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.

Team 1521: From Start to Finish – Time Lapsed Video

In combination with the completion of Four Seasons, a hard hat tour for Olive 8 & Rollin Street, the last couple of weeks have been rather exciting for Seattle’s new construction.  Even better news is that they’ve all sold impressively well, and Fifteen Twenty-One is no exception.  Today, there’s only 8 currently available in the 143 unit high-rise.  Four Seasons has 10 remaining of their 36, and Olive 8 had reported they sold approximately 75% of their 231 available units when we toured about month ago.

The team that made it all possible is also one of the most experienced and reputable groups of professionals anyone could ask for.

Architecture

Blaine Weber/Weber Thompson Architects – Project architect and founding principle at Weber Thompson Architects, the award-winning firm has also designed the 5-star Hotel 1000/Madison Tower on 1st Avenue, the much anticipated AVA, and one of Seattle’s most cherished condominium high-rises The Cristalla (from which Mr. Weber had lived before 1521).

Interior

Susan Marinello Interiors – Another local based firm who has an impressive portfolio designing upscale residential, commercial, hospitality projects. .Susan has also trophied her work at the Four Seasons Private Residences, The Condominiums at One Lincoln Tower, and the Hyatt Regency.

Development

Opus/Samis Land Company – Opus (one of the top ten developers in the country) worked together with William Justen (managing director of Samis) who is one of the states largest commercial landowners and has made a significant impact on Seattle’s urban development.

Enjoy this 10-second time-lapsed video of 1521’s construction:

AVA

Status: Postponed
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Where the cosmopolitan energy of the city meets the serene sanctuary of the home – proving that opposites do indeed attract.  Explore downtown’s dynamic collection of upscale boutiques, fine dining and entertainment venues – recharge with peaceful residential spaces and exclusive hotel amenities.  Life at AVA, Seattle’s newest contemporary high-rise residences and estates above an intimate luxury hotel, is that of high design and enduring elegance.  It’s ZEN living in the ZING of downtown.

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.

1915 Second – 1915 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Status: Proposed: 2011
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

Here you can find all active listings at 1915 Second. 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 1915 Second condos for sale as soon as they hit the market. Membership also includes a monthly review of all activity for this building.

DESCRIPTION

Located near the Pike Place Market and crowned by a 35-foot Western Red Cedar, 1915 Second Avenue will have a distinctively Seattle appearance. An elegant, chiseled, faceted and layered façade of metal, glass and masonry emphasize the tower’s vertical elements and slenderize the tower. Retail spaces and a residential lobby will front Second Avenue, and the building will include amenity spaces for the residents. A variety of home sizes and price points are planned to accommodate a range of homeowners.

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.

Icon Tower – 600 Wall St., Seattle, WA 98121

Status: Postponed
Neighborhood: Belltown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

6th and Wall is a 290′ tall, glassy, slender and carefully sculpted high-rise residential tower located near Seattle Center in the Denny Triangle. Hip and cool, this modern and elegant tower will sit on a triangular site that the project has all to itself. A mix of unit types will accommodate a diverse range of buyers in more affordable price points. Retail at the base of the tower activates the public realm, while common amenity spaces help create a sense of community among the homeowners.

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.

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)

Weber Thompson Shows Off Firm’s New Terry Thomas Building

Democrats are making a comeback, and Weber Thompson Architects have progressively made a once mocked at tree hugger–sexy. Posing their style of environmentally conscious design, today’s open house encouraged visitors to peruse through the building with six various displays of how the building either enhances or conserves energy. Overall, the building’s natural light was energizing, and the large open spaces were relaxing. But, one of the most impressive exhibits is their staff seemed excited to be hosting an evening work related event during such nice weather. Weber Thompson understands that positive efforts yield positive results. You can easily see it in their portfolio, their people, and now their own home.

Terry Thomas Blog
More on the Terry Thomas from Matt.

Enjoy the pics.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Vsro9NK8w&hl=en]

Madison Tower – 1000 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104

Address: 1000 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Madison Tower places you in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant downtown and waterfront districts. The Weber + Thompson 24-story high-rise features 47 luxury homes above Hotel 1000; a boutique hotel. Owner have the luxury of all the amenities the hotel offers… from room service and valet parking to private chef services, housekeeping services, and spa treatments. Floorplans range from 845 to 2300 square feet and original prices ranged from $545,000 to $2,250,000.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 2006
• Number of Units: 47
• Number of Stories: 24
• Exterior: Cement/Concrete
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: No Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Cable TV, Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Business Center, Cable TV, Concierge, Elevator, Exercise Room, Rooftop Deck, Spa, Virtual Golf

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Alexis Hotel
• Arundel Books
• Aveda Salon
• Bookstore Bar & Cafe
• Greg Davidson Antique Lighting
• Legacy Ltd
• Parfumerie Nasreen
• Scandia Jewelers
• Taboo Video
• Watson Kennedy Fine Home

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.

New Blog by Scott Thompson

I just discovered a new blog by Scott Thompson with Weber Thompson Architects this morning. The blog is currently about their new location at the Terry Thomas building where Scott proudly discusses their focus on green design and sustainability. The new home for Weber Thompson (as of April 4th) is located appropriately in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood on the corner of Thomas Street and Terry Avenue.

…strategically positioned to take advantage of all the current and future amenities this exciting area has to offer, including being one block from a Streetcar Station and just blocks from Whole Foods Market and Denny Park. Built eco-friendly with an emphasis on sustainable design, the Building features operable windows, an interior, open-air courtyard and a passive cooling system. When completed the owners will apply for LEED GOLD certification.

They’re also encouraging people to contact them for a personal tour of the new building. Weber Thompson’s portfolio includes other familiar/downtown area projects such as:

• Madison Tower
• Cristalla
• 1915 Second
• Fifteen Twenty-One
• AVA
• 2200 Westlake
• Expo 62
• Equinox
• Portal
• 6th and Wall

You can search active condos for sale and review building facts on this blog for:

• Madison Tower (coming very soon)
• Cristalla
• Fifteen Twenty-One
• AVA
• 2200 Westlake

1915 Second Avenue Artist Renderings

I was cruising through Weber + Thompson’s new website (looks like they dumped the +) today and came across a few renderings for 1915 Second, which is located 1.5 blocks south of the Cristalla. The mixed-use tower is striving for Silver LEED certification and will feature a 35-foot Red Wood Cedar on the rooftop terrace. This area of the neighborhood is booming with development with projects such as the Four Seasons, Escala, Fifteen Twenty-One and a few other proposed residential high-rises (Ben has an excellent rendering of the Remaking of 2nd Avenue on his blog). With that being the case, in addition to the esteemed reputation of Weber + Thompson, sales should do fairly well when occupancy becomes available in the next 2 to 3 years.

Here’s a couple pictures for you to enjoy.

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