Beep, Bzzt: Electric Car news (and a test drive, too)

Nissan’s first zero-emission, all-electric car, the Nissan LEAF, will be hitting Seattle streets in December. And where will you plug them in?  In August 2009, a $99.8 million goverment grant to Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec) was awarded to set up electric car networks in five cities nationwide. Seattle’s portion will be used to set up around 2,550 charging systems, enabling drivers to use electric vehicles throughout the region with the security of knowing a charging station is nearby.  AND, under this program, LEAF buyers will also be offered a free 220-volt charging station for home use, similar to the power level you’d use to run your dryer.

With an agreement between local goverments and Nissan North American in place, both Seattle and King County are working to get these cars into their carpools, as well as encouraging buyers to get them on the streets. Zipcar users both public and with the city will be able to drive a LEAF, too, because Zipcar is also an eTec program partner. 

Plug-in locations are still being determined throughout King County, but currently scheduled for setup in Seattle are as follows:

Central Library Parking Garage- 4 stations

Fauntleroy Ferry Dock- 6 stations

King Street Center- 8 stations 

Pacific Place Parking Garage- 5 stations

Pike Place- 2 stations

SeaPark Garage – 6 stations

Seattle Center, 5th Ave Parking Garage- 5 stations

UW Foster School of Business- 1 station

The LEAF is a five-passenger hatchback with sporty handling that can go about 100 miles on an eight-hour charge. At current Seattle City Light electric rates, the LEAF would cost approximately $200 to drive 10,000 miles, or around 2 cents a mile. With the same scenario, a gas-powered vehicle based on 25 mpg would cost approximately $1,220, at $3.05 per gallon. One hears about the high cost of purchasing an electric car, but the LEAF is scheduled to be priced in the range of a typical family sedan. And, you’ll be able to set your mobile phone to activate the air conditioning and the charging performance wirelessly.

If you’d like to take the future out for a spin today, Nissan is sponsoring a test drive in Tukwila from Friday through Sunday, November 12th – 14th.  Register ahead of time at https://www.drivenissanleaf.com, select Events in the left column, then Seattle, and a registration form will pop up. Allow around 60-90 minutes for the test drive. If you want to go on a first-come, first-serve basis, the event takes place at Westfield Southcenter in the parking lot area north of Macy’s.  Hours on Friday and Saturday are from 7am – 5pm, and Sunday from 8am- 4pm.

The Decatur: First Hill Finery, with a Neighborly Touch

You may find yourself torn as to what you want in a condominium home. You thrive in the high energy of a city. Then you come across a photo of a street with big, shady trees and think, “I’ll never find that here”. Surprise! The Decatur Condominiums not only offers you a neighborhood lifestyle but you’re also minutes away from a lot of Seattle living. And, at up to 35 percent off its original prices, The Decatur is a bargain to boot!

The Decatur was designed by Space Needle architect John Graham Jr. in 1950. The recent restoration and upgrading of its 13 stories by Wysong Group (who also worked on Tobira and the Press) now feature 146 one-bedroom (starting at $189,950) and two-bedroom (starting at $269,950) homes. There are four floor plans to choose from, all homes sporting Brazilian cherry wood floors, plush carpeting, granite countertops and top-of-the line stainless steel appliances.

If you’re into green living, this building is a beauty. It has a Zipcar service plus a parking area for bikes and scooters. You’ll also be living in what’s ranked as Seattle’s third most “walkable” neighborhood. Want a place with views? From the ground floor where you enter from tree-lined streets, to the rooftop terrace with wraparound city, mountain and water views, there is beauty from top to toe. Is security an issue? You have a controlled access entry with CCTV surveillance. There’s even a live-in building manager.

But what’s really nice about The Decatur is that when you come home from a busy city day, you really feel as if you’re not IN the city anymore. Its First Hill location is in one of Seattle’s most established neighborhoods, which prides itself in keeping its streets quiet and safe. Neighboring buildings and homes are beautiful and carefully kept. Actually, it’s hard to believe that all this peace and quiet is sandwiched between two of the hottest areas in Seattle. To the north is the edge of Capitol Hill’s Pike/Pine neighborhood, and to the south is Downtown. Both areas have something for everyone, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, culture and nightlife.

The Decatur is located at the foot of Capitol Hill on the corner of Boren Avenue and Spring Street. Over 65 percent sold, The Decatur is ready for immediate move-in. Take advantage of their final sales release, with FHA financing* available. There’s also 3.5% down payment options, and closing cost credits available.

Want to check it out?  Contact us at this link!

NOTE: Seller reserves the right to change the product offering without notice. *Financing assumes 3.5% down payment (FHA) on a 30 year fixed mortgage with a 2-1 buy down by seller for 2.25% interest first year, 3.25% interest second year and 4.25% thereafter. Payment includes P&I and MI. (HOA dues and taxes not included). This is not a commitment to lend – certain restrictions and qualifications required. E&OE.

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.

5th and Madison – 909 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

Address: 909 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

Here you can find all active listings at 5th and Madison. 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 5th and Madison condos for sale as soon as they hit the market. Membership also includes a monthly review of all activity for this building.

DESCRIPTION

Newspaper headlines for 5th and Madison boast healthy, active downtown living and “built green” (one of the top 10 green built in America). Designed by architects Ruffcorn Mott Hinthorne Stine and built by Turner Construction, 5th and Madison is located across the street from the Central Seattle Library in the Financial District. The project is a renovation of the existing 40-story Bank of California office tower. Green features included 30% less energy and water usage. This high-rise is one of the first in the country to obtain a Gold Standard LEED certification for it’s leadership in environmental design. Ground-level green space is a half acre of landscaped drought-tolerant native plants with a water channel and waterfall. Even paints, adhesives and sealants are all low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC). Many of this tower’s affluent homebuyers seek healthier lifestyles and are concerned about fuel-effeciency. One-bedrooms and one-bedrooms plus dens were originally priced from the $500’s to $1.1 million. Penthouses from $1.9 million to $2.6 million.

PICTURES

VIDEO

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 2007
• Number of Units: 126
• Number of Stories: 24
• Exterior: Cement/Concrete, Steel, Glass
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Central Hot Water, Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Elevator, Exercise Room, Fire Sprinklers, Lobby Entrance, Concierge, Courtyard, Club Room

NEIGHBORHOOD

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.

Lumen – 501 Roy Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Address: 501 Roy St., Seattle, WA 98109
Neighborhood: Queen Anne

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

A couple of Lumen’s best features is it’s soaring floor to ceiling windows of up to 20 feet and luminescent exterior walls. Developed by Landstar Real Estate, LLC, Lumen has also been constructed to maximize space with movable interior wall systems and in-line kitchens by award-winning architect David Hewitt of Hewitt Architects and interior designer Garret Cord Werner. Units consist of flats, lofts and townhomes that were originally priced from the mid $200’s to over $1 million. Amenities include a Sky Lounge that boasts “dramatic city views” with lunge space, catering kitchen and private screening room with seating for 12. The Sky Club features a bar, billiard and gaming tables, video and music system. The landscaped interior courtyard features Tivioli lighting, BBQ, fire pit and city views including the Space Needle located just a block away. Near restaurants, entertainment, Seattle Center and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 2007
• Number of Units: 98
• Number of Stories: 4
• Exterior: Cement/Concrete, Metal/Vinyl, Glass
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Cable TV, Central Hot Water, Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Concierge, Disabled Access, Elevator, Fire Sprinklers, Game/Rec Room, Guest Suite, Lobby Entrance, Security Gate, Private Screening Room, Interior Courtyard, Zipcar

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• 7-Eleven
• Hampton Inn
• Horizon Church
• Intiman Theatre Playhouse
• Jewel Alterations & Cleaners
• Pacific NW Ballet
• PhotoVelocity Image Studio
• Seattle Repertory Theatre
• Sushi Land

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.