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?

Amazon.com: 11 Buildings Totaling up to 1.6 Million Sq. Ft. of New Office and Street-Level Retail Space in SLU

This is great news for those who already have, or plan to purchase a new home in the South Lake Union neighborhood.

Be sure to check out the following condos if you’re thinking about buying.

Enso 135 luxury condominiums that are part of our 2201 Westlake mixed-use project on the corner of Westlake Avenue N. and Denny Way, scheduled to open in spring 2009
Veer Lofts 99 artistic lofts featuring open, flexible floorplans on 9th Avenue and Harrison Street, scheduled to open in summer-2008
Rollin Street 208 SoHo-style flats on the northeast corner of Denny Way and Westlake Avenue N., expected to open in spring 2009

Veer Lofts – 401 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98109

Address: 401 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98109
Neighborhood: South Lake Union

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Developed by Vulcan Real Estate, Veer Lofts was designed by experts in lofts; Johnson Architects. Homes offer volumes of open space and marketing encourages buyers to personalize thier homes by becoming a weekend regular Home Depot. Constructed by Walsh Construction, the LEED Certified community features drought tolerant landscaping, water conserving fixtures, natural day lighting with walls almost entirely made of glass and recycled building materials. Floorplans range from 624 to 1067 square feet with some having their own private outdoor balcony. Veer Lofts is located across the street from South Lake Union Streetcar line, the Westlake Whole Foods and just a few blocks away from everything else downtown has to offer.

PICTURES

VIDEO

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 2008
• Number of Units: 99
• Number of Stories: 6
• Exterior: Cement/Concrete, Metal/Vinyl
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Bocce Ball Court, Elevator, Fire Sprinklers, Lobby Entrance, Retail, Rooftop Terrace

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• 13 Coins
• Alpha-Cine
• Beba’s A Deli
• City Limits DVD
• Cornish College
• Gordon Woodside/John Braseth
• Seattle Piano Gallery
• Seattle Times
• Seattle Wine Storage
• Slo Joe’s Bigtime Backyard BBQ
• Subway
• Whole Foods Market

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.

Excitement of South Lake Union Continues to Grow

It seems as though the South Lake Union neighborhood has dominated the public’s interest in newspaper headlines. In just the last week alone, there were four updates featured in the Seattle Times and Post Intelligencer regarding economic and ecological progress. Here’s a peek at what’s the beginning of the S.L.U. boom.

• The new streetcar began operating at 12:12pm on 12-12-07. It was automobiles that were originally the death of the streetcar in the 1940’s. With the expectation of 12,000 new jobs and 6,000 new homes to be built in the neighborhood, the streetcar will help cut back on fuel usage and congestion.

• Speaking of fuel usage, another recent announcement was made stating that Propel Biofuels will open it’s flagship gas station on the corner of Westlake Avenue and Valley Street. The station will not have attendants, convenience store or even pumps. Customers will serve themselves and the landscaping will include canola, camilina, switch grass and soybeans. All of which ingredients to make biodiesel fuel.

• The media also announced the recent approval given to Vulcan, Paul Allen’s development company, to construct three 160′ buildings for the new (presumed) Amazon.com headquarters. Not only will the new location for Amazon drive a speculated 4,000 new jobs to the neighborhood, the City Counsel Panel also insured money would be allocated to affordable housing.

• On Friday, the new footbridge was installed at South Lake Union Park which connects people to the new streetcar station. The 12-acre park is planned to include parking, boardwalk, model boat pond and lush landscaping.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7c7paNe8go&rel=1]

Available real estate investments in the booming neighborhood include:

2200 Westlake
Enso at 2201 Westlake
Rollin Street Flats
Veer Lofts
Equinox