New Construction | Seattle Rental Group Blog

Residential Tower in Belltown Moves Forward

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Kyle

Plans for a 40-story residential tower at 2116 4th Ave in Belltown are moving forward as the window for appeals on the current plans close tomorrow. The plans were approved by the Seattle Department of Planning and Development earlier this month.

The mixed-use tower will have nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space the ground level and parking for 329 vehicles. The building will incorporate art into public spaces on the ground level and when it was first announced, plans included a large, outdoor movie theater.

It will also have 365 residential units and it is unclear yet whether the building will be completed as an apartment or a condominium building. Do you think that it can be completed quickly enough to meet the growing need for rental units before the market becomes over-saturated? Tell us your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments below.

A Look at the Joseph Arnold Lofts Design

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Kyle

Currently there are only a handful of condo projects in any stage of development. One of the few projects out there however is the Joseph Arnold Lofts, which was assessed by the Downtown Design Review Board on Tuesday night.

The project, which is located at the corner of Elliott Ave and Cedar St, will feature a community roof top deck with barbeques and sweeping views of the water and city and also a small dog park for the convenience of owners. It will also have two levels of garage parking and retail space on the ground level. On several floors there will be private terraces for residents.

The building will have a modern design with exposed concrete and metal throughout and wood accents. You can view the projected design here.

What do you think of this new building? Tell us your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments below!

A Look at The Cameo, Capitol Hill's Only Planned Condominium Project Right Now

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Kyle

The Cameo, a planned condominium community that is the twin of the Braeburn, is moving forward. This evening at 8:00 p.m. there is a meeting regarding the project with the Capitol Hill Design Review Board. Currently, the Cameo is the only condominium development planned for Capitol Hill.

The Cameo’s website outlines a commitment to creating an environmentally friendly living space that integrates seamlessly into the Capitol Hill neighborhood.The building will be constructed with recycled material and regional material as much as possible to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. It will also feature high efficiency lighting and elevators, increased thermal insulation and high performance glazing.

The Cameo is planned to have 60 residential units, including several live/work spaces. There will be studios, 1- & 2-bedroom condos and 2,100 square feet of retail space on the ground level. You can read more about the Cameo here.

What are your thoughts on the newest planned condo addition to Capitol Hill? Tell us through Facebook and Titter, or through the comments below!

Seattle's Ever-Changing Rental Market

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Kyle

Seattle’s rental market is a dynamic entity that is constantly evolving. Here are a few updates on local changes:

-Plans have been filed by a company from Vancouver, B.C. to build a six-story mix-use building in lower Queen Anne. The building will feature units above commercial space. More here.

-MSN featured an article about the transformation of Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. The article highlighted the revitalization of the area by the influx of artists and other people drawn by the classic homes at cheap rates. Now note-worthy restaurants and charming boutiques are common place and Columbia City has transitioned from down-&-out to up-&-coming.

-Local blog CHS recently wrote an article about how being close to public transportation can protect home values against the drop off in real estate prices. That’s good news for properties on Capitol Hill close to the construction site of the new light rail station.

Did we miss something? Is there new information you would like us to write about? Tell us in the comments below, on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll discuss it!

South Lake Union Unveils it's Completed Urban Design Framework

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Kyle

The City of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is hosting a party next week to unveil the completed Urban Design Framework (UDF) for South Lake Union (SLU).

The UDF outlines the public and private actions necessary to make SLU into an intentionally developed new neighborhood for Seattle. It includes plans for community areas and parks, as well as retail centers. The vision outlined in the UDF calls for a community arts and cultural center, green street improvements and affordable housing.

This document, along with City’s Environmental Impact Statement, will guide the zoning decisions, design standards and more for this up-and-coming area.

Join the City of Seattle on February 8th from 5:30-7:00pm at the Cascade People’s Center for the unveiling party!

You can view the UDF using this link to the DPD’s website.

Burgeoning Rental Market Drives Apartment Developments

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Kyle

2011 is predicted to be a big year for developers with over 20,000 apartment projects nationally, and even more in 2012 and 2013. This national increase in multi-family housing projects is reflected locally with several new apartment projects approved, under construction or nearing completion. Here is an update on some of the projects coming together in the Seattle area.

1222 East Madison: Developers Wallace Properties and Baylis Architects are beginning demolition to make room for a mixed-use building with 106 apartment units.

Capitol Hill Housing: Capitol Hill Housing begins construction in May on a 40-unit project at 12th & Jefferson.

19th & Madison LLC: Renewed permits and possibly construction beginning soon on a 131-unit mixed-use building at 19th & Madison.

Stone Way Village: A mixed-use building with 154 units at 40th & Stone Way begins construction this month.

Avalon Bay Communities: Avalon Bay Communities has purchased a development in the University District for a new apartment complex.

Plymouth Housing Group: Plans for an 84 unit project at John St & Pontius Ave in South Lake Union District.

Precinct Development: City of Seattle and Capitol Hill Housing are meeting to discuss the transformation of an East Precinct parking lot into a mixed-use development.

Share your thoughts about what these projects mean for our area using the comment link below, or on Facebook and Twitter!