Market Place North ~ 2021 First Avenue ~ Unit # C-8

$674,000

MLS# 241926

Sunday, November 13, 2011 ~ Open from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Your Hosts are James Stroupe and Julie Roh

206.910.5000  ~  james@stroupe.com

206.354.1030  ~  julie@stroupe.com

Like to entertain?  Or escape?  Welcome to your slice of paradise with this 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-level home! It features 1,581 square feet of spacious and gracious floor plan with tall ceilings, custom office, loft, wood burning fireplace, and A/C.  Market Place North also has an on-site manager, concierge, secured parking/storage plus beautiful courtyards.  Your HODs not only include water, sewer and garbage, but electricity and heating as well. 

Just one block away from Pike Place Market, Market Place North was designed by local architect Bruce Lorig.  The building is easily recognizable because of its slanted design, along with some of the most desirable million-dollar views in the city. 

You can check out Market Place North’s Walk Score® of 97 and a perfect Transit Score™ of 100 link to get an idea of the restaurants, world class arts, local bakeries, quaint boutiques, coffee shops and so much more that the neighborhood provides.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday! If you can’t make it this weekend but would like to schedule a private tour, just contact us at the phone number or email address above, or drop us a line here at urgent@stroupe.com.

Grandview ~ 2201 3rd Ave  ~ Unit # 1007

$215,000

MLS# 209266

Sunday, November 13, 2011 ~ Open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Your Host is James Stroupe

206.910.5000  ~  james@stroupe.com

Recently remodeled, this beautiful corner unit has fabulous views of the Seattle skyline. An abundance of light creates a warm home with hardwood floors.  The kitchen has stainless steel appliances plus a 30 bottle wine cooler. A Murphy bed makes the most of your space during the day, while allowing you to sleep by the stars at night.  The large south facing private deck hovers above the street to soak in the fresh air with beautiful city and sound views.

Grandview also offers great amenities including an indoor pool, spa/sauna, gym, outdoor terrace.  Parking and storage is inlcuded.  AND, your HODs include electric, water, sewer.

Check out Grandview’s Walk Score® of 98 and a perfect Transit Score™ of 100  link here to see all of the restaurants, arts, bakeries, boutiques, coffee shops and so much more that this great neighborhood provides.

Grand Location.  Grand Amenities.  Grandview.  You owe it to yourself to check this out!  We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.  If you can’t make it this weekend but would like to schedule a private tour, just contact us at the phone number or email address above, or drop us a line here at urgent@stroupe.com.

The Stroupe Group is very pleased to announce that ENSO is now 100% sold, and we were the ones who just sold the last unit.  In addition, we sold twice as many ENSO homes as other outside agent, including this lovely two-story unit you see here!  

Thank you very much to all our ENSO buyers!  We also want to mention the high level of professional service we received from ENSO’s sales associates, Emily, Javila and Angela.  Our deepest thanks to all of you!

Built in 2009, ENSO was developed by Vulcan Real Estate and is comprised of a 19-story residential tower and adjoining 16 floor commercial building.  Callison Architiects and Interior Designers  created a truly spectacular environment by marrying high-end touches with green living.  The ENSO is LEED Gold Certified.

The ENSO is located on the edge of the Denny Triangle at 820 Blanchard Street, well-positioned between the South Lake Union and Downtown neighborhoods.  With the meteoric rise of businesses, retail and restaurants in the South Lake Union area, plus the conveniences of Downtown nearby, ENSO is situated among the best of all worlds.  It is also steps away from the South Lake Union Streetcar line, and a short walk from Lake Union Park.  

There are plenty of wonderful condominium homes on the Seattle market, and we’re in the know about all of them.  Let us work on a home for you!  Call us at 206.910.5000, or drop a line to urgent@stroupe.com

Klee Lofts ~ 2717 Western Avenue ~ Unit # 5004

$259,000

MLS# 192306

Sunday, October 16, 2011 ~ Open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Your Host is Julie Roh

206.354.1030  ~  julie@stroupe.com

Welcome to your incredibly spacious, open one bedroom one bath loft, with a middle-of-everything location plus a very sweet list of amenities! 

The large kitchen and living room areas are great for hosting anything from an intimate dinner to a Halloween party.  Your living room doors open onto a large, private balcony with a bustling waterfront view and Elliott  Bay on the horizon… a nice way to start your day with a cup of coffee, or end it with a glass of wine.

The Klee’s main common rooms have numerous original works of art by Northwest artists, the most prominent of which is a series of glass waterfalls by Nancy Mee in the entry lobby.  Its beautifully-designed community center leads onto a lovely courtyard where you can relax among its garden setting. 

Other amenities include an on-site manager, media room, fitness center, a 24-hour computer room with internet, fax and printer, plus a club room with adjoining deck.  Have a friend or relative staying in town?  Check them into the Klee’s guest suite!

It’s not often that a place comes in at a Walk Score® of 100 and a Transit Score™ of 97, but you get that with  The Klee!  Leave your cares (and your car) behind as you stroll to a favorite restaurant.  Dining in?  Pick up fresh fish and produce at Pike Place Market.

And shopping?  This Walk Score® link is loaded with stores and services that the area has to offer.  If you like to commune with culture and nature, your neighboring landmarks are the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Waterfront.  Or, grab a bus for a quick hop to Queen Anne or Downtown.  Simply put, much of  the best that Seattle has to offer is steps away from your front door!

Find your sense of place in one of Belltown’s most exciting condominium communities, a place just as unique as its namesake. Come visit us at the wonderful  Klee Lofts and Suites on Sunday.  If you’re unable to attend but would like to schedule a private tour on your own schedule, just call or email us at the contact information above, or drop us a line at urgent@stroupe.com.

Great news for Capitol Hill’s The Sanctuary – restoration is scheduled to be completed by December, 2011, and the project is expected to reenter the marketplace for sale in January, 2012.

Resource Transition Consultants, the court-appointed receiver for the lender of The Sanctuary, has just announced the appointment of a design and construction team to convert the century-old First Church of Christ Scientist on Capitol Hill into a 12-home condominium development, and they are:

Contractor –Belfor Property Restoration  Based in Seattle, Belfor has been recognized as the country’s #1 remodeling contractor for 11 consecutive years by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  They can then bring the most extensive network of resources to The Sanctuary project.  Belfor Property Restoration is a division of Belfor Construction.

Architect – Runberg Architecture Group  Runberg’s award-winning work in Adaptive Reuse projects finds them working closely with the Landmark Preservation Board to ensure that the new modifications are respectful of the church’s historical significance.  Runberg Architecture Group is also based in Seattle.

Construction Representative –The Justen Company  Representing owners, developers and lenders of complex developments throughout the Pacific Northwest, The Justen Company delivers value by anticipating, planning, coordinating and directing the process of real estate development from conception to move-in.

Interior Designer – Robin Chell Design  Based in Seattle, they offer complete and comprehensive interior services, including design development, space planning, furnishing and fixture selection, construction administration and installation. Robin Chell Design’s work has been featured in more than a dozen regional and national interior design publications and its principals have been honored with numerous awards and acknowledgements for industry excellence.

Along with completing construction of the 12 concrete and steel townhomes and restoring the historic façade of the original building, The Sanctuary will feature:

New construction homes with state-of-the-art building systems, designer finishes and premium fixtures and appliances throughout;

New clear and operable window systems to complement the historic stained glass in several units;

Elevator options; and Acoustical attenuation.

In addition to warranties offered by manufacturers of installed systems and appliances, homeowners will benefit from a third party home warranty program that will be included with each sale. 

One of the most striking attributes of The Sanctuary is its central atrium… an expansive interior common area with 38-foot-high ceilings and a breathtaking stained-glass dome.  It will be converted into a residential amenity that draws on the building’s history and architecture and provides a central hub for residents and guests alike. 

The Sanctuary is located at 1841 16th Avenue E on Capitol Hill, between E Denny and E Howell Streets.  A more detailed map can be found here.  Also check out our article dated July 11, 2011, for more information.

Although official listings for sale are still several months away, two unit reservations have already been accepted, with more expected in the coming weeks.  Unit reservations provide prospective homebuyers with a first right of opportunity to purchase a particular home when it’s offered for sale.

The Sanctuary will incorporate high-rise quality within a historic landmark – the best of old and new.  Every home will be distinctive with unique floor plans and features.  And, since Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is The Sanctuary’s designated marketing and sales team, you can sign up with the Stroupe Group for firsthand property information and pricing. Get ahead of the pack on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Call us at 206.910.5000, or drop a line to urgent@stroupe.com

If your American dream is to live in one of the best condominium communities on the West Coast, your dream just came out with new pricing.

Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue, arguably one of the West Coast’s most successful high-rise communities, has released revised pricing on its remaining homes.  As follows, in order of square footage:

Designed by Weber + Thompson Architects, and developed by William Justen, Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue is a 38-story luxury high-rise community located on 2nd between Pike and Pine Street. Each level is designed to only accommodate 3 to 5 homes. The property also boasts a Seattle rarity:  protected water views over Pike Place Market.  Its floorplans are designed to maximize visual potential, and its exclusive interiors are designed by Susan Marinello.

In addition to achieving LEED Silver status, Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue also features high tech, engineering, and space-planning standards.  And check out this list of amenities!

Located between Pike Place Market and the Retail Core, and with a Walk Score® of 95 and a Transit Score™ of a perfect 100, Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue is steps away from the best that the Belltown/Downtown Seattle area has to offer in shopping, restaurants, services and entertainment.

With 117 homes sold (84%), it’s a great time to make your move into one of the best communities in Seattle. Check out our website, then call us at 206.910.5000, or drop a line to urgent@stroupe.com for more information or to schedule a private tour.

To say life is busy at Pioneer Square is an understatement!  From building rezoning to preservation, the changes now occurring in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood are fast, huge, and potentially historical.  With change, of course, come a few growing pains.

Pioneer Square is on the north end of what the City of Seattle deems “South Downtown”, stretching across the International District and over the Stadium District.  The City does not set official neighborhood boundaries, but the Pioneer Square zone is roughly bordered by Alaskan Way S/Occidental Ave S; S Royal Brougham Way; 4th Avenue S; and a little north of Yesler Way.  More on that later.

In April, 2011, the Seattle City Council ratified new building heights for South Downtown. Addressing concerns that area development was not keeping pace with the rest of the city, hopes were that the new height limits would spur construction and stimulate growth.  It got a little heated when the talk came to Pioneer Square. 

Developers and the Downtown Seattle Association wanted heights up to 180 feet (18 stories if you calculate 10 feet per story).  Preservationists argued that this would be way too high, and radically alter the face of Pioneer Square (also on the National Register of Historic Places).  Preservationists further stated that increased heights in surrounding neighborhoods would still draw people to Pioneer Square without threatening its culture and character.

Compromise was made.  Zoned as Pioneer Square Mixed, buildings may go as high as 100 feet as long as they’re not more than 15 feet taller than the adjacent buildings.  Some areas could rise to 120 feet (without the 15-foot restriction) when certain provisions were met. Part of the entire new South Downtown rezoning plan, these provisions include: Affordable Housing; Historic Preservation; Public Safety; Parking; Economic Development; and Walkability. 

Click on this Pioneer Square Zoning Maps link for a comparison of past and present zoning areas.  If you’d like a lot more detail, check out this City of Seattle Zoning map link, Areas 115 and 116.

The City’s recent focus on Pioneer Square began in June 2010 when it released a plan called Pioneer Square 2015, A Strategy for Seattle’s First Neighborhood. This link points to how we’re doing one year later. 

More changes are occurring to encourage growth in the area.  The City is now laying conduit under First Avenue for fiber-optic broadband internet, and Comcast has been selected as the service provider. Access begins in September. 

Businesses are giving Pioneer Square a second look, and moving in!  Two examples are Onehub, specializing in file sharing resources, arriving from Bellevue and Jones Soda, currently at South Lake Union, relocating near CenturyLink Field.

Pioneer Square’s legacy is important to the history of Seattle.  On the historical side, the Trail to Treasure was introduced in May, 2011.  Its goal is to bring the story of Seattle’s beginning to life through a walking tour of Pioneer Square.  There’s still much to do to complete the full project, but you can currently hit a number of stops (and some side trips) that helped shape the history and development of Pioneer Square, and Seattle/Puget Sound itself.  Pick up a free map at the Cadillac Hotel (which is also a national park) at 319 Second Avenue S, or you can download it here.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square is dedicated to promoting Pioneer Square’s history and its local/tourist destination. The Seattle Square, in Occidental Park, will run through the fall.  This outdoor market operates on Thursdays from 4:00-9:00 p.m with vintage and craft vendors, plus a rotation of food vendors and music.  Finally, catch Pioneer Square’s monthly First Thursday Art Walk.  This is the oldest and largest ArtWalk in Seattle, ongoing for nearly 30 years.

We’ll continue to keep you informed as Pioneer Square evolves—in both body, and soul.

The Sanctuary — a century-old Capitol Hill church which began a 2008 conversion into a 12-unit multifamily community but fell on hard times before completion – will be back on the market in the late summer/early fall 2011, with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty tapped as its Exclusive Listing Broker!

Originally built in 1908 as The First Church of Christ the Scientist, it was redeveloped a century later into The Sanctuary– a dozen fee simple concrete and steel townhomes within its historic structure. The original borrower defaulted on the development loan in August 2010. Construction and marketing has been halted for more than a year. Now with the senior loan sold to a new lender, the next steps are to complete construction and commence with sales.

Ranging from 1,278 to 2,438 square feet, the townhomes will be marketed at significantly less than the original asking price – which averaged over $1 million apiece — when completed this fall. Prices are anticipated to start at below $600,000, PLUS, new homeowners will enjoy a 10-year property tax abatement, with a special assessment designation for historic structures.

Celebrating the architectural significance of the historic structure, The Sanctuary project has already won numerous design awards, including “Building Restoration of the Year (2009)” from Seattle magazine. The development features an expansive stained-glass dome, now the building’s atrium, which provides abundant natural light.

Residences feature high-end finishes and amenities, including soaring 35-foot-high ceilings, metalwork and cabinets by Seattle area artisans, solid wood stair risers, re-purposed marble from the original church and top-of-the-line kitchen and plumbing fixtures. Each unit has a street level entrance, as well as a shared elevator to secured underground parking. Some units have rooftop terraces with expansive views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay. 

The Sanctuary was sold to Pathfinder Pollin Sanctuary Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of San Diego-based Pathfinder Partners, LLC, a leading acquirer of loans and properties from financial institutions.  Resource Transition Consultants, LLC (RTC), which has served as the court-appointed receiver for the original lender syndicate since September 2010, will oversee construction completion.  

Unlike a short sale where a bank has to approve a lower sales price, RTC, as the court-appointed receiver, has the opportunity to work with the court to set asking prices based upon what the market will bear.  This provides greater confidence to the buyer that they are working with the decision maker so their efforts aren’t likely to be wasted, which can oftentimes be the case chasing a short sale. 

It’s also very positive that RTC will now have the resources to complete the construction of the project including some new design features to optimize the marketability of the homes.  More information on the finishes, construction scope and pricing will be made available in the coming weeks, with the project officially returning to the market by late summer / early fall.

Residence.  Architectural Landmark.  Object d’Art .  With only 12 homes available, The Sanctuary is expected to be a hot property with high demand. 

We’ll post more information on The Sanctuary as development progresses, but–

As part of Realogics Sotheby’s marketing and sales team, sign up with the Stroupe Group for firsthand property information and pricing immediately after it’s made available.  Stay a step ahead… just fill out this Contact Us form and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours.  Or, if you’d rather call us first, just dial  206.910.5000.

Planning retirement in the next five years?  Looking to eventually downsize to a condo in the city?

If you answered “yes” to either of the above questions then you shouldn’t miss this free informative event on leveraging your IRA (Individual Retirement Account) by investing in today’s opportunistic real estate market, while also securing your future.

Did You Know?

• Your self-directed IRA can buy income property with before-tax dollars – rent it out and move into it when you retire
• Demand for rental housing in the city is skyrocketing – experts expect 25-30% increases in rent over the next five years
• The condo supply pipeline has been pinched, resulting in a dearth of new inventory until at least 2015 – the best selection and values are available now
• You can obtain financing on your IRA purchase securing today’s unprecedented low rates for the future while building positive cash flow in the interim

Presented by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, a panel of experts has been assembled to explore myths and facts with using IRA’s for income property, to discuss available financing options, and the review the overall housing marketing in downtown Seattle.

Here’s the details:

Finding a Way with Your IRA” – Investing in Today’s Condo Market for Tomorrow’s Retirement

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm

The Hyatt at Olive 8 - 1635 8th Avenue - Downtown Seattle

Keynote Speaker – Tom Kelly, Syndicated Real Estate Columnist & Author

Self Directed IRA’s – David Nilssen, Guidant Financial

IRA Financing – Larry Enselman, Pacific Crest Savings Bank

Market Watch – Dean Jones, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

Admission is free

“We recognize there’s a growing opportunity for pre‐retirees to take advantage of today’s real estate opportunities by purchasing condominiums, renting them out with positive cash flow and then either holding them as an income property in their IRA or redeeming that asset as either a principal residence or second home in the future,” said Dean Jones, Principal of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “The stars may be aligned downtown. We’re bringing in leading opinions to explore this investment strategy and welcome interested consumers and real estate brokers to view the interactive presentation and join the panel discussion.”

RSVP to 206.448.5752 or send an email to RSVP@RealogicsSothebysRealty.com

See you there!

After two years of litigation, we are pleased to report news that Cristalla’s Homeowners Association Board has reached an agreement with its developer to settle all outstanding building litigation claims, with a court dismissal of the lawsuit expected within the next thirty days.  Terms of the settlement are confidential and will be disclosed to homeowners in more detail at a private meeting in early July. 

Cristalla’s architect is working to finalize detailed plans to start repairs to the roof (Sky Terrace and external ledge, or its “eyebrow”), additional remediation treatments to the South Wall at parking levels to reduce the chance of further water intrusion (check out our coverage on last fall’s repairs here), plus a complete rebuild of its 6th floor Steam Room. Within the next few weeks, Cristalla’s Board intends to select a general contractor to complete the work. 

One of Seattle’s most beloved high-rise condominiums, the Cristalla took its inspiration from the Crystal Pool, an Italian Renaissance structure built on the site in 1914.  Architect B. Marcus Priteca planned a high-relief, neo-classical façade of glazed terra cotta with domed corner entries.  Arched steel trusses supported a glass roof, which covered a huge pool with salt water piped in from Elliott Bay.  At the time, it was one of the most popular recreation spots in Seattle.  Priteca later designed a building which has lasted a little longer… West Seattle’s Admiral Theater.

Today, the base of Cristalla hearkens back to those times.  And, in addition to the lobby’s elegant staircase and two-story water feature, Traver Gallery and artist Anna Skibska provided artistic decor throughout. Interior designer Mandy Reed continued the theme of the building’s history by maintaining a prevalence of water through the use of translucent panels on Cristalla’s doors, and glass panels on its upper kitchen cabinets.  All homes feature hardwood flooring plus carpeted bedrooms. Studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms and penthouses range from 420 to 2,800 square feet.

You’ll never lose your western view at Cristalla, either.  Developers bought the air rights above the neighboring property, capping any future growth to eight stories.

The Cristalla enjoys a Walk Score® of 97 and a Transit Score™ of a perfect 100. As you can see by this link, its location is amazing. You’re steps away from the best of Belltown in any direction.  The Cristalla is pet-friendly too.  There’s even a dog run on the rooftop!  Lots of other amenities as well, ranging from a 24-hour concierge to a rooftop BBQ area.  Check out our Cristalla website for more details.  Our website also has a Listings tab on available properties.

Getting a loan at the Cristalla during ongoing litigation was often a challenging task.  With litigation now resolved, obtaining a loan will be much easier.  There is a lot to love about the Cristalla.  We invite you to learn more about this special place, and even arrange for a  private tour.  Just give us a call at 206~910~5000, or send an email to urgent@stroupe.com.