Located only two blocks away from Uwajimaya, Asia condos sold half their units within the first two weeks on the market. Most of the two bedrooms were the first to sell out with only 5 units left in the building as of this posting. Right in the International District, the location is definitely a big plus. Residents can do their grocery shopping in Uwajimaya, have a hair cut or drop in to one of the restaurants for midnight snacks during the weekend or catch a game without driving. The Asian influences are evident by the completely remodeled lobby with oriental umbrella, fountain, and the use of slate walls. Dragon printed carpets line the hallway.
Entering the model unit, you can instantly feel the youthful energy. Don’t expect to see neutral colors Carpets come in a variety of colors. One would think that red wouldn’t really work in a condo but you would be surprised. If you are someone who loves the convenience of a supermarket and prefers a secured building, Asia may be right for you. Check out their model unit and it might inspire some creativity in you.
Location: 668 South Lane St, Seattle WA 98104 (International district)
Pluses
• Great location- convenience to supermarket, restaurants, minutes away from downtown Seattle. Easy access to highway.
• Updated amenities in common areas and very secure building.
Minuses
• Traffic can be tricky when there is a game going on, time to consult your mapquest.
• A lot of older buildings in the neighborhood. After all, it is still International district.
Location 4.0/5.0
Interior 4.0/5.0
Exterior 3.5/5.0
Price 3.5/5.0
View 3.5/5.0
Overall 3.75/5.0
Close to the Bobby Morris playfield, this condo offers a lot of ‘green views’ from their westerly units. The developer put a lot of thought into enhancing the common areas. The lobby is redone, and art work can be seen everywhere. Good taste and great updates to the amenities area. “Spare no expense” was how Stacy Anderson, sale representative for the Onyx, described this new conversion. Check out the lovely rooftop deck.
Pluses
• More updated amenities and secured building.
• Located on a quiet part of Capitol Hill but close to Broadway.
Minuses
Nothing big comes up in mind.
If you need a fully furnished unit as your new home and willing to pay for the premium, Onyx’s model unit comes with high quality furnitures.
Address: 1125 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA98122 (Capitol Hill)
Studio $189,900-$239,990 436-609 square feet
One bedroom $234,990-$289,900 539-719 square feet
Two bedroom $359,900-$529,900 869-1,125 square feet
Location 3.5/5.0
Interior 4.0/5.0
Exterior 3.5/5.0
Price 3.5/5.0
View 4.0/5.0
Overall 3.75/5.0
This the quietest location compared to the other two conversions. Except for their studio unit, their one bedroom and two bedrooms come with a balcony. Overall, most units in the building get some sort of view (neighborhood, city or Mount Rainier view.) If a home buyer purchases a unit with its original finishes, they will receive a $5,000 credit for a studio, $6,500 for one bedroom unit and $8,000 for a two bedroom unit. For buyers who like an updated building but are not prepared to spend any money yet on upgrades, you can go with the original finishes and upgrade it at your own pace later on.
Pluses
• Located away from the main street, less traffic and thus quieter neighborhood.
• Bigger square footage for your money.
Minuses
• Further away from restaurants and convenience stores.
• Amenities and common areas are much smaller than Asia and Onyx.
Address: 412 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (First Hill)
Studio $199,000-$260,000
One bedroom $265,000-$300,000
Two bedroom $425,000-$475,000
The three buildings were converted by the same developer from Florida. You can see a lot of similarities in terms of the standards and upgrade options offered, the enhancement of the existing amenities (or creating them if there aren’t any),and improvements of the common areas (lobby, decks and hallway). If you like Athena condo in Queen Anne, These three condos will meet your expectations.
Location 3.0/5.0
Interior 3.5/5.0
Exterior 3.5/5.0
Price 3.5/5.0
View 3.5/5.0
Overall 3.5/5.0
Technorati Tags: Onyx, Epic, Asia, Onyx condo, Epic condo, Asia condo, International district conversion, First Hill conversion, Capitol Hill conversion, Athena condo, Capitol Hills condos, Queen Anne condos, International District condos
