Cristalla: Happy Ending, New Beginning

 

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.

Cristalla’s Green Wall is Changing Color (while staying Green)

As you walk past the south end of the Cristalla, you can’t help but notice a big green wall with soft brown panels creeping up from below.  These are the final steps in constructing a permanent south wall for the building, now underway through CDK Construction Services.

At the time the Cristalla was finished, the south wall was sheltered by an adjoining building set to become the 2015 Second Avenue project. That building was razed during the downtown condo boom, with construction permits filed and things going nicely in 2008 (it was even scheduled to open in 2010). However, like most projects later that year, the recession hit and everything stopped. This left the Cristalla with a now- exposed south wall.  Resulting weather damage finally caused management to repair damages and work on a permanent fix. Now that the south wall will be permanently protected, the Cristalla will no longer have to worry about major maintenance problems or structural concerns—which will also bring a sigh of relief to potential buyers and their lenders.

The green part of the wall is a rain screen manufactured by Knight Wall Systems. Rain screens are exterior infrastructures which sit away from an outside wall’s weather-resistant barrier.  They create a cavity allowing moisture to pass through and away from the building. The resulting airflow between the rain screen and the wall accelerates residual moisture evaporation. There’s also room for additional insulation, which increases energy efficiency and adds LEED credits to the building.

Another LEED feature is the brown part of the wall. North Clad® composite panels have a recycled content of approximately 30%+ pre and post-consumer recycled content. These lightweight panels reflect energy from the sun, reduce heat absorption and are graffiti-resistant. Aesthetically, it’s beautiful material, creating an illusion of a fabric-covered wall. Noel Foster, CDK project manager, added that they’re very pleased with the results.

The Cristalla South Wall project is well ahead of schedule and should be completed in September. The 2015 Second Avenue project is still in play, but no resumption date has been announced.

Cristalla Assessment Simply Based on Neighboring Construction Hold-Up

The Cristalla has assessed its homeowners for water intrusion based on some open space that had become exposed to exterior elements. The empty lot had previously been going through a permitting process during downtown condo boom just a couple years ago, but was put on hold like most other proposed buildings. The residential high-rise named 2015 Second is designed to be physically attached to the base of the Cristalla building, and based on those plans the exterior of the south side of the address had no plans of delay at the time.

While homeowners seemed to have known in advance of the assessment, it has caused some challenges with lenders getting buyers approved while maintenance is under way. In the meantime, the building is doing their best to take the necessary precautions and things are expected to be settled with no outrageous concern from homebuyers or residents.

Stroupe Group Exclusive Websites for Buildings

We wanted to take a moment to share a beneficial service we provide for both buyers and sellers looking at downtown Seattle real estate.  Over the last couple of years, we have built a collection of websites for buildings downtown, and have many more in the hopper.  Our intention with these websites is to allow each unique address to convey its own personality online.

Every site we build for a condo building allows a visitor to:

• View active units for sale,
• View the past three years of sold history,
• Sign up for instant email notifications of new listings,
• Inquire about a particular unit’s value,
• See a neighborhood map and WalkScore,
• Look at a photo gallery of amenities, and
• Get building management/concierge contact information.

In addition, whenever we have a seller that lists with the Stroupe Group, we integrate a customized page with professional photography.  All of our building websites also place at the top of all major search engines for maximum exposure, and we also use linking strategies to further secure placement.

Visit our current project: EscalaTower.com

Below is a list of other websites that are constantly being improved, and we would love to hear any suggestions on how we can make them better.

• 81 Vine Lofts
• 2200 Westlake
• Arbor Place Tower
• Avenue One
• Bay Vista Tower
• Bellora Building
• Cristalla
• Fifteen Twenty-One
• Gallery
• Meridian Tower
• Newmark Tower
• Pomeroy
• Seattle Heights
• Tavona Condos
• The Cosmopolitan
• The Parc
• The Vine
• Toscano
• Watermark Tower

Sample Gallery

BelltownParc.com	FifteenTwenty-One.com
LiveAtTheVine.com	AvenueOneCondos.com
GalleryInBelltown.com	CristallaBuilding.com

Open Houses for Sunday, April 19th

If you’re in the market for a Belltown studio, a more spacious unit closer to the market, or prefer to be on the outskirts, the take a look at our open houses this weekend.

From 1 to 4 on Sunday, the following listings will be open:

Bellora
2716 Elliott Ave #604
Seattle, WA 98121
$290,000 0 Bed 1 Bath 494 sq. ft.

Cristalla
2033 2nd Ave #703
Seattle, WA 98121
$785,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,408 sq. ft.

Tavona x 4
3333 Wallingford Ave N #103 , #214, #314, & #305
Seattle, WA 98103

$598,950 2 Bed 2  Baths 1,079 sq.ft.
$460,000 2 Beds 2  Baths 1,216 sq.ft.
$430,000 2 Beds 1.75  Baths 1,216 sq.ft.
$424,950 2 Beds 2  Baths 1,079 sq.ft.

Visit our Featured Listings page for more details and directions.

Open House at the Cristalla Saturday afternoon

$785,000 ($558/Sq.Ft.)
MLS# 29030500

2033 2nd Ave #703
Seattle, WA 98121

Interior Size: 1,408 Sq.Ft.
Beds: 2   Baths: 2

Immaculate 2 Bedroom 2 Bath corner unit in the Cristalla. Huge windows capture Sound views from master suite and open living room. Gourmet chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gas cook top, large wine case, and cherry wood cabinets. Master suite boasts spacious bathroom, soaking tub, and walk in closet. Located in the heart of downtown and close to shopping, restaurants, and the market. Don’t let this one get away!

Come take a look Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4:00 p.m.!

VIEW MORE DETAILS

2015 Second Ave. Design Proposal Highlights

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)

Cristalla – 2033 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98121

Address: 2033 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98121
Neighborhood: Belltown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Awarded for Excellence in Engineering and Architecture in association with structural engineers Cary Kopczynski & Company, the Cristalla is one of Seattle’s most beloved high-rise condominiums located on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Lenora. Developed by Murray Franklyn and designed by architects Weber + Thompson, the base is a terra cotta façade of an Italian Renaissance building built in 1906, the Crytal Pool. In addition to the lobby’s elegant staircase and 2-story water feature, William Traver Gallery and local artist Anna Skibska provided artistic decor throughout. Interior designer Mandy Reed continued the theme of the building’s history by maintaining a prevelence of water with translucent panels on doors and glass panels on upper kitchen cabinets. As if there wasn’t already enough details, SSA Acoustics also provided design recommendations for sound quality. All homes feature hardwood flooring with the exception of carpeted bedrooms. Studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms and penthouses range from 420 to 2800 square feet. Original prices ranged from $160,000 to $3,000,000.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 2005
• Number of Units: 191
• Number of Stories: 23
• Exterior: Cement/Concrete, Glass
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: No Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Cable TV, Central Hot Water, Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Business Center, Cable TV, Car Wash, Club House, Concierge, Disabled Access, Dog Park, Elevator, Exercise Room, Fire Sprinklers, Flexcar, Game/Rec Room, Guest Suite, High Speed Internet Available, Hot Tub, Lobby Entrance, Pilates/Yoga Room, Sauna, Security Gate, Rooftop Deck, Steam Room

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Baby & Co
• Belltown Yoga
• Blonde
• Brasa
• Cherry Street Coffee House
• Etherea Salon Spa
• Fancy
• Gary Manuel Salon
• Jai Thai
• Maggie’s Shoes
• Market Groceries and Deli
• Moore Theater
• Peter Miller
• Qube Restaurant
• Ralph’s Grocery & Deli
• Saito’s Japanese Cafe & Bar
• Sound Grocery
• Starbucks
• Starlite Lounge
• Tully’s Coffee
• Velocity Art & Design
• Virginia Inn

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.

Open House Blitz: Downtown, Waterfront & Belltown

Buyer’s Agent Staci Dinehart will be hosting 3 open houses this week. Each catering to different lifestyles. Be sure to give Staci a call if you need help with directions or have questions and can’t make the scheduled day & time. Also call to arrange a private showing. Staci D. – (206) 351-0572

Thursday, Jan. 9th from 11:00 – 2:00

Downtown/Belltown 1 Bed 1 Bath @ The Cristalla

Price: $629,950
MLS#: 27188930
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Square Feet: 820

SLIDESHOW/PICS

The ultimate urban lifestyle. Modern luxuries & conveniences at your fingertips. Spacious, open 1 bedroom + den features stunning city views, warm bamboo floors, gorgeous wood cabinetry & built-ins, slab, stainless, sleek fixtures & hardware. Private balcony stretches across living room & bedroom. 2-sided gas fireplace, generous spa-style tiled bath with slab counters. Amenities galore: incredible roof deck with fire pit & BBQ, 24-hour concierge, gym, spa/sauna/steam, theater, party room, dog park, car wash, & more. Belltown is at your doorstep! Fine dining and nightlife, shopping, the waterfront – you can’t beat the location. Check out the Photo Gallery for additional details!

DIRECTIONS

Cristalla

2033 2nd Ave. #807
Seattle, WA 98121

Saturday, Jan. 11th from 10:00 – 1:00

Waterfront 1 Bedroom 1 Bath @ Waterfront Landing

Price: $365,000
MLS#: 27186517
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Square Feet: 624

SLIDESHOW/PICS

A perfect pied-a-terre ground floor home faces the courtyard & has much to offer in regards to style, location and convenience. Great open floor plan features eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, 9′ ceilings, spa-like bath with Jacuzzi tub, deeded storage & large patio. Take advantage of Pike Place Market, the Aquarium and SAM Sculpture Park all just blocks away. The building amenities include workout room, spa, meeting/party room, biz center, guest suite, rooftop BBQ, on-site management & security.

DIRECTIONS

Waterfront Landing

1900 Alaskan Way #110
Seattle, WA 98101

Sunday, Jan. 12th from 1:00 – 4:00

Belltown 1 Bedroom 1 Bath @ Belltown Court

Price: $299,950
MLS#: 27210942
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Square Feet: 594

SLIDESHOW/PICS

Welcome to Belltown Court! Located in the heart of Belltown. Recently updated exterior, new energy efficient windows, new decks, new roof on this building, all paid for and park like Courtyard! Indoor pool, sauna, HUGE gym, 2 roof top decks with BBQ’s, rec-room with a full kitchen and big screen TV! This place really has it all! Walking distance to downtown entertainment,shopping, & more. This comfortable unit has a city view. Building has a secure entrance and onsite security. Parking included.

DIRECTIONS

Belltown Court

2415 2nd Ave. #538
Seattle, WA 98121