I've been meaning to this for some time but never seemed to get around to it. Since there aren't nearly as many new projects to review these days, I thought I'd recognize some of what I think are Seattle's best condos so far.
Think of it as the city's first Seattle Condo Oscars ;-) So, without further adieu...
Best Amenities: Escala. Escala's Club Cielo is a 25,000 square foot club and takes up the entire 2nd floor of the building and includes a private dinning area, spa and fitness center (exercise classes, pedicure, manicure, 2 resistant lap pools, massages, steam room), 18 seat wine cave, theater for screenings/ meetings, business center, cocktail lounge, dog run, and full service outdoor terrace with menu. The club will be managed by Columbia Hospitality. Granted, club access isn't free but this is not a commentary on value but the quality and range of offerings. I have also excluded hotel/condos from this award since those buildings tap into amenities in the hotel portion (were I to include hotel condos, I'd have to give the nod to Olive8).
Best Views: Fifteen Twenty-One. This 38-story condo probably has the highest number of homes that come with a killer view. The glass exterior design helps to optimize as much view as possible from each home. Partial perpetual air easments make sure the view remains priceless...
Best Curb Appeal: Four Seasons. The brand alone seems to command a presence as you approach. Try driving to the building, entering the wide driveway and pulling your car infront of the entrance to be greeted by the service staff in pressed uniforms.
Best Location: Escala. It's centrally located steps from downtown yet not quite in the middle of it (and its less savory elements). Escala is within walking distance to Pike Place Market, close to all the great Belltown restaurants, and enjoys easy access to the highway.
Most Overall Appeal: Cristalla. The building has been holding up its value since its completion in 2005 and still remains one of the few popular condos usually on buyers' lists. Everyone wants in to Cristalla. when a proposed project next door was announced last year, you'd think it would greatly depress the number of condos sold but they were about the same (2007:14 sold, 2008: 12 sold).
