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!

200 W Highland – An Address with Star Power

Your chance to view the first group of units back on the market at 200 W Highland will be Tuesday, November 16th at 5pm.

Perched on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, 200 W Highland is a 25-home condominium development.  Its location provides you the best of all worlds.  Where do we start?  First, you have an easy walk to the great restaurants and services in Upper Queen Anne.  You’re moments away from Lower Queen Anne, home to Seattle Rep and Intiman Theaters, plus Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle International Film Festival’s year-round film venue. Let’s not forget easy access to Seattle Center and Key Arena, either!  You’re close to the vibrancy of downtown Seattle, and it’s also easy to hop onto the freeways.

But while you’re easily in the midst of all that activity, it’s just as easy to escape it. You can enjoy sumptuous views of downtown, Elliott Bay, the Space Needle and Mount Rainier from your living room, bedroom or terrace.  Sun getting in your eyes?  The window shades are mechanized and programmable.  If you’d like to go outside for a relaxing stroll, 200 W Highland is located right across the street from the historic and beautiful Kerry Park.

Timeless architecture, combined with classic materials, complement this historically upscale neighborhood.  All units contain open kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances including Sub-Zero refrigerators and Viking gas ranges.  Want some further pampering?  You’ll also find special touches such as a wine cooler, a warming drawer, and a pantry.  There are high-quality finishes throughout from marble and granite countertops, to exotic hardwood flooring, to spacious bedrooms with wool carpeting.  Finally, there is a security system in place, along with indoor parking.

 
Although the homes are stars in themselves, they share billing on Tuesday with host Kendra Todd, who heads up the The Kendra Todd Group. If her name sounds familiar, she was the Season 3 winner of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice, and host of HGTV’s My House Is Worth What?

Homes are available in 2- and 3-bedroom units, with 1,500 to 2,800 square foot floor plans. Prices range from around $700,000 to $1.7 Million.  If you’d like to meet us at the Open House or arrange for a private showing, please contact us at this Stroupe Group  link!

The Grand Opening of Lake Union Park

 

 

How long does it take to turn garbage into gold? The answer is 20 years.

And that’s really true. Back in 1990, serious attention was turned towards 12 acres of prime Lake Union property filled with contaminated soil and degraded seawall. It also contained tons of garbage, creosote piles, concrete and asphalt debris. A great deal of vision, paired with a groundswell of community support, would be needed in order to polish this polluted land into a true Seattle jewel.

And 20 years later, what a jewel it is!  Those 12 acres of land is now Lake Union Park, a world-class waterfront park on the south shores of Lake Union. It will have something for everyone. Environmentalists will marvel at the restored shoreline and the returned habitat of turtles, salmon, heron and native plants. History enthusiasts will enjoy the History Trail throughout the park. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the trails for walking, jogging and biking. There’s also a pedestrian bridge, waterfront boardwalk, terraced steps at the lake’s edge. There is a beach for hand-launched boats and a model boat pond. A place to have a picnic?  There’s a tree grove with tables and benches. Things for kids to do?  There’s a 300-foot long interactive fountain, a great lawn and sculpted landforms to play with. The park has a streetcar stop for commuting convenience.

 The pre-dedication festivities kick off on Friday evening, September 24^th with a lavish dinner dance. The “Green Tie Gala.” will introduce civic, business and philanthropic leaders to the beauty of Lake Union Park. On Saturday, September 25^th, the real party kicks in from sunrise to sunset (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and you’re invited!  The community-wide celebration will begin with sunrise yoga and a family Fun Run. The ribbon-cutting ceremony starts at 11:30 a.m. Live music, a fitness field, parade of Seattle mascots, maritime activities, History Trail guided tours, kayak and paddle board demonstrations, and ample food and drink will set the stage for a great day in the park. All activities are free of charge.

Seattle Parks Foundation is a private nonprofit organization working to improve, expand, and create parks and green spaces, building a more vibrant community. Founded in 2001 to bring new resources to Seattle’s park system, Seattle Parks Foundation has completed 30 park projects and secured more than $29 million for parks and green spaces in Seattle. Lake Union Park was specifically chosen as its first major project because of its central location, a need for green space in the downtown area, plus the project’s amazing partnerships with The Center for Wooden Boats, Museum of History and Industry, The United Indians of all Tribes Foundation, and the City of Seattle.

Lake Union Park is located at 860 Terry Avenue. For more information, please visit their website. Come to the park, and come to it often!

Expected Results of Lumen Auction July 11th

We know it’s old news, but everybody is talking about the auction at Lumen on July 11th.  We’re probably the last to post about it, but just in case you haven’t heard…

Based on Matt’s post about the auction results at Queen Anne High School, Lumen should do well considering the hype that seems to be getting around.  Their HOA dues are significantly higher than most other condo projects, but Ben explains why in a comment left in his post about the event.  Lumen is a unique property, and after the completion of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it will be across the street from FOUR Seattle landmarks (B&M Gates Foundation, Seattle Center, Space Needle, & EMP–not to mention PNB, Intiman, IMAX and the Science Center).  In addition, the address offers a QFC grocery store at street level, easy access to I-5 (not so easy during rush hour), and a hop, skip and a  jump away from  South Lake Union.

At any rate, if you’re planning on going, make sure you Register.

Lumen Called

…so we went.

Lumen has about 20 or so units left on the market, and for the most part the availability is all across the board.  The only real update we can give on the project is that it’s finished, the QFC is convenient, the entrance to Office Max seems to have moved to the southwest corner of the building, the conveyor belt sushi restaurant is getting some good reviews, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is coming along just fine.

In fact, the value of location is surely Lumen’s best quality.  Sure, it has some nice amenities like the SkyLounge with full kitchen and movie room, but when it comes to real estate’s #1 rule in determining value, Lumen really does have it.

So, here’s a look at what the location has to offer that many other projects do not:

• Grocery shopping
• Across the street from the Seattle Center (walk to the Bite of Seattle, Bumpershoot, and many other festivities).
• Across the street from a soon-to-be national landmark–The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• On-site Sushi!
• Easy access to I-5
• Hop, skip and jump to several parks
• and restaurants galore.

As far as the units themselves are concerned, you really have to be a fan of concrete since it’s exposed in the floors, walls, and ceilings.  The architecture is modern, the floorplans are very spacious, there’s a few 2-story lofts left, and the units with the folding glass Nana walls are very cool.

Here are some other pics we took during out visit:

Examples and Characteristics of Lofts in Seattle

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.

LEED-Certified Condos Yeild Higher Return

The new generation of buyers are demanding green built features when shopping for their first home, even though it can cost them up to 25% more. Builders are now being forced to make the additional up front investment in construction costs (averaging 2%), but Wikipedia states that they will eventually yield over 10 times that amount over the life cycle of the building. Additionally, developers receive additional incentives from state/local government that help boost press and public interest. Studies also show that LEED-certified buildings average $11.24 more per square foot, and have a 3.8% higher occupancy than non-LEED built homes.

So what is LEED-Certified?

Developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council of Washington D.C. (a nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders), The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)™ uses a rating system which offers 4 levels of certification — Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each certification is designed to represent an “environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place to live” by measuring building sustainability.

Each level is measured by points in five design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The higher the level, the higher the expenditure. However, LEED-certified buildings:

• Lower operating costs and increased asset value.
• Reduce waste sent to landfills.
• Conserve energy and water.
• Healthier and safer for occupants.
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
• Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
• Demonstrate an owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Here’s a look at what downtown area projects have been, or are striving to be LEED-certified:

2200 Westlake
5th and Madison
AVA
ENSO
ESCALA
Fifteen Twenty-One
Lumen
Mosler Lofts
Olive 8
Veer Lofts

It is surprising that many of the new construction projects haven’t applied for any level of LEED-certification considering that it’s proven to increase sale prices and occupancy. At the same time, an up front investment of 2% for a builder can be quite a bit.

Green Home Checklist
Green Homes 101

While reports on the Internet support that buyers will pay more for a LEED-certified home, and builders will yield higher profits, I’ve had experience where buyers are actually turned off by the idea of having recycled materials integrated into their home’s interior.  Buyer’s also seem to prefer to get more square feet for their dollar rather than a smaller green built home.  What would you do if you could get a new construction 2 bedroom condo for the same price as LEED-certified 1 bedroom?

New Construction Update: Leona in Queen Anne

Erica Clibborn from Williams Marketing invited us to get a sneak peak of a new project on Queen Anne Avenue yesterday. The building consists of 13 updated historic homes, 3 new townhomes, and 2 new penthouses. The developer, Maria Barrientos, has an impressive portfolio of historic preservation projects including the 5th Avenue Theater, Eagle Auditorium, Union Station, Paramount Theater, Stadium Lofts, and more. Homes in the historic structure will receive a tax break, but the exact amount is not yet known. Overall, the homes are incredibly spacious, and very few units are the same.

Although these homes are currently under construction, Erica has allowed us to give private showings to anyone interested in seeing these before they hit the market. Click here to arrange a time and day that works best for you.

1B Ward Street

2,817 sq. ft.
2 bed, den, 2.5 bath,
3rd floor family room

View Floorplan (pdf)

1A Ward St. | 1B Ward St. | 1C Ward St.

Artist Rendering for Townhomes

Leona 4

918 sq. ft.
1 Bed, 1 Bath

View Floorplan (pdf)

Leona 6

786 sq. ft.
1 Bed, 1 Bath, den

View Floorplan (pdf)

Leona 13

1,425 sq. ft.
2 Bed, 2 Bath

View Floorplan (pdf)

Artist Rendering for Residence 13

Expo 62 Sold As Apartment Building: 17 Buyers to be Released from Purchase & Sale Agreements

I’m one of the 17 buyers whose purchase and sale agreement is no longer reserving a unit purchased for Expo 62. Although the sales staff for Expo 62 did a wonderful job (kudos to Katy Lassey), sales just weren’t up to par and therefore sold to an out-of-state investor. My speculation is that Intracorp’s “hip” marketing strategy and “daddy-o” slogan didn’t coincide with it’s target market. It’s effort was directed towards targeting younger buyers who weren’t aware of it’s relation to Seattle’s World Fair and construction of the Spaceneedle in 1962. Marketing just didn’t make sense. The building should still be a wonderful asset to the community and a wonderful place to live for those looking to rent.

Trio – 3104 Western Ave. Seattle, WA 98121

Address: 3104 Western Ave., Seattle, WA 98121
Neighborhood: Belltown

CONDOS FOR SALE

Here you can find all active listings at Trio. 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 Trio 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 Belltown’s most northwestern neighborhood, Trio is almost within an arms reach of Seattle’s waterfront (Pier 70), Myrtle Edwards Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park. The location allows homeowners to enjoy all that Belltown has to offer including the Seattle Center and lower Queen Anne. Floorplans range from 506 to 1,302 square feet including alcoves, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms and live/work lofts. Many units boasts Space Needle and/or sound views. Interiors design and finishes by Renee Marquardt and Robin Freeman of West Seattle based Two9 Design. Designer palettes offer a combination of bamboo, cork and metal materials. Amenities include a landscaped rooftop terrace and club room with pool table, flat-screen TV, fireplace and kitchenette.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 2007
• Number of Units: 116
• Number of Stories: 6
• Exterior: Metal/Vinyl
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Central Hot Water, Garbage
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Club House, Elevator, Fire Sprinklers, Game/Rec Room, Lobby Entrance, Concierge, Rooftop Terrace

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• 1st Denny Market
• Digicopy n Print
• Minnie’s Cafe
• Pacific Science Center
• Rain Fitness
• Rice N Spice
• Sandwich Tree
• Seattle Post Intelligencer
• Shell FoodMart
• Subway
• Tini Bigs Lounge
• Vespa Seattle
• Watertown

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.

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