The Martin
June 30, 2008 by James
Filed under 5th, Belltown, Cinerama, Martin, The, Seattle Center, Vulcan Real Estate
Status: Postponed
Neighborhood: Belltown
CONDOS FOR SALE
Here you can find all active listings at The Martin. If your dream condo is not listed, sign-up to be instantly notified by email.
Sign-Up to receive an instant email notification of new The Martin condos for sale as soon as they hit the market. Membership also includes a monthly review of all activity for this building.
DESCRIPTION
This 23-story community of 172 homes is where mid-century modern meets techno-organic sensibilities. Interior design elements such as upbeat colors, expansive windows, Italian cabinetry, renewable materials and sliding glass doors create an entirely fresh way of looking at things. Homeowners will especially appreciate the 23rd floor amenities with stunning views of the city, Puget Sound and Lake Union. From this breathtaking vantage point, they can work out in the fully equipped exercise facility, entertain in the expansive community room, grill in the outdoor kitchen, relax by the fire pit, or get their hands dirty in the rooftop P-patch. As a pet friendly community, there’s even a 6th floor dog park and grooming station for large and small dogs. And you couldn’t ask for a better set location–The Martin is an easy walk to downtown shopping and Belltown nightlife. Think of the Martin as a whole new genre in a sea of predictable action/drama/chick flicks.
ADDITIONAL OPINIONS & REVIEWS
*Data is deemed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. In some cases, number of units may include commercial and residential spaces and/or height may or may not include a 13th floor.
Open House Sun., June 29th 11:00am – 2:00pm
Watermark Tower
1107 1st Ave. #1803
Seattle, WA 98101
Price: $635,000
MLS#: 28091653
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.75
Square Feet: 1,008
Unmistakably one of the most beautiful views in the renowned Watermark. Amazing city, sound & mountain views! This bright 2 BR / 2 BTH unit boast some hardwood floors, gourmet Kitchen, spacious Master Suite w/desk space, A/C, and a private Deck that caters to romantic days and evenings while watching the city hard at work & the sun setting over the bay. Amenities include rooftop deck, gym, sauna, secured Lobby & parking. Make your new in-city retreat feel like home in the Watermark.
VIEW MORE DETAILS
AVA Project Email Update
Examples and Characteristics of Lofts in Seattle
June 27, 2008 by James
Filed under 81 Vine, ALL CONDOS, Gallery, Klee Suites & Lofts, Lumen, Mosler Lofts, Site 17, Stadium Lofts, Veer Lofts
Most all dictionaries define a loft as a storage area or attic. This can cause some confusion, so I scoured the Internet to find out everything I could to provide the true definition of a “livable loft.” In real estate terms, all lofts feature ceilings 10′ or higher, and with very few exceptions, large windows measuring 6′ or higher. Lofts can also be classified into three styles; New York Lofts, Industrial Lofts, and Modern Lofts.
Examples of Lofts
New York – Also referred to as the “true” loft, the most common trait among this style is the lofted bedroom. This design also has very high ceilings of 15′ or higher, and traditionally excludes interior walls. New York style lofts typically sell at a premium compared to others because the 2nd story is commonly more desirable.
Examples of Projects in Seattle with New York Style Lofts
| Site 17 | Veer Lofts | Lumen |
 |
 |
 |
Industrial – This style of loft may or may not include a 2nd story, but strictly refers to industrial or commercial structures that have been converted (usually by the addition of full baths and kitchens). It’s also very common for this style to include exposed brick walls and/or ductwork.
Examples of Projects in Seattle with Industrial Style Lofts
| 81 Vine | Jackson Square | Stadium Lofts |
 |
 |
 |
Modern – This style falls into the definition of a loft because of ceiling and window height. However, it’s common for this style of loft to have interior walls separating rooms. This type of design has also become a popular trend in new construction and will typically have a less industrial feel.
Examples of Projects in Seattle with Modern Style Lofts
| Klee | Mosler Lofts | GALLERY |
 |
 |
 |
Characteristics of Lofts
In addition to various styles, lofts have various characteristics that make them even more unique. When beginning your search, the more you know about what you’re looking for, the less time you’ll have to spend searching. Here is a guide to help you add to, or cross off, characteristics on your loft wish list.
| Exposed Brick | Exposed Beams | Multi-Level |
 |
 |
 |
| Floor/Ceiling Windows | Metal Catwalks | Concrete Columns |
 |
 |
 |
| Exposed Ductwork | Open Kitchen | Concrete Ceiling |
 |
 |
 |
This blog is a great place to search for loft style condos in the downtown Seattle area. If an address features loft style units, the building has been categorized in the “Condo Categories” drop-down menu in the left column of this blog. All condo projects have also been categorized by amenity, location by street, zip code, architect, neighborhood, and more.
If you’re interested in taking a look at some of Seattle’s lofts for sale, contact to arrange a day and time that fits your schedule.
AVA Officially Postponed Until Market Improves
It’s been rumored, and the Puget Sound Business Journal confirmed it. Although we’ve had several reservations made with some of our own clients, the developer doesn’t plan to break ground until the local market improves.
This is another project that has been delayed because of construction costs and lack of financing. AVA was the last project many have wanted to see postponed.
“The challenge is pre-selling too early and potentially selling a project short, only to then digest rising construction costs, ” said Jones (Dean–President and chief executive of Realogics). “Developers just can’t digest that risk and construction lenders won’t allow it either.”
Our biggest fear for the local market is when the market finally begins to turn, it does so by skyrocketing prices higher than they are now. Great for current owners, a potential tragedy for future buyers.
2015 Second Ave. Design Proposal Highlights
June 25, 2008 by James
Filed under 2015 Second, 2nd, Belltown, Cristalla, Justen Company, One Pacific Tower, Pike Place Market, Weber + Thompson
Previously known as the 2nd and Virginia twin towers, the developer (Justen Company) and architects (Weber Thompson) will only be focused on the north tower as a result of negotiations with the Landmarks Board Architectural Review committee. The proposal states that the 1931 Second Avenue address will be diverged to develop further strategies on preserving the Terminal Sales Annex–classified as a historic landmark.
In the meantime, 2015 Second Avenue will reside on the northwestern block at the intersection of 2nd and Virginia. Currently a parking lot , the proposed high-rise will be situated south of the Cristalla, and east of One Pacific Tower. Plans also show that the building will take full advantage of the city’s revised restrictions on height with 39 stories, and toping off at 400′ with an additional 40′ of rooftop screening.
Currently, the intersection consists of the Moore Theater (SE), the Whiskey Bar and apartments (NE), a low-rise commercial building (SW) and large parking lot (NW). With the addition of a residential lobby and street level retail, that area of downtown should liven up a bit with more pedestrians.
| Birds Eye View West | Birds Eye View North |
|
|
|
Plans boast townhome and work studios floor plans for the five floors above the street level.
The year posted on various sites about the project claim that construction will end in 2010, but the recent credit crunch has proven to create some curious speculations on Seattle’s real estate market. Although the high-rise presents itself as a great new addition to the Seattle skyline, it will be difficult to get excited about considering delays on the development of other projects.
As with all other condominium developments, we will be watching the proposals progress, and posting any status changes our Development Status for New Construction page.
Design Proposal by Justen Company and Weber Thompson (pdf)
Weber Thompson Shows Off Firm’s New Terry Thomas Building
June 25, 2008 by James
Filed under Weber + Thompson
Democrats are making a comeback, and Weber Thompson Architects have progressively made a once mocked at tree hugger–sexy. Posing their style of environmentally conscious design, today’s open house encouraged visitors to peruse through the building with six various displays of how the building either enhances or conserves energy. Overall, the building’s natural light was energizing, and the large open spaces were relaxing. But, one of the most impressive exhibits is their staff seemed excited to be hosting an evening work related event during such nice weather. Weber Thompson understands that positive efforts yield positive results. You can easily see it in their portfolio, their people, and now their own home.
Terry Thomas Blog
More on the Terry Thomas from Matt.
Enjoy the pics.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Vsro9NK8w&hl=en]
Making Space for Stadium Lofts
June 25, 2008 by James
Filed under Barrientos, Occidental, Pioneer Square, Qwest/Safeco, Stadium Lofts, Waterfront/Piers, Weinstein A|U
We’ve yet to post anything on Stadium Lofts because the other local bloggers have done such a great job providing updates. We don’t typically put together a full profile for a project unless active listings can be searched for, but we wanted to make sure that you can get all the information you need if you’re here 
looking.
- Architect: Weinstein A|U
- Developer: barrientos
- Marketing/Sales: Williams Marketing
Until we’re able to post more on Stadium Lofts, here are a few links to postings from Seattle’s best:
Ben Kakimoto has reported the most information on the project.
- Stadium Lofts’ New Look (recommended)
- Stadium Lofts Delays Presales
- Stadium Lofts
- Stadium Lofts Update (recommended)
- Stadium Lofts Update 2
- Stadium Lofts Update 3
Wendy Lueng posted a few interesting articles that describe the Pioneer Square neighborhood, and the projects “pros and cons.”
Matt Goyer hasn’t seemed to of payed much attention to this project, but has a couple of posts.
Developer of 1 Hotel Sells
The Seattle Times has reported that the developer of 1 Hotel, Paul Breneke, sold his interest to Starwood Capital Group. Starwood now has 100% interest in the undeveloped hole on the corner of 2nd and Pine. Although the blame for not developing the condo/hotel project is said to be at the mercy of the national credit crunch, the concept didn’t really seem too appealing. But, the Times states that they received a written statement from Starwood saying they’re, “working on plans to ensure we have created a healthy and exciting total environment that will live up to the expectations we have for our brand.”
Everyone still seems to be unclear on what will be done with the hole in one of downtown’s most prime locations.
History of Interest Rates for 30 Year Fixed
We received this chart from a title rep and thought the numbers looked interesting.
Click the image to enlarge.
