Owner: Seattle Condos And Lofts URL:http://www.SeattleCondosAndLofts.com/ Join Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2007 02:03:55 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Description and reviews of Seattle's condo and loft projects. Site statistics:Click here
Project Updates 2007-02-10 00:24:42 Today must be project update / press release day. Here’s a round-up:
First Church Capitol Hill
Postponing development to allow for a major motion picture to be filmed in the building. If you want a chance to be in the movie, there will be an open casting call on February 13th at the church from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The address is 1519 E. Denny Way (E. Denny & 16th Ave). Info on the movie.
Additionally, pre-sale pricing is available for those interested in purchasing a unit.
Lumen
The glass curtain wall is nearly complete and work is continuing on the balconies and siding. In March, the Lumen will host a Modern Home Tour in conjunction with Seattle Metropolitan Magazine and Roche Bobois.
The Parc
The Parc is 75% sold and owner occupancy is expected for late Spring.
Gallery
Gallery reports that hundreds of buyers have visited their Presentation Center, though homes are still available including the two-story SkyLofts.
Escala
Escala was the highlight project at this year Read more:Project
Downtown Tidbits 2007-02-09 20:30:17 Escala
Escala broke ground this morning. I didn’t stick around for the ground breaking but I did tour the recently completed showroom and the model unit is impressive.
8th and Pine
300+ unit condominium, completion expected for 2009.
Seneca Towers
A 7- and 24-story tower project with 210 residences ranging from 450 to 1,600 square feet. Ground breaking is slated for mid-2007, developed by Levin Menzies. Located at 8th and Seneca overlooking Freeway Park.
CarrAmerica
Located in the South Lake Union District, CarrAmerica is a 5-building mixed-use office, retail & residential development. No dates yet.
Images:
8th & Pine
Seneca Towers
Read more:Downtown
, Tidbits
January Condo update from the NWMLS 2007-02-08 21:39:28 Per the January
2007 NWMLS market release:
That condominiums are becoming an attractive option for more buyers is underscored by some of the statistics:
In King County, condos accounted for more than 29 percent of last month's pending sales.
The median price for January's closed sales of condos in King County was $274,900, up $45,000 (19.6 percent) compared to twelve months ago.
Bacon attributes the rising popularity to amenities featured on conversions, resales and newly built condos, along with location. Baby boomers are downsizing to condo style living and prefer closer in urban communities, while "Gen X" buyers weigh q Read more:Condo
Carbon 56 Condos 2007-02-08 19:59:52 Carbon 56 is a new conversion project in the Gateway district at 2105 Terry Ave (map). Formerly known as the Aristo Apartment, Carbon 56 sits in the shadow of 2200 Westlake and Cornish College, no doubt looking to take full advantage of the new condominium and revitalization projects in the neighborhood.
Many of the units are Seattle-style lofts and range in size from the 688 to 976 square feet with prices starting at $309,000 and up into the high-$500,000s.
Features include (not applicable to all units):
13′ Ceilings with floor to ceiling windows
Maple Hardwood floor
Maple cabinetry in kitchen
Stainless steel appliances
Slab stone countertops
Air conditioning and radiant heat
The building sits just off of the new street car route providing great access to downtown and the South Lake Union area. Whole Foods and the Pan Pacific Hotel are located conveniently across the street.
Read more:Carbon
4217 Fremont Ave 2007-02-07 20:48:04
4217 Fremont
Ave Condos (map) is a new contemporary boutique development in the Fremont area offering just six upscale homes for sale (Unit #6 has been sold).
The two- and two-bedroom + den homes range from 1,170 to 1,366 square feet with prices starting from $599,950.
Standard features include:
Italian Varenna Poliform kitchen cabinets
Viking stainless steel appliances with gas range
Slab granite countertops
Gas Fireplaces
Frigidaire washer & dryer
Direct elevator access for 2nd & 3rd floor units
Deck or patio
Hardwood flooring in living room & kitchen
Secured parking and lots of storage
Pet-friendly but may be subject to certain restrictions
4217 Fremont is located mid-way between the eclectic “center of the Universe” and the Woodland Park Zoo. The location also provides easy access to downtown via Aurora Avenue.
King County Growth Report 2007-02-05 22:34:03 The NWReporter, a publication of the Northwest MLS, reported on findings from the 2006 King CountyGrowth
Report. Among the information pertaining to the economy and real estate market include:
Strained housing affordability and traffic congestion seem to be the inevitable consequences of the desirability of King County
as a place to live and do business, the researchers suggest.
King County’s number of jobs has nearly returned to pre-recession numbers after 70,000 jobs were lost from 2001-2004. That finding is among details in the comprehensive report issued late last year by King County Executive Ron Sims.
I found this statistic interesting as I would have thought new in-city construction would account for a smaller percentage. Likely, this is due to the number of condo and townhome developments:
Builders in Seattle constructed 28 percent of the county’s new housing units in 2005, while the remaining cities permitted more than 53 percent of the new units. Less than 4 pe
The downtown high life 2007-02-05 19:50:12 Pacific Northwest Magazine (Seattle Times) had an interesting article on the state of the downtown condo market - who’s moving into downtown, reasons they’re downsizing, etc.
Matt at urbnlivn.com beat me to punch on posting about it, so I’ll just link over to his post rather than duplicate coverage. By the way, I was interviewed for the article.
CityView Condos 2007-02-01 05:59:09
CityView at Leschi Ridge is a new conversion project at corner of S. Jackson Street & 29th Avenue S (map). Unlike many other conversions the CityView building is fairly new having only been constructed in 2003. Even so, the developer made considerable upgrades to the 28 studio, one- and two-bedroom, and penthouse townhomes.
CityView features include:
Imported designer tiler in the kitchen, bath and entry
Slab granite countertops with undermount sinks in kitchens
Slab marble countertops in baths
Stainless steel appliances
Washer & dryer
Parking
Rooftop deck
Third floor terrace with BBQ
Homes range in size from 448 to 1,350 square feet with prices starting in the high $100,000s. The CityView website includes floor plates and floor plans of each unit.
Sales are expected to start mid to late February.
Additional information and a detailed review to come.
1 Hotel & Residences update 2007-01-31 00:52:21 2nd + Pine recently announced a name change to 1 Hotel
& Residences
. The 5000 sq ft sales center is expected to open this Spring that will feature a fully furnished model, several vignettes, a design studio and interior design visions. It will be located on the 8th Floor of the Olympic Tower Building at 217 Pine Street.
Currently, 1 Hotel & Residences is taking priority pre-sale reservations and will be introducing new floor plans shortly. Until the opening of the sales center interested buyers may schedule a private appointment with the developer to preview finishes, review home plans and to make a reservation. Your buyer’s agent can assist with this process.
HomeStone Mortgage has been selected as the preferred lender.
Related post: 1 Hotel & Residences
2200 Westlake 2007-01-30 22:21:20 A number of 2200 re-sales have hit the market. Currently, there are approximately 18 resale properties on the market.
View current listings
If you’re keeping track of 2200 sales activity, the addresses for the three buildings are (map):
2200 Westlake Avenue (Aria Building)
2121 Terry Avenue (Arte Building)
900 Lenora Street (Azur Building)
Sampling of sales as of 2/6/07
Information acquired from public records and are deemed accurate but not guaranteed.
Post Updated: 2/6/07
Pet Friendly Condos 2007-01-24 00:16:42
Is Fido part of the family? Based on a viewer suggestion, we are in the process of compiling a list of pet-friendly condos in Seattle. We’ve started with the core neighborhoods - Queen Anne, Belltown, Downtown, South Lake Union, Capitol Hill and First Hill. Take a look at what we have so far - list of pet friendly condos (opens our other website).
We’ve also included a short list of pet unfriendly condos as well.
We hope to include other neighborhoods, too. If you know if any condos that we’ve missed, please let us know.
Read more:Friendly
Nine Cherry Square - First Hill 2007-01-21 19:51:11 Nine CherrySquare
is a recent conversion on First
Hill. The 6-story brick, steel & concrete building at 905 Cherry Street, Seattle (map) includes 41 studios, one- and two-bedroom rooms. Prices range from $177,000 to $449,000.
Sales staff indicates they sold nine-units in the first six hours that homes were released for pre-sale.
Standard features include:
Exposed brick focal wall in each unit
Bamboo flooring in kitchen and living room
European designed Pentco cabinets
Stainless steel or matte chalkboard finished countertops
Shaw woven carpet in the bedrooms
Stainless steel appliances (most units)
Washer and dryer (most units)
The Nine Cherry Square website, though basic, provides considerable information with floor plans, feature specs and representative views for each unit.
Nine Cherry Square is centrally located on First Hill and is within walking distance to the financial district and Seattle University. The Frye Museum is just a block away and many businesses, restaura
The Decatur Condominiums 2007-01-21 01:14:33
Mid-century elegance is the most apt description of the Decatur Condominiums
on Seattle’s historic First Hill neighborhood.
Designed by the famed Space Needle architect John Graham Jr. in 1950, the Decatur is being restored and converted to condominium homes by the Wysong Group (e.g. Tobira, The Press).
The 13-story building at 1105 Spring Street (corner of Boren Ave) features 146 one- and two-bedroom homes. (map)
All homes include the following features:
Brazilian cherry wood floors in the entry & kitchen
Plush carpeting in the living and bedrooms
Slab granite countertops (dark or light) in the kitchen
Stainless steel electric appliances
Pedestal sinks and custom subway tiling in the bath
Octagonal rosette-patterned tile floor in the bath
There are four floor plans to choose from:
The Dean - one-bedroom units ranging from 520 to 560 sq ft (floor plan)
2-7th floor, $219,950 to $279,950
8-13th floor, $254,950 to $314,950
The Taylor - one-bedroom units ranging from 590-650
Tobira Condominiums 2007-01-20 23:50:07
Stylish and affordable; a combination not found around the downtown Seattle core neighborhoods much these days. While many developers have their eyes set on building new landmark towers, the Wysong group has focused on providing comfortable, well-designed, moderate priced homes for the average person. Two recent projects are the Tobira Condominiums
and the Decatur.
The Tobira Condominiums, formerly the Empress Apartments, is a 5 year old building situated at the cross section of the financial district, Pioneer Square and the International District at 108 5th Avenue South, Seattle. (map - note, the building is South of Yesler)
The project includes 88 studios, one-, one+den, and two-bedroom homes ranging in size from approximately 440 to 1,016 square feet. The preferred lender is Homebase Mortgage, a Countrywide company.
Tobira has set aside 14 units for the first release which are available now.
Studios - 4 units available, ranging from $179,950 to $234,950
One bedrooms - 8 units a
Trace Lofts Reservation Process 2007-01-13 01:14:25 TraceLofts
, a new loft development on Capitol Hill, has released its ReservationProcess
which will begin in February. Loft units range from 550 sq ft to 1,100+ sq ft with prices from $300,000 to over $800,000. The reservation deposit amount will be based upon the price range category of the unit.
For complete Pricing and Reservation information, please download the Trace Loft Reservation Process pdf.
Preview Event:
Trace will be holding a Buyer Preview for those interested in learning more about the project.
When: January 18th, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Where: Osteria La Spiga, 1429 12th Avenue, Seattle (Map)
2007 State of Downtown 2007-02-10 21:05:55 The Downtown
Seattle Association (DSA) held its 2007 State
of Downtown Economic Forum on Feb. 9th providing an overview of current and future downtown livability issues, planning and development. The forum focused on four areas of commerce - the commercial market, residential market, transportation and tourism and was highlighted by featured speakers, Chris Ludeman, CEO of CB Richard Ellis, and Kate Joncas, President of the DSA. An enlightened discussion followed with panelists representing biotechnology, tourism, commercial and residential sectors.
This article focuses only on the residential sector.
Downtown Residential Facts
13% of all Seattle housing units are located in downtown for 54,766 residents
Since 1990, resident population increased 61%; rest of Seattle grew 11.2%.
12.5% of all subsidized housing units are in downtown for 4,637 people
16% of downtown units are owner occupied, 84% are rentals
Average household income is $51,471
39% of residents over 25 hold a bachelors
Bellevue Condo Round Up 2007-02-12 20:14:06 Though Seattle Condo
s And Lofts primarily report on Seattle area condos, a number of new developments have been recently completed, under construction or are planned for the Eastside. Here’s a heads-up on a few Bellevue
condo projects.
One Lincoln Tower (completed)
Situated at Lincoln Square, One Lincoln Tower features 148 upscale homes (floors 20-42) in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Lincoln Square also is home to the Westin Bellevue, retail and restaurants.
Washington Square (under construction)
Washington Square is a beautifully designed two-tower complex in downtown Bellevue. The first tower is expected to be completed early 2007 and the second in late 2008. Developed by Wasatch, Washington Square features 400 condominium homes and retail. The Platinum tower homes, available for pre-sale currently, features concealed flat panel televisions, state-of-the-art audio and media system, Viking appliances, motorized roller shades, floor-to-ceiling windows and much more.
When co
Want a Veer Loft without the wait? 2007-02-13 22:03:50 The Veer Penthouse (unit 611) is currently available to prospective buyers and you don’t need a home selection appointment to purchase it. But, you will need some extra cash laying around since it’s priced at $875,000.
You need to hurry though, offers will be reviewed Friday, February 16th at 5:00 PM.
What do you get?
1,332 sq feet of living space, SW corner unit
3 decks including a 650 sq feet entertainment-sized private terrace
16′ ceiling height with floor to ceiling windows
Stainless steel appliances
Concrete flooring with exposed timber beam ceiling
Check out the Penthouse literature brochure. If more info, please contact me.
The Pittsburgh - Queen Anne 2007-02-14 19:41:15 A stones throw away from Expo 62 in lower Queen
Anne is a new conversion development called The Pittsburgh
at 125 Warren Ave N (map).
Constructed in 1907, this beautiful vintage 3-story brick building will be home to 31 studio, one- and two-bedroom units, ranging from 255 to 863 square feet. Studios will be priced from the mid-$100,000s, one-bedrooms from the high $200,000s and two-bedrooms from the mid-$300,000s.
Features will include:
Top-grade appliances (microwave & dishwasher in selected units)
In-unit washer & dryers
Granite countertops in kitchen and bath
Solid fir floors
Clawfoot tubs
Pedestal sinks
Juliet balconies
Gas fireplaces
Landscaped courtyard with fountain
Pet friendly
It doesn’t appear there is deeded parking, though all residents will receive free parking for two years.
Homes are expect to begin selling around March/April with a Fall 2007 occupancy date.
Just a couple of blocks away, residents will enjoy easy access to Seattle Center events and din Read more:Queen Anne
Condo Updates 2007-02-15 23:43:44 CityView Condo
s - Leschi
CityView held its brokers open sneak preview today. The builder did a great job at renovations. I updated the post with current pricing, photos & review - view CityView post. The grand opening is this weekend.
Maris - Shilshole
Construction on this boutique condo at Shilshole is moving along. Maris shares the same developer as First Church on Capitol Hill.
The Nord - Pioneer Square
Work on The Nord Condominium conversion in Pioneer square is underway. The 1900 classic brick building will be home to just 7 homes. The Nord will begin sales later this year. More info to come…stay tuned.
The Betsy Ross - Capitol Hill
The Betsy Ross is a conversion project on Capitol Hill. The vintage 1928 building will be home to 16 one-bedroom homes. Sales is expected to begin later this year. More info to come…stay tuned.
2006 Condo Appreciation - Seattle 2007-02-16 22:53:35 2006 Condo
Appreciation rates for selected Seattle
neighborhoods as compared to 2005.
Overall, 2006 was quite healthy for Seattle condos and many people who sold their units did well. Though, Queen Anne, surprisingly didn’t fare as well.
Notes:
Data compiled upon NWMLS sold listings.
Data does not include for-sale-by-owner or closed pre-sale activity that were not listed in the NWMLS (e.g. The 2200).
Data does not include current pre-sale pending transactions (e.g. Canal Station).
Information is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.
Andiamo Condos - Queen Anne 2007-02-19 22:31:35 The Andiamo Condos is a conversion project on Queen
Anne just off of Mercer at 626 4th Ave W (map).
The building, originally constructed in 1996, features 28 units on 5 floors with homes ranging from 463 to 709 square feet and are priced between $229,900 & $439,900.
Standard features include:
Bamboo Hardwood Floors
Slab Granite Countertops
Stainless Steel Appliance Package
Washer/Dryer Connections
Private Decks and Patios
Secure Underground Parking
Rooftop Deck
New Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
New Stucco Siding System
Pet-Friendly
Work is still being completed; they just started on the stucco. The units are expected to be ready for occupancy in about 30-45 days from now. Location-wise, it’s close to many of restaurants and shops on lower Queen Anne
.
Seattle Core Neighborhood Condo Market Trends 2007-02-20 22:45:12 Here’s some information readers may find useful. I’ve highlighted market trend activity for three core neighborhoods - Downtown, Capitol Hill and Queen Anne - as this is were the bulk of condos and lofts are located. Click on link below.
There are three graphs for each neighborhood:
Condo
s for Sale, Sold & Pending
Average Price For Sale vs. Sold
Average Price Per Square Foot
–> Seattle
Condo MarketTrends Read more:Neighborhood
Smith Tower Condos? 2007-02-22 19:37:31 The Seattle Times is reporting the new owners of Seattle’s venerable SmithTower
has designs on converting it to condos.
Chicago-based Walton Street Capital filed papers with the city Wednesday to begin what could be a months-long process of getting approval to redo the tower as housing.
Some people seem to think it may be a reasonable proposition:
Matthew Gardner, principal in the Seattle-based land-use economics firm Gardner Johnson, said Smith Tower’s conversion “could be incredible.”
“The building itself is iconic, so it does make sense to go down this road.”
Gardner also said the switch would benefit Pioneer Square by bringing more residents into the neighborhood.
Smith Tower has struggled a bit to attract and retain business tenants as more modern office towers emerged in recent decades.
“The building itself was never ideally suited to a modern, commercial office-type tenant,” said Kevin Daniels, president of Nitze-Stagen, a private
Veer Lofts Purchase Opportunity Update 2007-02-23 22:49:23 Vulcan will be making the remaining units from the Veer Lofts
lottery available to the public beginning Sunday, February 25th at 2:00 PM. A 5% earnest money deposit and a valid photo ID will be required to purchase a unit.
Read more:Purchase
, Opportunity
, Update
Florera Greenlake Condos 2007-02-25 03:06:21
Not far from Seattle’s most active park sits Florera Greenlake (website will be updated shortly) the newest condominium project in the Green Lake neighborhood. Developed by Pryde+Johnson, Florera is a green constructed building featuring finishes made from sustainable resources and is targeting LEED Silver certification. The project is located at the corner NE 70th and NE Ravenna Blvd (map).
Florera features 80 studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom + den and two-bedroom homes which will be completed in two phases. Phase I, which has been topped off, features just over 50 homes and is expected to be completed this October. Phase II, where the current sales office is located, will include 18 units and is expected to break ground later this Spring with a 2008 completion date.
Standard features & amenities include:
Choice of finishes - Zen, Quarry, Bathouse
Bamboo Flooring
Eco-terrazzo countertops
Terraces or balconies
Stacked front-loading washer & dryer
Roof top
Land Use Updates 2007-03-02 00:07:51 From the city’s Department of Planning and Development:
Greenlake - Supplemental Design Review Meeting for the old Albertson’s lot. The proposal is for a 4 story building with 137 units, 11 work/live lofts and retail space.
March 19th at 6:30 PM at the University Heights Community Center, 5031 University Ave NE Room 209.
Queen Anne - Early Design Review Meeting for proposal at the corner of Queen Anne Ave & W. Crockett for 39 residential units and retail space.
March 7th at 8:00 PM at the Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 1st Ave W Room 1.
Capitol Hill - Early Design Review Meeting for a 6-story & 4-story apartment project at the corner of Broadway and E. John Street.
March 21st at 6:30 PM at Seattle Central Community College, Room 3211.
Belltown - Notice of Decision - approval with conditions for 2000 3rd Avenue (NE corner of 3rd and Virginia). Proposal is for a 43-story building with 431 residential units and a 40-room hotel…but with only 364 parking spac
The Greenlake Condos 2007-02-28 23:32:07 As there has been quite a bit of interest with the Florera project in the Green Lake neighborhood, I thought I’d review the last major development built in the area - The Greenlake Condominium.
Constructed in 2004, The Greenlake is situated right across the street from Florera on NE 70st & Woodlawn Ave NE (map). The structure consists of two 6-story buildings that surround a central courtyard with retail stores at street level. The complex consists of 106 studio, one and two-bedroom homes.
Many units feature:
Hardwood & carpet flooring
Granite or tiled countertops
Stainless steel appliances
Breakfast bar
Decks or balconies
Pet-friendly
The Greenlake Condominium is just a block from Green Lake Park, Starbucks, Anderson’s Nautilus and a number of restaurants and shops.
So, how has values fared for homeowners? The following shows activity from 3/1/06 through 2/28/07. Overall, homeowners enjoyed a nice, healthy return on their investment.
Source: NWMLS &am
Friday Odds and Ends 2007-03-03 02:08:19 CityView Condos Price Adjustment
CityView recently reduced prices on available units, upwards of $25,000 on 1 bedroom units, bringing price per square feet between $350 to $410. This was anticipated and when taking into consideration current market conditions as well as the nicer finishes, unit size, age of building and views, this makes CityView a better value.
Condo Community Blogs
Cosmopolitan - Cosmo Seattle
The 2200 - Fast Times at 2200
Any others? Let me know.
Read more:Friday
, Friday Odds
Smith Tower Condo Review Meeting 2007-03-06 08:36:49 On the agenda for the March 7th Pioneer Square Preservation Board meeting will be a review of the plan to convert SmithTower
into condos. The proposal calls for reclassification of the building to allow for retail on the ground floor and 150 condo units above.
Where: Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave - Boards & Commissions Room #L280
When: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Related:
- Preservation Board Agenda (PDF)
- Seattle PI article
- SCL’s initial post
Read more:Condo
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