Seattle Development News 8 - Page 53

***Bond James Bond*** · May 22nd, 2011, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyAboutCities

Amazon Phase V (is that right?) is under construction. 6th and Blanchard just broke the ground and I think it is safe to move it to under construction or wait a bit if you prefer.

Please remove 3rd and Cedar and its old rendering because it is now called Alto Apartments. Thanks!

OK I removed 3rd and Cedar.

Is the Amazon building more of a mid-rise? I'm wondering if that shouldn't go in the mid-rise thread???

I'm going to be a bit of a skeptic for a while, so I won't count anything as "under construction" until they've started digging a hole in the ground.

CityView Jim · May 22nd, 2011, 04:34 PM

There IS an Amazon thread.

CityView Jim · May 22nd, 2011, 04:37 PM

Nice article and pics on the Gates Foundation:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...scampus22.html

CrazyAboutCities · May 22nd, 2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bond James Bond

OK I removed 3rd and Cedar.

Is the Amazon building more of a mid-rise? I'm wondering if that shouldn't go in the mid-rise thread???

I'm going to be a bit of a skeptic for a while, so I won't count anything as "under construction" until they've started digging a hole in the ground.

Amazon Phase V is around 12 stories high which is little taller than typical mid-rises. I recall you had Mosler Loft (12 stories too) on Seattle Development thread a couple years ago before it got removed a while ago.

I forgot the name of proposed apartment towers... The one near 8th West/1918. Another ones are twin towers on 2nd and Stewart.

There is new renderings for Denny & Stewart: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/G...endaID2675.pdf

I didn't see Cinemas Tower on the list yet. Please add it on the list.

Much thanks!

mhays · May 22nd, 2011, 07:36 PM

It's the same height as a 16 story apartment.

meku · May 22nd, 2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityView Jim

Nice article and pics on the Gates Foundation:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...scampus22.html

Most anti-urban project of the past decade. One thing that isn't quite clear to me, is public access to the campus. Anyone know if it's going to be open ?

alexjonlin · May 22nd, 2011, 10:42 PM

Also at the Union Station event, I talked to the North Lot developers, who had set up a table. They said that the west podium and two towers on top of the podium will break ground in August (I thought only the podium was going to break ground then), and he said that they should be finished by the end of 2012, although that seems like a ridiculously fast construction schedule.

CrazyAboutCities · May 23rd, 2011, 12:01 AM

That's great! Thanks for let us know.

Seasun · May 23rd, 2011, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meku

Most anti-urban project of the past decade. One thing that isn't quite clear to me, is public access to the campus. Anyone know if it's going to be open ?

I think the only area considered to be "open" is the main entry pavillion which is at the north end of the Seattle Center garage. At this location there is a view into the courtyard. I checked it out recently and it's a pretty cool viewpoint but I kind of felt like I was looking into a neighbor's backyard/private space where staff can hang out and have lunch outside.

In general this complex is probably one of the most secure buildings in the region. Most security provisions no one will see and a lot of people just think of it as a nice office building. Once you start realizing there might be some wackos that are pissed they didn't get funding or they're pissed that a certain group was funded (maybe abortion or stem cell research - just two random examples - I don't know if the foundation actually supports these) then the major security seems more appropriate.

Ginkgo · May 23rd, 2011, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexjonlin

Also at the Union Station event, I talked to the North Lot developers, who had set up a table. They said that the west podium and two towers on top of the podium will break ground in August (I thought only the podium was going to break ground then), and he said that they should be finished by the end of 2012, although that seems like a ridiculously fast construction schedule.

On the fence at the site (corner of King and Occidental), there is a tremendous photo gallery showing that exact or near site over time. Great photos I had never seen before. I had never known that what is the Kingdome parking lot was once a large train staging area. But go soon--two pix have already been ripped off and a third defaced by graffiti.

alexjonlin · May 24th, 2011, 01:55 AM

Yeah I've seen those pictures, it's pretty incredible that basically everything south of King all the way from Occidental to 5th or so was railyard up to a few decades ago.

Vashon118 · May 25th, 2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexjonlin

Also at the Union Station event, I talked to the North Lot developers, who had set up a table. They said that the west podium and two towers on top of the podium will break ground in August (I thought only the podium was going to break ground then), and he said that they should be finished by the end of 2012, although that seems like a ridiculously fast construction schedule.

I don't think that schedule is realistic. I think the excavation work (if any) will take longer that normal due to soil conditions (based on what I observed at 2 nearby projects, Home Plate Center and the one building on 1st between the Triangle Pub and the Seattle Hardware Building).

meku · May 31st, 2011, 05:35 AM

Went on a walk down from Cap Hill to the Folklife Festival and snapped some photos here and there.

First two shots are of SU's new student housing on 12th and E James, taken two weeks ago actually. I don't know if its the zoning or some other externalities, but this is too short by at least 2 floors for 12th Ave. As for the buildings themselves, they didn't turn out great (renderings looked better) but at least the design is consistent.

Next we have Bellevue Terrace with a decent tempo. One downsize is that they're using part of the parking lot belonging to the abandoned building next door (Pine and Bellevue) for staging, so we won't see it come down for a while (just a guess though).

Infill on Queen Ave N. (across from Mediterranean Inn) Anyone seen the renderings for this one ? Personal note: I always liked the neighbor to the north.

The Old QFC site on Republican and Warren; buildings are gone, signs of imminent digging. Big empty lot=good density coming with this one.

The Elliot Bay View Apartments.

This was also the first time I've been to Seattle Center since they hacked Fun Forrest. Lots of exposed pavement - quick, someone claim it for some parking !

The Arcade Building looked empty as well.

Time for Bill and Melinda Gates campus. I really want to like it but for some reason the buildings just fall short in my opinion. Technically everything is there: quality materials, lots of windows, tons of unique, environmental-friendly features... but in the end it just doesn't all come together for me. Good for Bellevue's Eastgate, not the best fit for Seattle.

I do appreciate the streetscape though, good job there with small architecture.

While taking photos, I was zealously observed by two security personnel. Not the best feeling (more akin to Eastern Europe's enclosed and secured apartment complexes for the rich) - and so close to arguably the most famous tourist attraction of Seattle.

Last, 224 Broadway - I still stand by my "crane by summer" prediction.

CityView Jim · May 31st, 2011, 05:57 AM

I'm starting to agree with your Crane By Summer prediction. This hole is coming along quickly. And for only 3 floors, it'll be faster than I thought.

Capitol Hill · May 31st, 2011, 07:25 AM

224 Broadway is a surprisingly large building site. Although it is not a full block, this block is wider east to west than the block to the north. This will be a fairly large project that will bri g density very near the Link LRT station.

meku · May 31st, 2011, 06:01 PM

Also, the building will have office space ( similar to the new Broadway Building I assume) and 72 commercial parking spaces (on top of 235 residential units and ~250 parking stalls). Even the design is pretty decent, mimicking the Brix rather than the Joule - one thing that I'm not sold on, are the colorful railings on balconies. Overall though it's a very good project for Broadway. The construction should be over by Jan 2013.

mhays · May 31st, 2011, 09:05 PM

Damned if this 118-unit project on LQA, not heard from since 2008, didn't just get a building permit. http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/G...endaID2550.pdf

Seasun · May 31st, 2011, 11:09 PM

Faces onto Aurora. Amazing place to live. Good option for some people who might get a great view (with noise) and other people who choose units away from the highway.

mhays · May 31st, 2011, 11:43 PM

Not my favorite location, but it has some advantages. At midnight, it'll have cars whizzing by instead of cars stopped at a light with their idiot stereos. And not much car alarm noise.

With exterior hallways and a low parking ratio, this looks like an affordable (i.e. middle-priced) building. The land is probably cheaper too. All in all, good project.

CityView Jim · June 1st, 2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhays

Damned if this 118-unit project on LQA, not heard from since 2008, didn't just get a building permit. http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/G...endaID2550.pdf

I'm usually forgiving of design where others go "UGGH!!" But, that is one of the ugliest new construction projects I've seen in some time. It'll fit in perfectly in that area of already ugly buildings.

May 31st, 2011, 05:35 AM	#1053
meku Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 982 Likes (Received): 15	Went on a walk down from Cap Hill to the Folklife Festival and snapped some photos here and there. First two shots are of SU's new student housing on 12th and E James, taken two weeks ago actually. I don't know if its the zoning or some other externalities, but this is too short by at least 2 floors for 12th Ave. As for the buildings themselves, they didn't turn out great (renderings looked better) but at least the design is consistent. Next we have Bellevue Terrace with a decent tempo. One downsize is that they're using part of the parking lot belonging to the abandoned building next door (Pine and Bellevue) for staging, so we won't see it come down for a while (just a guess though). Infill on Queen Ave N. (across from Mediterranean Inn) Anyone seen the renderings for this one ? Personal note: I always liked the neighbor to the north. The Old QFC site on Republican and Warren; buildings are gone, signs of imminent digging. Big empty lot=good density coming with this one. The Elliot Bay View Apartments. This was also the first time I've been to Seattle Center since they hacked Fun Forrest. Lots of exposed pavement - quick, someone claim it for some parking ! The Arcade Building looked empty as well. Time for Bill and Melinda Gates campus. I really want to like it but for some reason the buildings just fall short in my opinion. Technically everything is there: quality materials, lots of windows, tons of unique, environmental-friendly features... but in the end it just doesn't all come together for me. Good for Bellevue's Eastgate, not the best fit for Seattle. I do appreciate the streetscape though, good job there with small architecture. While taking photos, I was zealously observed by two security personnel. Not the best feeling (more akin to Eastern Europe's enclosed and secured apartment complexes for the rich) - and so close to arguably the most famous tourist attraction of Seattle. Last, 224 Broadway - I still stand by my "crane by summer" prediction. Last edited by meku; May 31st, 2011 at 05:42 AM.

May 31st, 2011, 07:25 AM	#1055
Capitol Hill Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,381 Likes (Received): 156	224 Broadway is a surprisingly large building site. Although it is not a full block, this block is wider east to west than the block to the north. This will be a fairly large project that will bri g density very near the Link LRT station. __________________ After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

May 22nd, 2011, 04:34 PM	#1042
CityView Jim Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,953 Likes (Received): 62	There IS an Amazon thread.

May 22nd, 2011, 04:37 PM	#1043
CityView Jim Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,953 Likes (Received): 62	Nice article and pics on the Gates Foundation: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...scampus22.html

May 22nd, 2011, 07:36 PM	#1045
mhays Journeyman Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 8,364 Likes (Received): 116	It's the same height as a 16 story apartment.

May 22nd, 2011, 10:42 PM	#1047
alexjonlin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,258 Likes (Received): 83	Also at the Union Station event, I talked to the North Lot developers, who had set up a table. They said that the west podium and two towers on top of the podium will break ground in August (I thought only the podium was going to break ground then), and he said that they should be finished by the end of 2012, although that seems like a ridiculously fast construction schedule.

May 23rd, 2011, 12:01 AM	#1048
CrazyAboutCities Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 8,328 Likes (Received): 15	That's great! Thanks for let us know.

May 24th, 2011, 01:55 AM	#1051
alexjonlin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,258 Likes (Received): 83	Yeah I've seen those pictures, it's pretty incredible that basically everything south of King all the way from Occidental to 5th or so was railyard up to a few decades ago.

May 31st, 2011, 05:57 AM	#1054
CityView Jim Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,953 Likes (Received): 62	I'm starting to agree with your Crane By Summer prediction. This hole is coming along quickly. And for only 3 floors, it'll be faster than I thought.

May 31st, 2011, 06:01 PM	#1056
meku Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 982 Likes (Received): 15	Also, the building will have office space ( similar to the new Broadway Building I assume) and 72 commercial parking spaces (on top of 235 residential units and ~250 parking stalls). Even the design is pretty decent, mimicking the Brix rather than the Joule - one thing that I'm not sold on, are the colorful railings on balconies. Overall though it's a very good project for Broadway. The construction should be over by Jan 2013.

May 31st, 2011, 09:05 PM	#1057
mhays Journeyman Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 8,364 Likes (Received): 116	Damned if this 118-unit project on LQA, not heard from since 2008, didn't just get a building permit. http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/G...endaID2550.pdf

May 31st, 2011, 11:09 PM	#1058
Seasun Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,555 Likes (Received): 42	Faces onto Aurora. Amazing place to live. Good option for some people who might get a great view (with noise) and other people who choose units away from the highway.

May 31st, 2011, 11:43 PM	#1059
mhays Journeyman Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 8,364 Likes (Received): 116	Not my favorite location, but it has some advantages. At midnight, it'll have cars whizzing by instead of cars stopped at a light with their idiot stereos. And not much car alarm noise. With exterior hallways and a low parking ratio, this looks like an affordable (i.e. middle-priced) building. The land is probably cheaper too. All in all, good project.