For One-of-a-Kind Giving: Try an Artwalk!

Among Seattle’s great neighborhoods are a dozen monthly Artwalks, and they’re ready for holiday shoppers!  All types of media are featured, but most Artwalks also have music, food and special events, too. Artwalk hours are from 6-9 pm unless otherwise noted. Below is a timeline of what’s happening when during December, as well as when Artwalks are held year-round. Click on the neighborhood name for their weblink.

December 1^st (first Wednesdays)

Wallingford – One of the largest of the neighborhood art walks, most located right on 45^th St N.

December 2^nd (first Thursdays)

Pioneer Square – This venue is so big, it’s best to check their website where you can choose what kind of art you’re searching for.

Chinatown – This month, they also have Shop-o-Rama events on Saturdays from December 4-18.

December 3^rd (first Fridays)

Fremont – You don’t need a First Friday to party at Fremont, but this month also hosts the Annual Lenin Lighting!  Join the fun at 5 pm and stay for shopping at many venues.

December 9^th (second Thursdays)

Capitol Hill –Hours for the Blitz Capitol Hill Arts Walk runs from 5-8 pm.  Wander around more than 50 venues, with activities varying every month.

West Seattle – Over 60 merchants covering West Seattle Junction, Alki Beach, Admiral District, Morgan Junction, Fauntleroy District and Delridge.  This month’s hours are extended for late night shopping.

December 10^th (second Fridays)

Greenwood/Phinney –Located along Phinney Ave N and Greenwood Ave N.

December 11^th (second Saturdays)

Ballard — Start at the south end of Ballard Ave, work your way up the street to Market and beyond!

Central District   — Held at 23^rd Ave and E Cherry St from 1-5 pm.

Georgetown – Art Attack at over 30 venues, covering the neighborhood, the Horton Building, south of Corson and North Airport Way.

December 16^th (third Thursdays)

Belltown – Art, food and music all around Belltown.

Upper Queen Anne – No active website available.  Look for the balloons in front of participating venues along Queen Anne Ave N.

If you’d like to see all the Artwalk information at a glance, Seattle Councilman Nick Licata has a great arts link.  Check it out for all kinds of Seattle culture information. And happy shopping!

First Hill Streetcar: Funded and Moving Forward!

This was a great week for rail news! We posted an article on high-speed trains a few days ago and now we have word that the Sound Transit Board has finalized $132.8 million in funding for the First Hill Streetcar line. Covering a 2 ½-mile route, construction is expected to begin in 2011 and finish in 2013.

Plans are to link the First Hill Streetcar line to the Capitol Hill and Chinatown/International Districts. Stops are planned at nearby light rail stops, the medical centers of Harborview, Swedish, and Virginia Mason, plus Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University.

Monies for the line were approved by the voters two years ago, but initial plans were being made to put an underground light rail stop on First Hill. This has now been officially scrapped due to construction problems and the cost to cover them.  Steps are now being taken to select a general contractor/ construction manager, and is expected to be awarded the week of December 13^th.

Finally, before the first shovel of dirt is ceremoniously turned for the First Hill line, the City Council needs to decide two outstanding issues.  The first is where to place the terminals in Pioneer Square.  Community meetings will be set up with local residents and business leaders to determine the best locations, and then submitted for a vote. The second is for a maintenance yard and barn. Two sites under consideration are the city’s Charles Street Shops at South Dearborn and 8^th Avenue South, and at a block bordered by East Yesler Way, Boren and 12^th Avenues, plus East Fir Street.  The latter choice is owned by the Seattle Housing Authority, and would need their approval.

Down the track, the First Hill line could be extended another half a mile at its most northern stop on Capitol Hill, as well as extending a mile into downtown to connect to the South Lake Union line.  The extensions would need federal funding, but it’s expected that their grants of up to $75 million could cover both projects.  

For more project info, just click on this link.

Tobira – 108 5th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104

Address: 108 5th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: Pioneer Square/International District

CONDOS FOR SALE

Here you can find all active listings at Tobira. 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 Tobira condos for sale as soon as they hit the market. Membership also includes a monthly review of all activity for this building.

DESCRIPTION

Located in the most southern tip of downtown where Pioneer Square and the International District intersect, Tobira is a 2007 renovated conversion by The Wysong Group that offers spacious studios, 1-bedrooms and 2-bedrooms. The new homes were decorated with high-quality materials such as brushed nickel, granite, maple or cherry cabinets, “Natural Options Wood” flooring and large windows. Interiors boast lush carpet with extra padding, updated kitchens with slab granite countertops and contemporary lighting fixtures.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 2001
• Number of Units: 88
• Number of Stories: 7
• Exterior: Cement/Concrete, Stucco
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Garbage, Earthquake Ins.
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Courtyard, Game/Rec Room, Elevator, Fire Sprinklers, Lobby Entrance, Security Gate

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Amtrak Station
• Aristocrat’s Club
• Filipinas
• Foster/White Gallery
• Fuji Sushi
• Hon’s
• Kim Hair
• Kobo at Higo
• Maneki
• Manila Bay
• Osami’s
• Pioneer Square Clinic
• Seattle Lighting Fixture
• Something Old Something New
• Trolley Stop Deli Mart
• Union Station Market
• Universal Fitness Center
• V Garden

VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD MAP

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.