Seattle Condo Blog | Seattle Condos for Sale | Downtown Market Trends

Wards Cove’s newest neighbor: The Enclave

Stroupe Group — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:28:49 +0000

Love Lake Union? Wish you could live there, taking full advantage of all it offers? Your chance is here with a unique little development (most likely the last of its kind for our area) currently set to rise on the Eastlake shores across from Wards Cove Marina.

The Enclave will consist of only 21 three-story townhomes with 2,500 – 3,000 sq ft of open floorplans, rooftop terraces and western exposure to best capture all the Seattle views . Clean, open and modern floorplans designed by local award-winning architecture firm atelierjones will integrate green strategies and materials while keeping the site’s natural elements intact. The Enclave’s interiors include skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows to bring in lots of light. There are three color and natural material palettes to choose from, along with European inspired custom cabinetry, fireplaces, and a list of options you can choose to further customize your home. For the exterior, you can’t beat a private rooftop terrace with an integrated fireplace and built-in BBQ. You have options to customize here too… how about an optional outdoor spa, wet bar, or a green roof system? Or all three? There’s plenty of parking too, with spaces for 2-3 vehicles available.

Did we mention your HOD includes memberships to Wards Cove Marina Club? What amenities this provides! A state of the art fitness room, conference room, overnight guest suite and storage are some of the perks for landlubbers. The seafaring soul in you is about to become very happy, too. You’ll get marina access to five 100 foot slips, moorage for personal watercraft, and the chance to meet and build relationships with local moorage and dry-stock specialists. Community beach access is yours as well, and there’s places to launch your kayaks and canoes .

You’re also in a prime Eastlake spot, within walking distance to its array of boutiques, local shops, cafes and restaurants. Outdoor fans will enjoy the nearby Burke-Gilman trail for riding, biking and walking. The Enclave will also be near the South Lake Union Streetcar, easily getting you to downtown Seattle or the U District. Easy freeway access completes the package.

With introductory pricing in the low $1 million range, and most likely your last chance to get true lakeside living in Seattle, The Enclave is something worth checking out, and soon! The project is currently in the presale stages. Ground breaking will begin once there are a few firm commitments, with occupancy slated for 2011. For more information, fill out our contact form at this Stroupe Group link. We’ll stay in touch as The Enclave develops.

What Do Olive 8 Homeowners Say? Plenty!

Stroupe Group — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:26:27 +0000

We can’t tell you enough about how exciting the upcoming Olive 8 auction will be. September 19^th is the date when 34 condominiums go on the block. This auction will offer you a once in a lifetime opportunity to move into one of the most exciting living experiences in Seattle. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s some current owner feedback:

Amenities – What a list to choose from! They enjoy the exercise facilities with a state of the art gym, swimming pool, yoga room and private sauna/steamroom access. It’s a great place for pets, too. A secluded exercise and grooming area assures them that Olive 8 pampers their four-footed residents, too.
A Hotel as a Downstairs Neighbor – You can’t beat living above the Hyatt at Olive 8 Hotel. Owners love to go downstairs to the restaurant for a quick meal, or unwind at the coffee and wine bar. Don’t feel like dressing to go out? Order room service! Too tired to clean? Call for housekeeping! As one couple said, “…it’s like living in ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’!”
Views – For one owner, waking up to a view of Mt. Rainier is not a bad way to start a morning. She also loves the light that fills the rooms of her home. Any of the stunning Seattle views can be admired either from the large picture windows, or from the privacy of your own deck.
Neighborhood – One couple mentioned that that they “live in the most electric part of Seattle”. Others mention that they love the location, that “you can go downstairs and walk to everything”.
The Homes – Owners also love the high-end appliances, the generous use of marble in the baths, the nuanced finishes, and the overall style of the floorplans.

If you’re interested in becoming another happy Olive 8 owner, take a tour of our Olive 8 website, then fill in the Contact tab. Specializing in the downtown Seattle condominium market since 1994, we at the Stroupe Group have participated in a number of auctions and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. –

Cristalla’s Green Wall is Changing Color (while staying Green)

Stroupe Group — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:22:00 +0000

As you walk past the south end of the Cristalla, you can’t help but notice a big green wall with soft brown panels creeping up from below. These are the final steps in constructing a permanent south wall for the building, now underway through CDK Construction Services.

At the time the Cristalla was finished, the south wall was sheltered by an adjoining building set to become the 2015 Second Avenue project. That building was razed during the downtown condo boom, with construction permits filed and things going nicely in 2008 (it was even scheduled to open in 2010). However, like most projects later that year, the recession hit and everything stopped. This left the Cristalla with a now- exposed south wall. Resulting weather damage finally caused management to repair damages and work on a permanent fix. Now that the south wall will be permanently protected, the Cristalla will no longer have to worry about major maintenance problems or structural concerns—which will also bring a sigh of relief to potential buyers and their lenders.

The green part of the wall is a rain screen manufactured by Knight Wall Systems. Rain screens are exterior infrastructures which sit away from an outside wall’s weather-resistant barrier. They create a cavity allowing moisture to pass through and away from the building. The resulting airflow between the rain screen and the wall accelerates residual moisture evaporation. There’s also room for additional insulation, which increases energy efficiency and adds LEED credits to the building.

Another LEED feature is the brown part of the wall. North Clad® composite panels have a recycled content of approximately 30%+ pre and post-consumer recycled content. These lightweight panels reflect energy from the sun, reduce heat absorption and are graffiti-resistant. Aesthetically, it’s beautiful material, creating an illusion of a fabric-covered wall. Noel Foster, CDK project manager, added that they’re very pleased with the results.

The Cristalla South Wall project is well ahead of schedule and should be completed in September. The 2015 Second Avenue project is still in play, but no resumption date has been announced.

A Garden in the Middle of Downtown

Stroupe Group — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:12:26 +0000

Imagine a typical walk downtown passing building upon building, cars roaring by… when all of a sudden, you come upon a huge wave of greenery and dazzling mirrors with the sounds of water raining through glass, welcoming you to an oasis of nature and light.

Courtesy of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol

Your oasis is scheduled to appear in the spring of 2011.

The Sheraton Seattle Hotel , already an award winner in green-inspired hospitality, is literally turning greener. They are hard at work transforming their 7^th Avenue walkway into a $2 million “Garden Walk”. The plans are for this currently blank wall to sport a thick carpet of lush, climbing vines. Large-scale mirrors, set to reflect the historic façade of the Eagles Temple Building and the Washington State Convention Center across the street, will also be positioned to show movement and color, creating the illusion of a constantly changing space.

And just when you think that’s enough, it gets better. Anchoring the corner of 7^th Avenue and Union Street will be a 27-foot kinetic water feature. Celebrated glass artist Ginny Ruffner’s sculpture, “An Urban Garden”, plans to blend in harmoniously with Garden Walk while also creating a “wow” factor as you enter downtown Seattle from I-5.

The Garden Walk is being designed by award-winning Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, landscape architects whose work can be found locally, across the country, and worldwide. Current Seattle projects also include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Campus, as well as the University of Washington School of Medicine. GGN was gracious in spending a little time with us, and they also provided the artist’s rendering you see here.

The Sheraton Seattle is located at 1400 Sixth Avenue at Union Street, within walking distance of Union Square. In 2009, it earned the Good Earthkeeping Award in the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s “Large Property” category, and is considered to be one of the top ten green hotels in the country by Mother Nature Network.

We’ll keep you posted as the Garden Walk progresses.

Okay, so you’ve decided to participate in the Olive 8 Auction. What’s Next?

Stroupe Group — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:04:46 +0000

You’ve checked out our Olive 8 website. You’ve reviewed the amenities of both the condominium and its link with the Hyatt at Olive 8. You’ve read all about Olive 8’s Silver LEED certification and their dedication to green living. You’ve even looked over the floorplans for the 34 units up for sale AND, you’ve decided to take the plunge and put in a bid on Sunday, September 19^th.

What’s next?

A Realtor® with proven auction experience is the best source to guide you through the bidding and closing process. That’s what you’ll get when you sign up with us. We at the Stroupe Group have specialized in the downtown Seattle condominium market since 1994, and have represented bidders on a number of successfully closed auction transactions.

We don’t start our work when the auction doors open, either.

We’ll do a thorough discussion with you upfront as to what you want and don’t want in a home. We’ll then review the Olive 8 units up for auction, and place values on those specific to your wants and needs. We’ll then take a physical inspection tour with you on the unit(s) you’re interested in to make sure the investment you’re about to make is one you are thoroughly happy with.

Now, suppose we go back to the bidding list and you like Numbers 9 and 14. You may prefer Number 9 but 14 may come up first… we will help you outline a “pecking order” and advise you on a bidding strategy come auction time.

We’ll help you wade through financial aspects of an auction. As you review the Terms and Conditions, you’ll discover it can seem a little daunting. Plus, you’ve just picked up the part about the unpublished reserve selling price. How can you get the Olive 8 unit you want at the right cost for you? Moreover, how do you get in the winning bid and close the deal?

From peruse through purchase, we will start you on the auction process and be with you at every step. We’ll answer all your questions, put you at ease with the auction process and most importantly, help you get what you want at one of the premier condominium properties in Seattle.

The auction is just around the corner. Fill out the Contact Us tab at www.olive8seattle.com and we’ll be in touch with you right away.

Your dream home at Olive 8 is waiting. Let us help you make that dream come true.

Olive 8 Auction Details? Find them on our website!

Stroupe Group — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:01:12 +0000

Olive 8’s auction of 34 condominiums on Sunday, September 19^th promises to be the real estate event of the year. Condominiums previously priced from $395,000 to $1.23 Million will be on the block, with some bids starting as low as $160,000.

What’s your first step in getting into the auction process? Visit our special Olive 8 website, where we’ve accumulated all the auction details. www.olive8seattle.com contains detailed information about:

The Auction – Details on the upcoming event, including a pdf downloadable brochure, including a registration form. If you would like to be represented by the Stroupe Group, download this form.
Auction Listings – The 34 units for sale plus floor plan design, views, number of bedrooms/baths, square feet, plus the previous and starting bid price.
Living Green — Olive 8 is the first condominium/hotel combination building in Seattle to receive a LEED certification (Silver). If you have a desire to live a more green lifestyle, what Olive 8 offers is a must-read.
Neighborhood – At the corner of 8^th Avenue and Olive Streets in downtown Seattle, this section details Olive 8’s easy access to transit and freeways, plus many attractions within walking distance including restaurants, shopping, even jogging/biking trails. All this can be found within walking distance.
Amenities – A staggering list of Olive 8 amenities, including those shared with the Hyatt at Olive 8 Hotel. The interstate is also just a few blocks away, and the Sound Transit station is just a couple block.
Floorplans – Detailed floorplans of the Olive 8 units for sale.

So take a tour of our Olive 8 website and fill in your contact information at the Contact Us tab. Specializing in the downtown Seattle condominium market since 1994, we at the Stroupe Group have participated in a number of condominium auctions and have helped our clients successfully close on their dream of a lifetime. Let us help you with your dream, too.

34 LUXURY VIEW CONDOMINIUMS ATOP SEATTLE’S HYATT AT OLIVE 8 CROSS THE AUCTION BLOCK IN UNIQUE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND AUCTION.

Stroupe Group — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:41:41 +0000

34 LUXURY VIEW CONDOMINIUMS ATOP SEATTLE’S HYATT AT OLIVE 8 CROSS THE AUCTION BLOCK IN UNIQUE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND AUCTION.

SEATTLE, WA – Luxurious downtown condominiums offering shared hotel amenities were once the preferred accommodations of jet-setters, celebrities and movie stars. Now a rare and, for Seattle, a unique opportunity to live this coveted lifestyle beckons as 34 luxury view condos at Olive 8 are about to cross the auction block. On Sunday, September 19, 2010, international real estate investment and services company Kennedy Wilson (NYSE: KW) will conduct a first-of-its-kind auction that will allow winning bidders to experience five-star “Grand Hotel” living while enjoying the coveted sense of prestige and pride only ownership can bring.

The 34 condominiums located atop the posh downtown Hyatt at Olive 8 were previously priced from $395,000 to $1,235,000 with five of the 34 condominiums previously listed at over one million dollars each. Starting bids at the September 19th auction will range from just $160,000 to $440,000 with all five million-dollar-plus condos included in the bidding. With starting bids set so low, homebuyers have a unique opportunity to realize unheard-of savings on some of Seattle’s most desirable downtown digs!

Beverly Hills CA-based Kennedy Wilson is a recognized leader in the auction industry, conducting hundreds of real estate auctions across the U.S. and Canada each year. “Interest in Olive 8 has been high and is getting higher as we count down to auction day,” said Rhett Winchell, president of KW Auction Group. “Olive 8 is Seattle’s first sustainable condominium/hotel and has much to offer residents in terms of luxury living and an environmentally-friendly lifestyle,” continued Winchell. “What makes the upcoming auction extra-special is that bidders can gain entry to this desirable lifestyle while realizing huge savings on the purchase price.”

The one- and two-bedroom condos at Olive 8 provide up to 1,586 sq ft of living space atop one of Seattle’s most impressive hotels, the Hyatt at Olive 8. Residents enjoy a host of shared five-star amenities including room service and housekeeping, fine dining at Urbane Restaurant & Bar, health and relaxation at Elaia Spa, and the Hyatt’s saline pool, jacuzzi, fitness center and yoga studio. Exclusive residents-only amenities include a 24-hour concierge, access to the Club Lounge and its beautiful outdoor terrace, billiards and entertainment rooms, and a dog run.

Interiors reflect the sumptuous lifestyle residents of this premier address expect and demand. Rich hardwood flooring, towering ceilings and expansive glass walls frame spacious rooms enhanced by natural stone, marble and granite accents. State-of-the-art kitchens are a gourmand’s paradise featuring Italian-designed Pedini kitchen systems and cabinetry, Liebherr stainless steel or integrated refrigerators, and top of the line fixtures. Luxury detailing extends to elegant and inviting bathrooms offering deep soaking tubs, stone floors, shower and tub surrounds, and high-quality Kohler faucets.

Olive 8’s premier location in the thriving heart of downtown Seattle offers residents a host of appealing dining, shopping and entertainment options just steps from their front doorway. The 34 condominiums up for auction are situated between the 18th and 26th floors (inclusive) of the Hyatt Hotel at Olive 8 hotel, and provide unmatched views of Seattle’s exciting city skyline, the area’s plentiful waterways, and nearby snow-capped mountains. The building itself bears the distinction of being Seattle’s first “green” condominium/hotel with a LEED Silver Certification. Designed for both today’s realities and tomorrow’s possibilities, Olive 8 represents the ultimate refinement in sustainable luxury. Five-star living at an extraordinarily affordable price: bidders can make it their own on September 19th!

Successful bidders at the auction at Olive 8 can choose from a range of excellent financing programs offered by Bank of America Home Loans and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Auction day purchasers are also eligible for a SPECIAL INCENTIVE. Under the terms of this incentive, buyers who obtain financing through Bank of America Home Loans and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and who close escrow within 45 calendar days of the auction will be credited $5,000 towards non-recurring closing costs (based on lender guidelines) by the Seller at the close of escrow.

Kennedy Wilson’s first-of-its-kind auction for 34 luxury view condominiums at Olive 8 will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 19th at the Hyatt at Olive 8, 1635 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Registered participants are advised to arrive no later than 12 p.m. (NOON) for the auction which will last approximately 1 hour. It should be noted that auction-day registrants will be limited to the purchase of one home only.

Kennedy Wilson invites registered bidders to a “How to Buy” informational seminar taking place at the Hyatt at Olive 8 on Sunday, September 12th beginning at 1 p.m. The seminar gives new potential bidders a chance to familiarize themselves with the auction process, while those who have previously attended auctions can enjoy a relaxed and informal refresher course. As always with Kennedy Wilson’s popular “How To Buy” seminars, the highlight will be an exciting live practice auction hosted by an actual Kennedy Wilson auctioneer.

To learn more about the September 19th auction at Olive 8 and to learn about bidding from the comfort of your home or workplace, please visit the Olive 8 Auction Information Office at 737 Olive Way, Unit 2702, Seattle, WA 98101. The office is open daily from 11AM to 6PM and further information is available via the auction website at www.Olive8Seattle.com

ABOUT KENNEDY WILSON

Founded in 1977, Kennedy Wilson is an international real estate investment and services company headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA with 21 offices in the U.S. and Japan. The company offers a comprehensive array of real estate services including property and asset management, brokerage and auction services, and construction and trust management. Through its fund management and separate account businesses, Kennedy Wilson is a strategic investor and manager of real estate investments in the U.S. and Japan. For further information on Kennedy Wilson, please visit www.kennedywilson.com

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Local restaurant applies for sidewalk café permit

Stroupe Group — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:28:21 +0000

In addition to its patio and inside dining areas, Pinxto, the Spanish Tapas bar and restaurant located at 2207 2nd Ave, has now applied with the City of Seattle for a sidewalk café permit. Watch this space for more details. Related Posts Sidewalk Cafes Speculated to Lower Crime and Traffic Seattle Valentine’s Day Restaurant Schedule New Sip Restaurant at 5th [...]

Taking aim at a Target store!

Stroupe Group — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:24:11 +0000

Here’s a new addition to the Four Seasons amenities list: a Target Store up the street! The store will be located at 1415 2^nd Ave between Pike and Union Streets. Its 103,000 sq ft space will be made into a smaller-format store, complete with 250 spaces of underground parking. The store is the latest Target venture into an urban area, and is expected to open in the summer of 2011.

We’ll keep you posted on its progress!

Taking aim at a Target store!

Stroupe Group — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:19:32 +0000

Here’s a new addition to the Fifteen Twenty One amenities list: a Target Store down the block! The store will be located on the next block at 1415 2^nd Ave, between Pike and Union Streets. Its 103,000 sq ft space will be made into a smaller-format store, complete with 250 spaces of underground parking. The store is the latest Target venture into an urban area, and is expected to open in the summer of 2011.

We’ll keep you posted on its progress!