Follow That Pig! Rachel’s Seattle Tour

Pike Place Market’s  famous and much-loved “unofficial” mascot Rachel the Piggybank has successfully recovered from injuries sustained in a car accident and will be en route back to her home at the Market the week of March 13^th.  But, while she’s still hoof-loose and cement-free, Rachel’s going to take a rock star-type tour of some of her favorite Seattle spots before heading home for good.

Rachel became a Pike Place Market mainstay in 1986, where she greets the public under the Market’s famous clock and sign.  As a working piggybank, all proceeds go to the Market Foundation to raise money and awareness for the four human service agencies based in the Market Historic District (Pike Market Medical Clinic, Pike Market Food Bank, Pike Market Childcare & Preschool and the Pike Market Senior Center). 

Life took a strange little turn the morning of February 5^th, when a rear-ended taxicab lost control on rain-soaked streets and plowed into a wall of construction fencing at the Market—and also into Rachel. The 550-pound bronze-cast pig was knocked off the pins securing her to the cement and flew about 10 feet, landing on her left side.  

Rachel didn’t die, of course, but she did suffer injuries which needed  a good dose of tender loving care.  She sustained a number of scrapes and small abrasions, but the most serious damage was a 10-inch crack along the top of her left ear and a large dent on her left side.  Fortunately, the dent was a shallow one.  The crack was welded, the abrasions were sanded, and all is well again.  Who did the repair work?  A team of three led by Rachel’s “mom”—her creator, Whidbey Island artist Georgia Gerber.   

Rachel will be zipping around town on the back of the Market’s vintage 1936 farm truck.  Follow the hoofprints down the side of this article for her appearance schedule.  After her final stop at Westlake Plaza, Rachel will return to a hero’s welcome at the Market, scheduled around 1:30 p.m.   We do say “hero” because there could have been a lot more damage done to the Market had she and the construction wall not stopped the car. 

Pike Place Market’s $68.6 million renovation is going strong, and it’s still estimated that everything will be completed by May, 2011.  In the meantime, there is constant movearound of the shops and restaurants in all Market buildings. Their website can keep you updated on the latest news, and you can even register online to get weekly updates on the renovation and the affected businesses for that time period.  In the meantime, enjoy some Rachel-spotting!

Fifteen Twenty-One Second: How “Design Matters”

“Design Matters” is a new video series on the attributes of Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue, bearing testimony that the unique qualities of Fifteen Twenty-One have earned them their distinctive market niche, which has continuously held its value in spite of the current condominium market.

The six spokespersons representing different design attributes on the Design Matters series (note that the starred* names are also Fifteen Twenty-One homeowners) are:

1.0 – Architecture / Blaine Weber*, Architect and Principal of Weber Thompson Architects

2.0 – Interior Design / Susan Marinello, Interior Designer of Susan Marinello Interiors

3.0 – Amenities & Lifestyle / William Justen*, Project Visionary and Longtime Downtown Resident

4.0 – Development Practices / Tom Parsons, Developer and Senior Vice President of OPUS Group

5.0 – Community & HOA Operations / Amanda Ciliberto, Chef Concierge for Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue

6.0 – Mortgage Lending / Jeff Bell*, Preferred Lender and Partner with Cobalt Mortgage

The contributors cite numerous tangible and intangible attributes that set the project apart including: transformative “tall and slender” architecture; protected water views; all larger format homes averaging 1,988 sq. ft.; the first-of-its-kind “Glass Rooms” in the homes; a uniform “all penthouse” approach to design; a strong sense of community; and a sales focus towards principle residences helping to maintain established market pricing.   This has led to numerous awards and acknowledgments by industry judges at regional and national development competitions held by such organizations as NAIOP, Multifamily Executive Magazine, The Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference and The National Association of Homebuilders.

Right off of Pike Street, Fifteen Twenty-One is within easy walking distance to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, plus a number of shops and restaurants in the best of Belltown.  Only 3 to 5 homes are located on each floor (143 units on 38 stories), ranging from 1,659 to 2,958 sq ft.   Their claims of being “The West Coast’s Most Successful High-Rise Condominium” are well-founded because they paid off their $176 million construction loan in the fall of 2010.

Fifteen Twenty-One also has a great list of amenities including a 24-hour concierge, security controls, conference space / digital boardroom, rooftop terraces with wide-open city, water and mountain views, a rooftop Sky Lounge, spa-worthy residential fitness center plus a yoga and Pilates studio, playrooms for kids and a convenient pet area.

With over 75% of its homes sold, public records confirm that Fifteen Twenty-One has closed more in-city condominiums valued above $1 million than all other new construction condominium developments in the city combined.   Some of this is attributed to overwhelming consumer preference to the matchless design characteristics, plus protected water views programmed several years ago. 

We at the Stroupe  Group are very proud that we have helped many buyers purchase homes at Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue, and they still express their satisfaction over their decision to buy.  We continue to be positive about this project, and firmly believe that this is one of the nicest condominium developments in Seattle.  Check out the Design Matters series for yourself, then send us an email at urgent@stroupe.com for more information or to schedule a private tour. 

Pike Place Market – Where to Find Everything

If you and your guests are thinking of visiting Pike Place Market over the holiday season, you may be in for a few surprises when visiting your favorite spots.  Well into Phase 2 of its $68.6 million, four-year renovation project, a number of businesses are now undergoing relocation and in a few cases, closure within the Market.  This part of the renovation will run into the spring of 2011.

However, construction is now in “slowdown” mode for the rest of the year. Business is currently brisk, with the vendors in full holiday mode.  Shopping is always a fun and festive event at Pike Place Market, and their website now has a link where you can get the latest news about your favorite shops and restaurants.  Click on this construction summary site for more details.  You can also sign up for an online feed to keep you abreast of the latest Market news.

For example, five portable containers fitted with power, ramps, and water supply will be in operation in front of the Market and in place until springtime.  Choice Produce and El Mercado Latino are currently located in these containers, with Quality Produce to follow. Quality Cheese and Pike Place Market Creamery will also share a container.

Public Restrooms received a makeover too.  Rebuilding the designated women’s room in the First and Pine building is nearing completion, and a new unisex restroom on the First Avenue floor of the Corner Market should now be open.  New restroom transformation of the Rummage Hall has also been completed. You can find the Rummage Hall’s inside location at the rear of the Soames Dunn building for the winter, and its Western Avenue location will remain open until springtime.

The focus of the renovation work is to upgrade the Market’s core infrastructure.  This includes all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, installing a four-pipe system serving each of its eight buildings, and implementing new main switch gear.  Leading the renovations is Turner Construction, which is also in charge of  all seismic work, adding three new elevators serving all Market floors, and upgrading the Market’s exterior skin to now withstand salt air and UV rays. 

The Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) is working with all affected tenants on everything from packing up to temporary relocation, as well as arrangements to keep business activity going in each venue.  PDA is determined to keep the Market fully operational to vendors, residents and tourists during renovation. 

The Market will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day.  And, when construction gets back into full swing on January 3rd, a number of businesses will be affected. Keep tabs on construction with the construction summary link above, and you can also check out the entire website at  http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/

The Value of the View by William Justen

A recent study has shown that condos with a view are of course more likely to sell, but by how much?  Unfortunately there is no magic formula to accurately pinpoint the value of downtown Seattle view.  However, it sure would make our jobs easier if it could be as easy as:

Former Planning Director and owner of 22 downtown Seattle properties, William Justen, has pointed out that buyers are attracted to views of Elliott Bay more so than amenities and/or finishes.

Today about 175 units remain unsold within four condominium buildings west of 2nd Avenue. This compares to 481 units remaining between 4th and 8th avenues to the east. These view premiums can range from 25% to more than 50% over a comparable home, especially if the view is protected. That’s why the West side of 2nd Avenue may soon look like Park Avenue – there are four permitted condominium towers planned between Pine and Lenora streets, and the City of Seattle recently extended all permit holders’ development rights for six years to maintain this trajectory.

A Value of View Flyer presented by William Justen’s project Fifteen Twenty-One, shows that many downtown addresses still have threatened views.  This in turn threatens your investment’s value, and should be a well thought- out precaution before making a decision that could potentially cost you $10,000’s from something as simple as an application for a building permit.  Although many of the proposed projects that have been postponed from 2006/07 may still not break ground for another couple of years, developers are still holding onto permits as Seattle continues to be one of the top cities people relocate to.

Over the past 18 months, 123 units have been sold within six condominium towers with an average purchase price of $2 million. The top property sale was more than $9 million. In 2009, the vast majority of King County’s condo sales valued at more than $1 million were located within a single address: Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue, just a half-block east and high above the Pike Place Market. What’s the secret to such success? Every home offers a protected view of Elliott Bay.

Have you seen our zoning map?  According to specifications presented by the City of Seattle, we created an interactive map that shows how high a residential/commercial lot is allowed to go.  You can find the map under the Search button, or click here to view it now.

By the way, William Justen and all those over at Fifteen Twenty-One would like you to know…

Open House This Weekend
March 27th & 28th
12:00pm to 4:00pm

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.

2015 Second – 2015 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Status: Proposed: 2010
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

Here you can find all active listings at 2015 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 2015 Second condos for sale as soon as they hit the market. Membership also includes a monthly review of all activity for this building.

DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

1 Hotel & Residences

Status: Postponed/Redesign
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

Here you can find all active listings at 1 Hotel. 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 1 Hotel condos for sale as soon as they hit the market. Membership also includes a monthly review of all activity for this building.

DESCRIPTION

Located on the corner of 2nd and Pine, 1 Hotel and Residences is a retail, residential, and hotel development in the retail core of downtown.  Pike Place Market also gives this place a distinctive and lively character.  In addition to 5-start hotel accommodations, the property features: 7 penthouse townhouses with soaring 20 foot ceilings and private roof terraces; Premier Flats with large format, open plan flats, many with terraces; The Residences with a diverse collection of floor plans; and The City Suites, innovative, all suite residences designed as in-city retreats.  Within its walls, residences and guests will find retail opportunities, a signature restaurant and bar, a day spa and health club.

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.

Fix Building – 1507 Western Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Address: 1507 Western Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

The Fix Building offers true live/work lofts with brick exposed walls and soaring ceilings.  This 1910 building is also one of the very few with access to Pike Place Market from just across the street.  Although this isn’t the quietest address, the 1978 renovated building’s discrete location near the market and waterfront literally does put the city at your doorstep.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 1910
• Number of Units: 32
• Number of Stories: 6
• Exterior: Brick
• Parking: None
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Cable TV, Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Elevator, Fire Sprinklers, Lobby Entrance

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Alibi Room
• Highway 99 Blues Club
• Hillclimb Chiropractic Clinic
• Madame Lazonga Tattoo
• Market Cellar Winery
• Mobeta Shoes
• Pike Place Market Main Arcade
• Seattle Aquarium
• Sesto’s Cafe & Coffeehouse
• Typhoon!
• Western Grocery
• World Spice Merchants

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.

Fischer Studio Building – 1519 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Address: 1519 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Vintage condo collector?  Good luck adding one of these to your collection considering the rarity of availability.  Located mid-block on the west side of Third Avenue between Pike and Pine Streets, this unique eight-story building was constructed in two phases; the first three floors were built in 1912 and the remaining stories were added in 1915. As completed it provided two retail spaces at the storefront level, 64 small studio and one-bedroom apartments on five floor levels and the upper two floor levels were taken up by an auditorium performance space. In 1974 the building interior was remodeled and converted to create condominium units. It now has a three-part vertical block façade composition and noteworthy Venetian-inspired architectural character. The reinforced concrete structure includes a foundation and basement and is entirely clad with ivory-color glazed terra cotta. The retail storefront level has been entirely remodeled.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 1912
• Number of Units: 29
• Number of Stories: 8
• Exterior: Cement/Concrete
• Parking: None
• Pets: No Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Cable TV, Central Hot Water, Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Disabled Access, Elevator, Laundry Room, Lobby Entrance, Security Gate

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Century Square
• International Cigars & Tobacco
• John Fluevog Shoes
• Macy’s
• McDonald’s
• Noc Noc
• Nordstrom Rack
• Olympic Deli
• Payless Shoe Source
• Radio Shack
• Shoe Pavilion
• Simple Life
• Triple Door
• Turf Restaurant and Lounge
• Walgreens

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.

Market Place Tower – 2025 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121

Address: 2025 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98121
Neighborhood: Downtown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Designed by NBBJ in 1988, Market Place Tower is a prime Seattle business and residential property at the north end of Seattle’s world famous Pike Place Market.  One of the more established, higher end high-rises in Seattle, it’s unique location on the edge of the Market affords easy access to stylish Belltown, with its upscale shops, trendy restaurants, hotels and residential towers.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 1988
• Number of Units: Unknown
• Number of Stories: 17
• Exterior: Unknown
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: Subj. to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Unknown
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Unknown

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Etherea Salon Spa
• Gian Decaro Sartoria
• J. Gilbert Footwear
• Margaret O’Leary
• Ottica Seattle
• Phoenix Rising Gallery
• Art Gallery
• Shoefly
• Thomasville Home Furnishings
• Waterworks

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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