Comments on: Ellington, The – 2801 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98121

By: Christy

Christy — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:54:26 +0000

I am an owner at the Ellington with an 80lb. Golden Retriever. I am a responsible dog owner and pick up after my dog. I would hope the board would fine anyone who doesn’t pick up after their dog and I would guess that anyone living in the building would hope so as well.

The rules and regs allow up to 2-pets per unit and there is no size or breed restrictions. The most they ask is that the pets are licensed by the City of Seattle (which is the law), picked-up after, leashed in common areas where they are permitted, pets are not allowed in the club room or fitness center which, is out of respect for the other homeowners. The allegations above are simply unwarranted (I presume they’re made by an irresponsible pet owner).

The concierge staff is incredibly helpful and have all been long-term employees which speaks to the leadership and management style of the board.

Any remodeling has been done with homeowner approval. The board cannot force homeowner’s to read their mail, attend meetings where this information is communicated and updated so I would presume the individual making these claims does not participate.

Where has personal responsibility gone in our society? I am a proud owner and think the efforts and care from the board enhances the Ellington and increases the value. Any responsible investor/buyer would want their investment protected. A BIG thank you to the board for all their hard work. They are volunteers after all.

I have not always held this belief. There was a time when I was defensive and argumentative when I received warning letters from the board. As I have evolved as an individual, so has my attitude. You have to question those who are so angry and are passive by complaining on these sites.

By: Shoe Gal Seattle

Shoe Gal Seattle — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:32:12 +0000

I have lived at The Ellington for 7-years. During this time, I received one warning that was immediately rectified and have never been fined. The Ellington has strong leadership in it’s Board members who consist of responsible professionals, some of whom work in real estate.

Responsible and courteous owners/tenants have nothing to worry about with regard to fines. There are two sides to every story and I can assure you that fines are not given to those who respect the Rules + Regulations.

By: Ann

Ann — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:53:42 +0000

Before I bought I heard the Ellington was the best managed building in Belltown.

I have lived in several upmarket condos, and own two now. The Ellington service and staff are seamless compared to every other property I’ve been in!

My Ellington HOA monthly charge is 58.7% of my other place & the service & public areas are much better!

After years in the criminal courts (work, not larceny) I like them quickly issuing a fine for leaving entry doors propped open, or leaving the garage door open & unattended.

I never saw (or stepped in or smelled) any evidence of a “dog crime,” but I would be bristly if my dog was corrected too!

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:05:26 +0000

I agree with the above statement, The HOA takes it upon themselves to remodel areas that are perfectly fine with a questionable bid process, then fines you huge amounts of money for things like having a car cover at the front of your $33,000.00 parking space. -Without a single attempt to contact…. why do they pay a concierge? what is their purpose if not to assist the residents? if you try to contact the HOA they make you sit and listen through their meeting then systematically berate you for your suggestions one by one and then tell you they are not going to change anything.
There have been residents in the past that have moved out and sold their units in the past at a loss, investors that have sent people up from California to listen in on meetings to determine what the hell is going on, there are many very unhappy residents in the building as well, another issue was how the condos were marketed as dog friendly by the developer and the HOA slowly made it as difficult as possible for these individuals by restricting their use of the building, imposing fines, and restrictions regarding the size and number of dogs as well as which entrance is appropriate.
They need to move on and stop harassing the other residents in their HOMES, the power trip has reached an all time high and it is REDUCING the value of the property.

By: James

James — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:33:23 +0000

I would discourage anyone interested in purchasing or renting a unit in the Ellington. While it is a beautiful building with wonderful staff, they love to fine their residents large penalties (hundreds of dollars) for seemingly honest mistakes rather than informing you. They also fine based on little or no evidence (i have received fines for trash while out of town). Bottom line, its a beautiful building, but you will have to pay a little more for it than you would expect.

By: Staci

Staci — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:10:17 +0000

I love this building! The concierge’s double as security gaurds.. it feels so safe there. The recent remodel in the club room was really well done. I love the new lighting. I just sold a beautiful one bedroom unit there.. my clients are very happy with their new home.