on 16L/16C/16R is above 2500ft when passing over downtown.

With the addition to the third runway at Sea Tac came major upgrades in instrument approaches to Sea Tac. Today Sea Tac is among a handful of airports world wide with the latest technology in precision approaches.

Kenmore Air doesn't have air rights that protect its landing rights on Lake Union over builidings that could create thousands of jobs and create huge property taxes for Seattle. Furthermore, Kenmore Air uses slow sea planes that can do very short approaches where the planes won't need to fly over anything but south lake union.

The only thing holding back a 1000ft-1300ft tower is the economy.

From http://www.emporis.com/application/?nav=building&id=119427&lng=3:
"Originally designed to be 1,005 feet tall. The FAA had it shortened because of a flight path to SeaTac Airport. The same number of floors was retained by shortening the floor-to-floor height by 6 inches."
So I guess it's Sea-Tac, not Boeing Field and Lake Union, that's the problem.

Frasier, that sounds authoritative (and sensible.) So, where did this notion about the height restriction on Columbia Tower come from?

As I said, the Columbia Center was originally going to be over 1000 feet but the FAA had it shortened because of its proximity to Sea-Tac (turns out I was wrong about Boeing Field though). Look it up, its not just on the website I linked to but also on a lot of other sites and it comes up in a Google Books search.

Frasier, that sounds authoritative (and sensible.) So, where did this notion about the height restriction on Columbia Tower come from?

The FAA did in fact shorten the height of the Columbia Tower because of air traffic to SeaTac. I heard the original height was supposed to be 1000ft even and 1ft was knocked each floor. The link said 6" and 1005ft so I won't argue with that number.

The UofW architecture dean really was slamming the design because it was designed by a WSU architecture graduate. I went to UW myself and I think the Columbia Tower is a fantastic building.

Give me a couple days to come up with official numbers as far as the distance the planes are from the Columbia Tower. I know any airplane flying into 16L/16C/16R is no less than 3000ft above sea level. :cheers:

SeaTac is already setup for the GPS continuous descent instead of the stair step approach that's been in use forever. The new approach will save on taffic and more importantly, fuel.

Yes, Alex is right about the FAA, but they made a mistake in their decision making. See Las Vegas (McCarran Intl) if you have any questions about building tall buildings near airports.

I have to check the charts and let you all know what the exact ILS approach specs are for SeaTac. There are different levels of ILS precision approaches.

Hm well I hope you're right that the FAA made a mistake Frasier. That would be great if we could build a real supertall.
Any idea if a 1000+ foot building could go at the Clise Properties? I'm envisioning twin 1500 foot tall towers....

Hm well I hope you're right that the FAA made a mistake Frasier. That would be great if we could build a real supertall.
Any idea if a 1000+ foot building could go at the Clise Properties? I'm envisioning twin 1500 foot tall towers....

The Clise property is definately far enough west of I-5 where Sea-Tac traffic will not be a factor. Yes you could put up two 1500ft towers but realistically, a single 1000+ tower would be most likely be built.:cheers:

Well, the Clise property currently doesn't have the zoning for a 1000' tower. There are few blocks available downtown that can accommodate any ultra tall tower.

And hasn't Trump licensed his name to other towers? Wasn't this the idea behind the Seattle project, that I imagine is now deader than dead?

If I am reading this right, the area of unlimited height limits in the downtown core is misleading, in that the FAA won't allow for "unlimited" in most cases.

Perhaps the city should reconsider the area for "unlimited" heights to get outside this air corridor. Just a thought...

ILS approach for 16L/16C/16R is category 3c which is a precision apporach that allows for zero visibility landing without the ability to taxi after landing. Airlines planes have to be equiped for this approach. Alaska Airlines has fog buster which allows for zero visibility taxi with a drop down HUD display just like in fighter jets.

The Columiba Tower is 937ft above ground level and 1071ft above sea level. These numbers come from VFR sectional flight charts. The approach gets within about a half mile from the Columbia Tower for the new 16R runway and the elevation is the planes fly above sea level is roughly 2500ft but could be a little lower. VFR approaches are a little higher than 2500ft above sea level when passing by the Columbia tower. The ILS descent occurs above Boeing filed at an elevation of 1800-2000ft above sea level.

I made a rendering with Google Sketchup of what the skyline could look like with a tower with the basic design of that Alpert tower rendering linked to on page 5 of this thread on 3rd between Marion and Columbia. It is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28183055@N06/3946602214/

The FAA did in fact shorten the height of the Columbia Tower because of air traffic to SeaTac. I heard the original height was supposed to be 1000ft even and 1ft was knocked each floor. The link said 6" and 1005ft so I won't argue with that number.

The UofW architecture dean really was slamming the design because it was designed by a WSU architecture graduate. I went to UW myself and I think the Columbia Tower is a fantastic building.

Give me a couple days to come up with official numbers as far as the distance the planes are from the Columbia Tower. I know any airplane flying into 16L/16C/16R is no less than 3000ft above sea level. :cheers:

SeaTac is already setup for the GPS continuous descent instead of the stair step approach that's been in use forever. The new approach will save on taffic and more importantly, fuel.

Yes, Alex is right about the FAA, but they made a mistake in their decision making. See Las Vegas (McCarran Intl) if you have any questions about building tall buildings near airports.

I have to check the charts and let you all know what the exact ILS approach specs are for SeaTac. There are different levels of ILS precision approaches.


I think the difference in Las Vegas is that the flight pattern is not impacted by tall buildings. Maybe with the 3rd runway new flight pattern options may have opened up to allow for taller skyscrapers.

I think the difference in Las Vegas is that the flight pattern is not impacted by tall buildings. Maybe with the 3rd runway new flight pattern options may have opened up to allow for taller skyscrapers.

The flight plan at McCarran Intl is impacted by Las Vegas casionos. Building heights have been restricted on certain properties and nothing can be built south of Mandalay Bay and the Tropicana because of the two main runways. There are two almost perpendicular runways to the main runways but are used infrequently due to noise (to casions) and wind patterns in Las Vegas.

The 3rd runway at SeaTac pushes air traffic further west on southern approaches, (most common in summer months only) departures to the north are unaffected by the downtown building core. By the time the planes reach downtown seattle, they're 3000+ above the ground.

Anything built a few blocks west of I-5 should not be impacted by air traffic.

Well, the Clise property currently doesn't have the zoning for a 1000' tower. There are few blocks available downtown that can accommodate any ultra tall tower.

And hasn't Trump licensed his name to other towers? Wasn't this the idea behind the Seattle project, that I imagine is now deader than dead?

I remember reading on the article from Seattle Times few years ago... Any developer can build taller than height limitation only if they're willing to pay more for affordable housing. Is that correct?

Well I think they have to do a contract rezone, so the city council would still have to approve it, not just based on if they support some low-income housing.

I remember reading on the article from Seattle Times few years ago... Any developer can build taller than height limitation only if they're willing to pay more for affordable housing. Is that correct?

You are correct. Building beyond the zoning triggers some kind of formula the builder has to include for affordable housing. It's quite complex. I don't think we will be seeing an proposals for 1000+ft towers for at least 10 years. The economy is still in the tank.

You are correct. Building beyond the zoning triggers some kind of formula the builder has to include for affordable housing. It's quite complex. I don't think we will be seeing an proposals for 1000+ft towers for at least 10 years. The economy is still in the tank.

It doesn't allow towers to be unlimited in height, though... I'm pretty sure 1920 1st Ave maxed out using this.

i hope we get a new supertall, and i dont mind trump owning it. i mean, look at his one in chicago! it is like americas best new building!

Sorry' hate to break it to ya, TRUMP aint doing to well in stocks or general. i dunno if i would like to have something under the ownership of TRUMP in Seattle, even if its only 50% ownership. Maybe hell dig a hole and leave it there like his last project. lol

Sorry' hate to break it to ya, TRUMP aint doing to well in stocks or general. i dunno if i would like to have something under the ownership of TRUMP in Seattle, even if its only 50% ownership. Maybe hell dig a hole and leave it there like his last project. lol

Yeah, Trump building a supertall in Sea is as likely as the Hawks winning the Superbowl this year. Not gonna happen. However, as a smart businessman, he will keep his options open...not sure for how many years...

Seattle is really overdue for a new tallest. I don't even really care where it is. I just would love to see a 1100-1400 footer.

Trump isn't a major stakeholder on the West Coast; with a down climate for commercial real estate over the next several years, I doubt he'll look into our markets anytime soon.

Trump isn't a major stakeholder on the West Coast; with a down climate for commercial real estate over the next several years, I doubt he'll look into our markets anytime soon.

I'm guessing Trump will probably come to San francisco or LA first. Seattle is great but I just don't see Seattle getting the honors of the first west coast trump tower.:ohno:

Actually in the late 90s, Donald Trump wanted to build a Trump Tower in downtown Los Angeles but it fell apart because City of Los Angeles wanted to build a new high school on that site. So they already built a new high school on that site. Donald Trump owns a world class golf course in LA but no Trump Tower on West Coast yet. I think he might want to build Seattle Tower first before California for some reasons.

Are there any news on this?

No news yet. If anyone of us hear news about this project, one of us would post it for sure.

I don't know if it'll ever happen, but I always get a smile looking at the rendering.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff140/taiwanesedrummer36/TrumpSeattle_big.jpg

Auto reply from Bouldergrad:

On indefinite hold until the economy improves

Auto reply from Bouldergrad:

On indefinite hold until the economy improves

Lather, rinse, repeat.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

The downturn in the economy started with the housing market crash which hasn't really been a problem in or around Seattle, its my understanding that the Trump guys are currently looking for a good location and waiting for the cities approval.

I don't think Trump is looking for new American cities right now. Even Chicago has been difficult, with one-third of their condos unsold. If Chicago is dicey, most other American cities will be as well. Everything is likely on hold right now with Trump.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-12/classified/ct-biz-1013-trump-redo--20101012_1_unsold-units-ivanka-trump-trump-tower

duplicate post.

Nonsense about them looking for new American cities. Even Chicago has been difficult, with one-third of their condos unsold. If Chicago is dicey, most other American cities will be as well. Everything is on hold right now with Trump.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-12/classified/ct-biz-1013-trump-redo--20101012_1_unsold-units-ivanka-trump-trump-tower
Agreed. You won't see anything from Trump in the US for a while.

Why necro a year old thread with no actual update...

Why necro a year old thread with no actual update...

Good point.

Was there any debate as to the feasibility of this project in this climate? That's hardly a news flash to anyone I'm sure...

I'm staying in his Panama project in October. I'll report back with results from that venture.

A friend of mine just asked me about the current status of proposed Trump Tower Seattle. I don't think it will ever get built. If Donald Trump is serious about it, we would hear more about it by now.

Or like every other single major project it would be on hold waiting out these current economic conditions...

Does everyone realize that this project has never had anything to do with Trump?

Someone else had an idea for a tower, and said he might like to team with Trump. That's all.

Ivanka was quoted a while ago saying that Trump was looking into the possibility of a property in Seattle as well so it's not like it has ZERO foundation in reality...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003606994_trump080.html

Ivanka was quoted a while ago saying that Trump was looking into the possibility of a property in Seattle as well so it's not like it has ZERO foundation in reality...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003606994_trump080.html

This story story ran exactly 4 and a half years ago. Things have changed a bit since then.

Read back and you'll find a couple things: 1- I said the market has stalled this kind of projects and 2- the statement was that Trump was NEVER actually attached to this project.

So...yah it doesn't matter how much things have changed. Fact remains that Trump WAS attached to it. I didn't say they are moving full steam ahead or anything...

Could we please just lock this thread? Until something "new" happens.

Seriously...never should have been bumped in the first place

I made a mistake...I thought this was the other thread that was about a specific tower by another developer and speculated about Trump.

Could we please just lock this thread? Until something "new" happens.

No, the thread doesn't need to be locked. Open discussion is what it is all about.

That being said, there was little reason to bring up a topic with no new information. Trump will not revive Seattle. Only the local and regional economy will provide that, and we can only cross our fingers on that front. There are good signs, Boeing just got a nice order from Delta, and news today that WA is one of the top job creators in the past year. These type of events will start a construction boom again, not the Donald.

Who said anything about needing Trump to 'revive' Seattle? We have lots of projects still going on despite the economy...

True but we could use a revival in the tall department, something that comes with the territory in Trump developments. We haven't had anything to jaw drop at in quite awhile. :lol:

We just need 5th and Columbia to start building ;)

Hope so, at this rate it could end up in the dead pile.