Wendy Leung's Seattle Condo Blog

Homeless shelter in Belltown?

I received this flyer today in my building. I'm not sure if this is true. If it is, it could be a cause for concern for Belltown residents and investors. Has anyone else heard anything about this?

UPDATE : I called up the planning department today and they couldn't tell me what the building will be used for. I left the applicant a voice message and will post an update if I hear from him.

UPDATE#2:  Based on Gil's last comments below, it looks like the future of this land is still up in the air and there were misunderstandings due to land use action signs not being updated on the property.  Also, I should point out that my previous use of the term "cause for concern" may have been too loaded.  Frankly, I am most interested in a transparent community development process where all stakeholders have an opportunity to participate.  I respect everyone's right to their own opinion on the matter. 

-Wendy

Technorati Tags: First United Methodist Church, Belltown Video, Belltown homeless, Moda condo

Seattle Street of Dreams

Even though this blog is all about condos, I recently attended the Street of Dreams event and thought I’d share some observations.  For all you condo owners out there looking for an affordable country retreat, these are probably a bit more than you need ;-)

The Seattle Street of Dreams was held at Allen Lake this year. The event started on July 15th and will be ending today at 9.00pm. This year’s event featured 6 luxury homes sitting on a ranch consisting of 30 + arces of land with natural features including a stream, access to private lake, grassy fields, towering evergreens, and beautiful wetlands.

 

          

 

-The moment you step into the homes, you are greeted by soaring halls and grand stairways. Ladies, you can find your most perfect kitchen in these homes that are beautifully tiled with 6 burner gas cooking stoves and a massive kitchen island. Some of the top of the line appliances includes a $13,000 stainless steel and glass door refrigerator and a $2,900 built in coffee system.

If you like to spend a lot of time in the bathroom, the spa-like designs can definitely relax you after a hard day’s work. There are seemingly endless varieties of sinks, faucets and fixtures in these homes.                                         

      

                              

Multiple fireplaces both indoors and outdoors can be found in the homes. Most of the homes come with walk in wine cellars as well.

                     My favorite home was house number 3, “The Retreat” at Water’s Edge. There is a central skylight that brings natural light into the house, an outdoor pool and spa patio. There is also a hidden spiral staircase behind a bookcase leading to a bar and wine cellar. I also loved the separate clubhouse that opens out to the lake with an outdoor fire place.

 

Each home had its own unique personality. Even thought the prices were in the multi-millions (house #3 was ~$5.5M) this is a great annual event to get some inspiration on design, use of color, and see the work of many talented people.

-Wendy

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Positive outlook for Seattle housing market

• Microsoft plans to hire more employees over the next few years. It will spend $1 billion to expand the campus by more than a third, or 3.1 million square feet, during the next three years. That includes new leases and the purchase and construction of 14 buildings. This is definitely going to be a boon for the Seattle housing market. Read more.

• Nearly 1,000 condos, apartments planned for Qwest Field. A team of developers headed by Seattle firm Nitze-Stagen is expected to pay King County $10 million for 3.85 acres of the parking lot to the north of Qwest Field. Key details of the development:

- 394 condos and row houses

- 562 apartments, including 140 units considered affordable to renters  earning $35,000 a year.

- 1,035 parking stalls, including 500 spaces to fully replace public parking now on the property.

- 25,000 square feet of street-level retail, including a grocery store.

- 862,000 square feet of building space.

- $270 million estimated development cost

This is definitely good news for Pioneer Square residents. Read more.

-Wendy

Technorati Tags: Seattle housing market, Seattle condos, Seattle condo market