Ballard, once a sleepy Scandanavian outpost, has become the hot neighborhood as young urbanites are lured there by thriving night life, trendy boutiques, proximity to downtown Seattle and more affordable housing prices. NOMA (located at 24th Ave NW & 56th St), an abbreviation of North of Market, is scheduled for occupancy in March 2007.
The 90 unit building targets the young and hip. Studios started at $180k while the remaining units include 1 bedroom plus den, 2 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms plus den begin in the low $400,000's. Units range in size from slightly over 400 sq.ft. to 1,056 sq. ft. -- many with views of both the mountains and the water. So far, they have around 20 two bedroom units left.
The ground floor of the building will be occupied by 3 retail spaces including Ballard Eagle Club, the oringinal occupiers of the site. The buidling has a secured entrance and parking, with one space allocated per unit. The building also includes a fitness center, a library, a conference room and rooftop deck.
Individual units may be customized to include slab countertops as opposed to the standard granite tile, glass upper cabinets in the kitchen, full height tile backsplashes, and a natural stone fireplace surround and upgraded tile accents in the bathrooms. Standard features include the choice of two color palettes, bamboo hardwood floors in the entry and kitchen, boucle woven carpet in the living room, dinning room and bedrooms, tiled bathrooms and a deck or patio off of the living room.
Canal station on Leary and 20th in Ballard is the third Ballard project for developer Claudio Guincher of Continental Properties. With and emphasis on contemporary, clean and sophisticated living, Canal Station will feature top of the line amenities including a fountain and sculpture filled courtyard, a spa, a fitness center and a concierge and business center.
Phase 1 broke ground in 2005 and is scheduled to begin occupancy in May and June of 2007. The new project will have 119 units ranging from the mid $200k to under $800k. The condos ranges from ~530 sq.ft. Jr. 1 bedroom to 1,242 sq.ft. 2 bedroom plus den.
Interiors will come outfitted with GE stainless steel appliances, a choice of Maple or Cherry cabinetry with either Shakers or flat style panel doors. Kitchen upgrades are available, including an undermounted sink and a high end appliances package. Phase 2 of Canal Station is expected to open for occupancy in 2008. They still have several one bedroom and two bedroom units left.
Overall, Canal Station has more comprehensive amenities than Noma Ballard. Both locations are comparable. The standard finishes in Canal Station seem to be higher quality than Noma, however the price per square foot is also higher. If you are looking for something practical, Noma will fill those needs. If you don't mind spending more to get nicer interior finishes, check out Canal Station.
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