May is for Maritime – Big Waterfront Events

Downtown Seattle Waterfront’s Maritime Festival is set to do some major partying from May 12-14 –it’s the 100th anniversary of the Port of Seattle!

Once upon a time, local visionaries realized that Seattle’s natural deep-water port was an asset for the city, and a resource that should belong to the people.  Their efforts helped the Washington State Legislature enact laws allowing establishment of port districts in March, 1911.  By that September, King County voters approved creation of the Port of Seattle, the state’s first public port.

As Seattle grew beyond downtown, so did the Port of Seattle.  In 2011, its services include a cargo and passenger seaport, Sea-Tac airport, a home for the North Pacific fishing fleet, first-class public marinas and conference facilities, even a string of parks around Elliot Bay.  Its cruise line business snagged a huge win a month ago when on April 6th, Disney Cruises announced their move from Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle for the 2012 cruise season.

The Port of Seattle enters its second century with huge changes on the horizon.  The first is the redevelopment of the Seattle Waterfront itself.  Over 1,000 attended the first meeting held by Waterfront designer James Corner Field Operationss on February 17, which kicked off public input on its future vision and potential uses.  Nearly 2,000 responses via questionnaire and email from the Seattle public were received.   The second is replacing the central portion of the Elliott Bay Seawall.  This part is being handled by the Seattle Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.   The Port of Seattle is working with both entities on the best plan for the city and the next Waterfront meeting, where  James Corner presents their first design concept, is scheduled for Thursday, May 19^th.  For more information, just visit the waterfront website.

The Port of Seattle has a great centennial link with historical data on timelines, maps, stories and more.  There is also a calendar of events for the remainder of the year.  Here, we’ve attached a .pdf on May 12-14’s Seattle Maritime Festival events.  These include the “world’s largest tugboat race” along the Downtown Seattle Waterfront, a Chowder Cook-Off, survival suit races, a boat building competition, vessel tours, sea-air rescue demonstration, kids’ activities, Stories of the Sea, Career Day and a container ship full of family fun.   There is no charge for any of these events. Maritime_Fest_20110422[1]

The efforts of the Port of Seattle and the Downtown Waterfront are huge contributors to the high quality of life we enjoy in this city.  We hope you’ll check out the Maritime Festival.  We’ve come a long way in 100 years, and we’re sailing full steam ahead into an exciting future.

(Photos of Fisherman’s Terminal 2, Container Ship Terminal 19, SeaTac Aiport, Tugboat Races and Shilshole Bay Marina courtesy of the Port of Seattle)

Central Waterfront – The Lead Design Winner & Why

From an initial field of 30 companies, the City of Seattle announced on September 21 that the award-winning firm of  james corner field operations will serve as the lead designer over 20 acres of public lands for Seattle’s new Central Waterfront. Whittled down to a field of four, they made their pitches for the project at Benaroya Hall on September 15. We were in a crowd of nearly 1,300 and watched founder James Corner lead the presentation for his group.

Although the firm is based in New York, Corner is a native of Manchester, England. He made comparisons of the work heritage of the Seattle piers to those in Manchester, making an immediate connection that he understood the heart of both. They also presented a video clip where they interviewed people at the piers, asking them for their vision of what they’d like to have done at the waterfront. It was an interesting bit because it was hard to hear the responses with the viaduct  traffic noise in the background, but perhaps it also served to reinforce another reason why the structure needs to come down.  A compelling visual presentation drawing the audience’s imagination towards the possibilities of what the marriage of a working waterfront with an urban space, or as he referred to it, “Seattle’s Front Porch” completed their time on stage, and they ended to a hearty round of applause.

Founded by James Corner in 1998, james corner field operations is a leading-edge landscape architecture/urban design practice known for strong contemporary design across many project lines. Its signature project to date is the High Line in New York City. Formerly an old elevated railroad track on Manhattan’s West Site, it was transformed into 1 ½ miles of grass, trees, benches and pathways. The project won the firm the 2010 National Design Award for landscape design and the American Society of Landscape Architects 2010 Honor Award.

The firm will work with the Central Waterfront Partnerships Committee and there will be plenty of interaction involving public outreach and meetings. Design work begins in October, with a conceptual plan to be finished in  2012. A final design will be decided by 2015, with construction scheduled from 2016 to 2018. Four of their eleven design team partners are based in Seattle and they are:  Mithun, The Berger Partnership, Herrera, and Jason Toft.  We’ll stay in touch as the project develops.

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

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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.

Our Home Hotel – 75 South Main Street, Seattle, WA 98104

Address: 75 S. Main St., Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: Pioneer Square

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Previously known as the Alaska Hotel, this Romanesque-style brick building was built in 1982 and is now commonly known as Our Home Hotel.  The building has only 17 unique loft homes and is just steps away from restaurants, art galleries, boutique shopping, the waterfront, nightlife and sport arenas.  These rarely available condominiums have the charming features only found in Pioneer Square–such as brick exposed walls and late 1800’s design.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 1892
• Number of Units: 17
• Number of Stories: 4
• Exterior: Brick
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Elevator, Fire Sprinklers, Lobby Entrance, Rooftop Terrace

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Caffe Umbria
• Cowgirls Inc
• Cutty Sark
• D’Adamo-Woltz Gallery
• Elliott Bay Book Co
• Glasshouse Studio
• Grover Thurston Gallery
• Interesting Stuff
• Juan O’Riley’s
• Kibo Galerie
• Megan Mary Olander
• Palace Rug Gallery
• Quizno’s Subs
• Pop-In Mini Mart
• Robins Jewelers
• Seattle Fitness

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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.

Post Mews – 611 Post Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104

Address: 611 Post Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: Pioneer Square

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

First known as the Elgin Hotel, Post Mews was later recognized, and still referenced to today as Traveler’s Hotel.  Architect Albert Wickersham designed the brick building in 1913 and has since been renovated sometime during the 70’s.  There are only 7 unique live/work zoned lofts and located just steps away from clubs, restaurants, sport stadiums, the waterfront, and an array of art galleries.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 1913
• Number of Units: 7
• Number of Stories: 2
• Exterior: Brick
• Parking: None
• Pets: Cats Only
• H/O Dues Included: Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Fire Sprinklers, Outside Entry, Rooftop Terrace, Security Gate

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Antique Importers
• Bass Northwest
• Cafe Paloma
• Cow Chip Cookies
• Hayek’s Leather Furniture
• Magic Mouse Toys
• Marcus’ Martini Heaven
• Pioneer Square Saloon
• Pioneer Square Video
• Snowboard Connection
• Trattoria Mitchelli

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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.

Post Hotel – 606 Post Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104

Address: 606 Post Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: Pioneer Square

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

The Post Hotel was originally the Fischer and McDonald Wholesale Store.  The 5-story brick building is square in plan with flat roof and parapet.  The commercial spaces face Yesler Way, and the residential entrance is on Post Alley.  Rarely will any of these units be on the market considering there are only 14 unique loft homes of which have charming exposed brick walls and hardwoods.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 1892
• Number of Units: 14
• Number of Stories: 5
• Exterior: Brick
• Parking: None
• Pets: Subj to Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Cable TV, Disabled Access, Elevator, Fire Sprinklers, Lobby Entrance

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Antique Importers
• Bass Northwest
• Cafe Paloma
• Cow Chip Cookies
• Hayek’s Leather Furniture
• Magic Mouse Toys
• Marcus’ Martini Heaven
• Pioneer Square Saloon
• Pioneer Square Video
• Snowboard Connection
• Trattoria Mitchelli

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.

Merrill Place – 97 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104

Address: 97 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: Pioneer Square

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Merrill Place is an original loft style community just steps away from shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.  The entrance opens up to a private courtyard with a large water feature and secondary entrance to Il Terrazzo Carmine.  Originally built in 1905, Olson-Walker Architects and NBBJ Group received an Honor Award from AIA in 1985 for redesigning the building.   Homes still feature exposed wood beams, exposed brick walls, and floorplans gracious on square footage.  The community of only 16 units rarely has homes on the market making this address highly desirable.

PICTURES

BUILDING DATA

• Year Built: 1905
• Number of Units: 16
• Number of Stories: 4
• Exterior: Brick
• Parking: Common Garage
• Pets: No Restrictions
• H/O Dues Included: Earthquake Ins., Garbage, Water/Sewer
• Common Property Features & Amenities: Disabled Access, Elevator, Lobby Entrance, Security Gate

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

• Beba’s Delicatessen
• Cowgirls Inc
• The Cutty Shark
• Dept of Social & Health Svcs
• Elliott Bay Book Co
• FX McRory’s
• Il Terrazzo Carmine
• Kagedo
• Palace Rug Gallery
• Seattle Fitness
• Studio 904
• US Post Office

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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.

Stadium Lofts – 589 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104

Banner Building – 80 Vine St., Seattle, WA 98121

Arthouse – 2334 Elliott Ave., Seattle, WA 98121

Status: Proposed: 2010
Neighborhood: Belltown

CONDOS FOR SALE

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

DESCRIPTION

Arthouse condominium homes feature a spectacular visual experience.  It’s a veiw so close to Elliott Bay, you can almost reach out and touch it.  Arthouse, at the corner of Elliott Avenue and Battery Street, is just one block from the water’s edge.  Only Arthouse brings you the inspiration of a thriving arts and cultural neighborhood with the best view in the center of Belltown.  You’re just five minutes walk to Pike Place Market and the Olympic Sculpture Park, near the most unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.  Arthouse is your conduit for an inspired life.  Arthouse is your personal creative license.

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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