[SeattleHusky82]

What is Aspira supposed to be??? Office???

I admit, I'm an asshole. But I hate answering questions when they could be easily answered by clicking on the link provided or simply by scrolling up and reading some of the above posts on this same page. Is it really that hard?

[Aleks]

Hey I just noticed Aspira means "to suck" in Spanish!! Ha. It also means to vacuum and aspire. Oh and sometimes to breathe in.

[mhays]

I admit, I'm an asshole. But I hate answering questions when they could be easily answered by clicking on the link provided or simply by scrolling up and reading some of the above posts on this same page. Is it really that hard?

I chuckle at those posts and usually ignore them. I'm an asshole too!

[seapug]

i read in fridays djc that emaar out of dubai might get the 13 acres of land that clise is selling. these are the guys that did burj dubai

[James Bond Agent 007]

^
Hey cool maybe we'll get the Burj Seattle! :banana:

[Aleks]

Or maybe they're trying to build an airport that only gives service from Seattle to Dubai!!!
Now, serious, I would expect luxury houses and condo's if they buy the area. I wouldn't be surprised if there were small banners with pictures of Dubai on light-poles across the site.

[Aleks]

Oh, my geez!! I'm tired of so many Ritz's popping up but none of them are in Seattle. Same with Trump, but I think Trump might be more real than a Ritz in Seattle.
Q: Is Hotel 1 supposed to be a LEED building? If so what is it expected to get, Gold, Silver, or what?

Q#2: Has anybody heard of 3rd and Virginia? Is is proposed? Canceled?

[Vashon118]

I noticed that 8'th & Pine is supposed to be 45 floors according to the 1'st post. This (http://activerain.com/blogsview/63249/AVA-Condos) says it's going to be 38 and this revised app (http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/luib/Notice.aspx?BID=248&NID=6561) from the DPD site says 39. I'm assuming that 802 Pine and 8'th & Pine are the same project based on the rendering in the 1'st link.

[Hans Gruber]

I wouldn't be suprised to see a Ritz Carlton pop up in Bellevue before Seattle. Either way, they should have at least one property in the Seattle market.

[Aleks]

I wouldn't either, anyways if you google "seattle proposed and construction skyscrapers" you will get a link in the first page and in it tells you who is the most active in a thread. Looks like I am number two right after WESTSEATTLEGUY.

But yeah about the Ritz, it would be nice if they built one in either the Pioneer Square area or the Pike Place Market area.

About 8th and Pine: I noticed some weird things too. I was going to ask why the first post said 45 floors but I always forgot or was in a hurry.

[Hans Gruber]

There is no way in hell any luxury hotel will ever be built in Pioneer Square. By day, Pioneer Square is a nice community, by night it's a dangerous place to be in. Pike Place market area is a good option. Other than that, something close to Westlake mall or Pacific Place or the convention center.

[mhays]

The more likely areas for a major top-end hotel would be anywhere from the Market to about 9th, and from southern Belltown to the north part of the Financial District. Actually northern Belltown is becoming a potential location due to the Center and the Sculpture Park as well as general densification.

[James Bond Agent 007]

I changed 8th and Pine to 39 floors.

[Aleks]

There is no way in hell any luxury hotel will ever be built in Pioneer Square. By day, Pioneer Square is a nice community, by night it's a dangerous place to be in. Pike Place market area is a good option. Other than that, something close to Westlake mall or Pacific Place or the convention center.

Well, if the city did something to improve the area it would be one of the nicest. I.M.O. all the homeless shelters should be moved to a diff. part of the city near-er the SODO District. Imagine one of the nicest hotels in the West Coast in one of the nicest towers of the West Coast. The "sinking ship" (parking in front of Smith Tower) should be torn down and made into a small building for the valet of the Smith Tower and the people could just cross to the Smith using a Tunnel that passes under 3rd Ave.

The Pioneer Building is really nice and that would also be nice as a hotel but most likely office.

The Pioneer Square area would have such a big boost if 1/4 of the Smith Tower was converted into a hotel and 3/4 residential. Stricter bar rules would be nice. That way more buildings would be rented, converted into residential units, and even hotels. This is truly the part of the city that needs more work not only because of the things that are going on there but because it's one of the most historic and beautiful parts of Seattle. :koko:

[Hans Gruber]

You're preaching to the choir here, Alex. I think there's more hope for Belltown right than for Pioneer Square. Belltown needs some beat cops that are not afraid to rough up the street toughs and drug dealers. Pioneer Square has always been a haven for prostitution, drug dealing and violent homeless people since the beginning of the 20th century.

Let's not forget about the Denny Triangle area which has probably the best upside for downtown. It will certainly add to what Seattle's miracle mile will be in 10 years or more.

Let's focus on the positives, the new WAMU tower looks very good and the Four Seasons promises to be a striking property for downtown. We need some super talls in Denny. I hear they've got a couple of 40 story condo or apartment buildings in the Denny neighborhood. That's a start.

[Aleks]

The Denny Triangle is probably the fastest improving area in Seattle. The Four Seasons and the WAMU will certainly decrease drugs, sex, blah blah, around first Ave.

Pineer Square, I just love the buildings and the area, just not the people.

So, what towers are going to start in the D.T. that are over 40 floors? Are you talking about those twin towers that are proposed?

[Hans Gruber]

One of the projects planned is 316 unit Kinects by Security Properties. The tower is 30+ stories tall. Security Properties has another large apartment complex planned as well.

I've got so many issues of PSBJ sitting around myself. I can't find the exact article but the 40 story towers were originally slated to be condos and are now going to be apartments. When I find the article I will name the two properties.

[Hans Gruber]

The 2 separate 40 story apartment towers are being built by Security Properties. The two buildings will be built in the Denny Triangle as moderately priced apartments.

[Aleks]

Last Post: 09-29-2007, 11:50 PM by Hans Gruber,
Another post!!

I passed by O8 today and guess what?
They started the hotel floors!! Hurray!! Yippie!!
So from now on it will move up faster and I got some pics. There are 2!! atrium's!! or thats what it looked like. One in the valet parking area and another in the halfway from the front of the building on the 8th Ave. side.

Hurray! I will post the pics soon and try to get some of Escala and 1521!!

[Aleks]

Wow, everybody must be at the Northwest Forum. Well I don't know if anybody else noticed but digging started for 5th and Yesler!!

I would go downtown and take pictures to show but it's to cold to be walking around downtown.

Like I said, I will post a pic of O8 which on the picture (taken last Wednesday) is 3 floors above the base:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k235/Aleks0o01/DSC_0834.jpg

[Vashon118]

A couple of updates...

Grand opening of Mosler Lofts was today.

Demo work at 8'th and Seneca has begun.

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

I saw the demo work. Hopefully they will start digging soon. Also i think WEst 8th has hit bottom, so hopefully another crane will be up soon.

[Vashon118]

^

There was a concrete pour at West 8'th on Saturday. I can't remember if I noticed a crane base there.

[testdrive]

Looks like we won't be seeing many postings here since they re did the Northwest Forum, kind of a shame cuz others from around the country may not take the trouble to find out what is going on by going to the regional pages

[Aleks]

We'll get posts in but since we can specify on the Seattle Forum more people like it and outsiders will get a clearer view of the projects in and around Seattle.

[Brandon1978]

I wouldn't be suprised to see a Ritz Carlton pop up in Bellevue before Seattle. Either way, they should have at least one property in the Seattle market.

I've made similar posts to the one below on this matter.

To me, no matter what sort of argument anyone tenders, it just doesn't make sense to me. An overwhelmingly larger number of business travellers do business in Seattle than in Bellevue. I'll certainly hedge my bets that a greater number of rich business travellers do business in Seattle than in Bellevue. And, just in case Ritz Carlton caters at all to tourists, there is simply no argument that Seattle is more interesting to tourists than Bellevue. There are simply more things for (wealthy) visitors to do in Seattle. If I'm visiting from out of town, and my conferences/tourist itinerary is/are for Seattle, which it more likely will be, then why in the world would I want to stay in some boring suburb across a huge lake and have to rent a car and drive across that lake, or figure out how to take the bus? Doesn't it make sense to put a hotel in the centre of things?

Sorry for "dissing" Bellevue--but I was born and raised there, so I feel entitled :-) It's all in good fun!

I just can't get over this perverse thinking on the part of strategists for these companies. :gaah:

[Brandon1978]

[QUOTE=Vashon118;3062157]7'th and Madison...

08/21/07:

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7720/7thandmadison0821071zx2.jpg

Ugh, so they're going to replace an apartment building with a squat, stubby office building. :whatthefuck:

[Hans Gruber]

I've made similar posts to the one below on this matter.

To me, no matter what sort of argument anyone tenders, it just doesn't make sense to me. An overwhelmingly larger number of business travellers do business in Seattle than in Bellevue. I'll certainly hedge my bets that a greater number of rich business travellers do business in Seattle than in Bellevue. And, just in case Ritz Carlton caters at all to tourists, there is simply no argument that Seattle is more interesting to tourists than Bellevue. There are simply more things for (wealthy) visitors to do in Seattle. If I'm visiting from out of town, and my conferences/tourist itinerary is/are for Seattle, which it more likely will be, then why in the world would I want to stay in some boring suburb across a huge lake and have to rent a car and drive across that lake, or figure out how to take the bus? Doesn't it make sense to put a hotel in the centre of things?

Sorry for "dissing" Bellevue--but I was born and raised there, so I feel entitled :-) It's all in good fun!

I just can't get over this perverse thinking on the part of strategists for these companies. :gaah:

When the President comes to town, he stays on the eastside or does get togethers with rich Republicans on the eastern shores of Lake Washington. Bill Clinton preferred the ladies of the night by staying at the Westin Towers in Seattle.

I'm not saying Bellevue or the eastside is better for business. Seattle is obviously the business center of the northwest. Bellevue is the second downtown in the making. It will never be anything close to Seattle.

Neihman Marcus (hope I spelled that right) is building it's first Northwest store in Bellevue instead of Seattle. They based this on demographics of their high end shoppers.

The only thing Bellevue has over Seattle, is better schools, better parks, wide streets with plenty of parking.

There's also over 120 video game makers in the Seattle area, most on the eastside.

The Seahawks stay in thy Hyatt (bellevue) the night before games and opposing teams playing the Seahawks often stay in the Westin at Lincoln Square.

It doesn't really matter where they put a Ritz Carlton, it's long overdue for the Seattle region.

On to more important things, we need to save the Sonics from moving to the dust bowl of Oklahoma.

[Hoodrat]

oh my...

[Vashon118]

Looks like we won't be seeing many postings here since they re did the Northwest Forum, kind of a shame cuz others from around the country may not take the trouble to find out what is going on by going to the regional pages

I've got a ton of update pics to post... just have to get around to resizing them. I'll keep posting updates in this thread (unless it gets shut down).

[mhays]

Yes please! This thread is where more people will see them.

[seattle lover]

yes please put some updates its been so quiet the last few weeks i would really appreciate it, and is olive 8 really already putting its exterior do u have pics of that?

[blackc5]

Yes, Olive8 was putting up exterior glass when I went by last weekend. Unfortunately I didnt have my camera handy. I will swing by again this coming weekend and take some shots if someone hasn't already posted an update.

[Black Box]

Vashon, please post your updates. I'm happy to see a bit more activity over here. Thanks!

[Vashon118]

A few updates (all taken 10/13)...

5'th and Yesler

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6200/5thandyesler20071013im7.jpg

5'th and Madison

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6533/5thandmadison200710134pw4.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1241/5thandmadison200710133yg5.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9099/5thandmadison200710132dc3.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3788/5thandmadison200710131ei1.jpg

4 Seasons

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7827/4seasons200710134mo5.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8708/4seasons200710133of2.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/395/4seasons200710132xj2.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4201/4seasons200710131wg7.jpg

More to come

[blackc5]

Nice - keep 'em coming! :)

[Complex01]

:previous:

Ditto, looking great. Any one have a pic on how 1521 is making an impact on the skyline? It looks to be about 11 or 12 floors up already...

[NW Mike]

Great Shots. There is so much to see downtown right now. One could spend all day checking out all the construction.

[Vashon118]

There is so much to see downtown right now. One could spend all day checking out all the construction.

You got that right. I did just that (5 - 6 hour walk through First Hill, Belltown, South Lake Union, and downtown). Feet hurt like hell afterwards. Somehow I completely forgot to get pics of 1521 2'nd.

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

Thanks for the updates Vashon!!!

[Vashon118]

Some more updates (all from 10/13 unless otherwise noted)...

7'th and Madison:

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3294/7thandmadison200710133ok1.jpg

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6965/7thandmadison200710134wb5.jpg

8'th and Seneca:

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5804/8thandseneca200710131cu7.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8195/8thandseneca200710132nc6.jpg

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/1365/8thandseneca200710137ky2.jpg

818 Stewart:

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7464/818stewart200710131dn1.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2875/818stewart200710132gd5.jpg

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9564/818stewart200710133uu6.jpg

1521 2'nd (10/25):

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3629/15212nd200710251ra9.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/6738/15212nd200710252yw7.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/1388/15212nd200710254jz9.jpg

Enso:

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5552/enso200710131zn4.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5951/enso200710132pl9.jpg

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

YAY!!! Glass on 1521!!! YAY!!!

[mhays]

Thanks for the pics Vashon!

Ok, I know we're not here to talk about grammar...but what's the story behind the apostophes you use on street names, like 5'th instead of 5th? Is it a personal calling card or something?

[hi123]

Its good to see 7th and madison u/c! It will look fantastic from I-5. I'm notsure what to think abut the glass on 1521. I'll have to see more put on before i judge it.

[Complex01]

YAY!!! Glass on 1521!!! YAY!!!

Oh wow, at first i didnt see it, but now i do. Kewl kewl...

:yes:

[Vashon118]

Ok, I know we're not here to talk about grammar...but what's the story behind the apostophes you use on street names, like 5'th instead of 5th? Is it a personal calling card or something?

I have no idea. I guess I've always done that.

Oh wow, at first i didnt see it, but now i do. Kewl kewl...

:yes:

I didn't see it at first either.

And some more updates (all from 10/13)...

Olivian:

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6896/olivian20071013sq3.jpg

Olive 8:

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/8574/olive8200710134gq2.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9039/olive8200710131fb9.jpg

Mosler Lofts:

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9651/moslerlofts200710131od7.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/180/moslerlofts200710132pt2.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9237/moslerlofts200710133pk4.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7353/moslerlofts200710134bp5.jpg

Gallery Belltown:

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6950/gallerybelltown20071013ec8.jpg

Escala:

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/3596/escala200710131nk1.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/3391/escala200710132dc7.jpg

[James Bond Agent 007]

Great pics! :banana:

[Aleks]

Passed by Mosler Lofts the other day and they seem to be finished, it's a nice building. I really thought it was going to look horrible but it came out good. I also noticed some lights in the building were on because I passed by night...

[NW Mike]

Mosler Lofts is one of my favorites. Great roof line, Similar to the court house.

[Vashon118]

There's still work being on the top floor and on the outside (cleaning bricks and windows and some caulking). I don't think move-ins have started yet.

And yet more updates (all 10/13 unless otherwise noted)...

Parc Belltown:

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7843/parcbelltown200710131zk7.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/410/parcbelltown200710132cd7.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4921/parcbelltown200710133ba8.jpg

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3585/parcbelltown200710134rj5.jpg

Rollin Street:

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3697/rollinstreet200710131mm2.jpg

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6520/rollinstreet200710132ph1.jpg

Skyline:

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6528/skyline200710132op6.jpg

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8206/skyline200710133cg9.jpg

West 8'th:

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/9303/west8th200710131pl9.jpg

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5029/west8th200710132tx5.jpg

... and the crane is up now (taken 10/26):

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6193/west8th200710261wx4.jpg

Also...

The King County Office Building has a new name... Chinook Building.

Excavation at 7'th and Madison is nearing completion. I noticed a form being set up.

Demolition is still in progress at 8'th and Seneca (the apartment building at the corner wasn't fenced off when I went by there last week).

No obvious signs of impending construction at Skygarden and The Boylston.

[mhays]

8th and Seneca said something about March. It sounds like they're just doing early demo to get that part out of the way, so to speak.

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

1918 8th digging yet?

[Complex01]

Happy Halloween

:wizard:

http://images.chron.com/photos/2007/10/31/8545829/600xPopupGallery.jpg

Taken from the Houston Chronicle: 10-31-2007

[NW Mike]

I saw that last-night! Thats great that it was in the Chronicle. I saw it on CNN as well. WAMU does this for nearly every holiday. The Engineers spend hours figuring it all out.

http://aycu19.webshots.com/image/31218/2006117769092781948_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2006117769092781948)
Courtesy of West Seattle blog.

[Vashon118]

1918 8th digging yet?

There was a drilling machine there the last time I was there (10/13).

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

I saw the Pumpkin this morning!! Very Cool!!

[hi123]

pdf with article about AVA called "Local firm to build seattle hotel and condo tower" from the vancouver sun (oct. 9th 2007) :

http://www.liveatava.com/media/seattle_111007.pdf

[Vashon118]

2301 6'th is fenced off now.

[JiminyCricket II]

2301 6'th is fenced off now.

That's great! I can't remember, are they building both towers at the same time or in phases?

[Aleks]

I wonder what WAMU is going to do for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas....?

Anyways, I think 2301 6th ave. is beign built in 2 phases. So one tower first and the other second.

[Vashon118]

Looks like 4 Seasons is close to topping out (11/02)...

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9389/4seasons20071102nq8.jpg

Belltown Gallery as seen from work (11/06)...

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5153/belltowngallery20071106gp0.jpg

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

Thanks for the pics! 4 Seasons is topped out and the Gallery is going up fast! Any idea when the Gallery will be topped out?

[Hans Gruber]

The best shot of the Four Seasons would probably be going northbound on the Alaskan Way viaduct. It does look like its reached the top.

[NW Mike]

Here are a couple of shots from this past weekend.

Future Site of 2000 3rd.

http://aycu01.webshots.com/image/31400/2003638389583607816_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003638389583607816)


Huge 1918 Office Tower next door to Cosmopolitan.

http://aycu09.webshots.com/image/31888/2003618042122496667_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003618042122496667)

Olivian Apartments

http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/31804/2003661856804642634_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003661856804642634)


Olive 8 Going UP....

http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/31220/2002548006864624567_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002548006864624567)

Get ready for AVA

http://aycu03.webshots.com/image/31002/2002506523591775562_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002506523591775562)


Escala up front..Olive 8 out back.
And soon to be seen Pagoda tower and Heron right behind Escala

http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/34394/2000793038156637055_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000793038156637055)


1521 is going to kick ass.

http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/34172/2000713037614748483_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000713037614748483)

[arbeiter]

2000 3rd is exactly 2 blocks behind my apartment.

[destroybananas]

When is 2000 3rd going to brake ground?

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

Soon I hope. O8 is on it's 10 or 11th floor. I checked today.

[hi123]

is this a new rendering or old rendering of 5th and yesler :

http://www.sclaterpartners.com/images_proj/5thYesler_2_lg.jpg

[NW Mike]

Old

[WESTSEATTLEGUY]

Darn. To bad. I would like to see what the new one looks like if anyone can find it.

[genghis]

There's a model being built of 5th & Yesler, but it's undergoing some revisions. The building hasn't changed much from the rendering on the first page in "under construction."

[NW Mike]

Old Rendering: http://aycu17.webshots.com/image/32736/2004613512695566117_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004613512695566117)
New Rendering: http://aycu06.webshots.com/image/32885/2004616339498158585_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004616339498158585)


Tell Me if this is some Bull Crap!!

[testdrive]

Is this the result of review board? Are they really that conservative or did the developer make those changes? If the review board did this I am curious how they are picked to be on the board in the 1st place. It seems absolutely ridiculous to me that they would change a great looking design imo to something so blah and no one can do anything about it. It makes me wonder what they will end up doing to the Heron project.

[genghis]

re: 5th & Yesler

A couple of things to note: The first image is a model, looking from the southwest and the second is a rendering, looking from the northwest.

1. The rendering draws most of your attention to the north end of the bldg. which is granite clad. The vast majority of the bldg. is curtainwall. The west side, along 5th Ave, follows the curve of that street while the east side (facing I-5) is a long convex curve that goes most of the length of the bldg. The south end is a series of trapezoidal (in plan) steps. The base of the building is granite-clad on all sides except the east.

2. The rendering is a little (ok a lot) washed-out so you don't get to see the material contrasts as well. The granite is speckled but has an overall light cream colored hue. The curtainwall is very dark gray. The rendering also lacks a lot of the detail that's going into the curtainwall design.

3. The DRB did have a certain degree of influence over the design, I suspect because it's right on the edge of Pioneer Square. However, if they were looking to make it contextual in some way, the whole thing seems backwards (granite should have gone on the south, curtainwall on the north).

4. One not really related item: the older version of the bldg. was 24 stories while the new one is only 17. I'm told revised f.a.r. calcs. had something to do with the shrinkage, but it's also directly in the flight path of Harborview's helicopter approach, so that was an influence as well.

Hopefully new images of the model will be released soon.

[Hans Gruber]

I agree with the idea that planning commisions and review boards should not have much if any influence. I didn't think the design was all that special in the first place. The secondary design is conservative but not bad. Restricting height is something that really bothers me.

If memory serves me correct, the Columbia tower was supposed to be 1 foot taller on each level. This would have made the tower 1000ft even. However, the FAA thought the flight path was too close to SeaTac's approach. Forget the fact that appoaching aircraft are 2500ft high when passing downtown Seattle.

Let developers build whatever they want. Unless it's absolutely hideous, restricting creativity is wrong.

[NW Mike]

Thanks genghis. I am looking forward to the newer rendering, But The Old Shits that control new ideas in the architectural world pisses me off. This is 2007 and Pioneer Square is wonderful but newer development in Seattle should not be controlled by what was built 80 years ago. That is to short sided. Time go's on. These Old Shits(Planning Commission) need to retire and get in their Campers and see what is going on now. My Step father is a retired Architect in hi 70's that sees the Shit the Old Shits are doing. He knows all to well what go's on at the Planning hearings. Its time to change this. I'd hate to see what they will do to the Heron tower or Pagoda.

[Wimpy]

Just to provide some clarity, the Planning Commission is an advisory board and exists to provide guidance to City officials regarding zoning and long-range land use policy. They don't deal with design issues for specific buildings. You might be thinking of the Design Review Board(s).

[Vashon118]

Any idea when the Gallery will be topped out?

Mid-December at the earliest by my estimation, but probably will be closer to the end of the year. 4 1/2 floors left to go last time I checked (11/8).

[genghis]

NW Mike,

I'm probably the last person on earth to defend the Design Review Board (It's that old Seattle problem: process, process, process), but if you want to find out more about what they do, Google "Seattle Design Review Program." They generally do two reviews of larger projects and these are open to the public, usually in the area of town where the project is going. The web site also has a long list of upcoming projects they'll be reviewing. Should you wish to be a board member, they have 7 slots opening up on April 4th, 2008. Some are at-large positions, so really just about anyone is eligible.

[Kenneth1000]

Let developers build whatever they want. Unless it's absolutely hideous, restricting creativity is wrong.

I see no reason to think that people have an absolute right to execute their creative projects no matter how it affects other people. Developers have no stake in neighborhoods other than making money. For the rest of us, those neighborhoods are our homes, and the quality of the design deeply affects the quality of our lives. If creativity were a perfectly inner acts with no effects on other people, then this might be a plausible view. But creativity is expressed in physical objects that make stakeholders lives better and worse. Because we live in a community (and have to in order to survive), there is no plausible argument for the conclusion you want to support.

You are welcome to try if you want, but I assure you I won't have much trouble taking them apart.

Peace.

[Hans Gruber]

Ok, I'm up for a challenge. Did you realize the Columbia Tower was widely criticized before, during and after it was completed in 1983. It was panned by architecture crictics for several years.

The building was designed by a Washington State University graduate who had no prestige. Today, the Columbia Tower is almost as well known as the space needle. The snobs didn't like the idea of an unknown architect from a no name school building a landmark.

The Experience Music Project (EMP) was built by a famous architect, I think Frank Loyd Wright, but I could be wrong. It's the ugliest building in the entire city of Seattle. The architect should be banned from designing building forever. It's just a blob that could have been created by any guy on acid.

Finally, another blight is on the eastside by yet another famous architect. The Bellevue Art Museum. Someone fill in the name of this genius architect. The architect said he sees and designs everything in 3's? The inside of the Bellevue Art Museum is worse than the exterior, which makes no sense. The interior design is filled with strange corners and wasted space.

My point. Why are famous architects given the green light to build whatever they want? Where was the design review board when the EMP was being built? They must have been hypnotised by the famed architect who botched that job.

[Aleks]

I don't know, but I don't really like the Columbia Tower as much as other buildings, it's nice but if I was an architect at that time I would have criticized it after seeing the 4ht and Blanchard Building(Darth Vader Building). The EMP is fantastic if you ask me. Not just an architect can make it but a architect. Oh, by the way the architect of the EMP is Frank Gehry, famous for buildings with random shapes and colors.

[Hans Gruber]

I will find the article where Frank Gehry says he see's and designs everything in 3's. He got a pass just because of his name for the Bellevue Art Museum from the design review board.

I totally agree with you on the Darth Vadar building. Everyone I know calls it the Darth Vadar building and they are not even skyscraper fans. That's the first thing that comes to mind I guess for most people. Too funny.

[hi123]

Any news on the 5th and columbia tower?

[genghis]

Hans,

FWIW, Steven Holl was the architect for the Bellevue Art Museum.

[genghis]

And while we're naming names, Columbia Tower and the Darth Vader Bldg (4th & Blanchard) were done by the same architect, Chester Lindsey.

[James Bond Agent 007]

The Experience Music Project (EMP) was built by a famous architect, I think Frank Loyd Wright, but I could be wrong.
Frank Lloyd Wright? :???:

Um, he died decades ago, I don't think dead men design many buildings. ;)

[Aleks]

And while we're naming names, Columbia Tower and the Darth Vader Bldg (4th & Blanchard) were done by the same architect, Chester Lindsey.

That's why I talked about it on my previous post.

Bond-I was gonna say that too but I forgot when he died and I was lazy so I didn't wanna look it up.

Hans-I like the Bellevue Arts Museum. Very modern, not the best museum ever but not bad enough that I have to diss on it.

Thanks for bringing up the 5th and Columbia Tower hi123, I haven't heard of this tower in a while and I think it's time for some research.

[Vashon118]

The architect for EMP was Frank Gehry.

[NW Mike]

NW Mike,

I'm probably the last person on earth to defend the Design Review Board (It's that old Seattle problem: process, process, process), but if you want to find out more about what they do, Google "Seattle Design Review Program." They generally do two reviews of larger projects and these are open to the public, usually in the area of town where the project is going. The web site also has a long list of upcoming projects they'll be reviewing. Should you wish to be a board member, they have 7 slots opening up on April 4th, 2008. Some are at-large positions, so really just about anyone is eligible.

Thanks for the info, and yes I have googled to my hearts content in the past to see what they do. And yes I do realize its more of the Design Review Board making the Shitty Decisions. But I was just letting out my frustrations.

[Hans Gruber]

And while we're naming names, Columbia Tower and the Darth Vader Bldg (4th & Blanchard) were done by the same architect, Chester Lindsey.

I knew he designed lord Vadar's building as well. He died earlier this year or last year.

[Hans Gruber]

Better example but should be on the eastside thread. The same guy designed every major building in the late 80's and early 90's. I'm talking about the Symetra building and City Center in Bellevue. He designed the two other blue building with sharp angles that made them look flat when viewing from certain angles. The first building Symetra then called Rainier Plaza I think was absolutely stunning. However, his best was City Center. Unfortunately he built two more one southwest of city center and another short 10 story due south of city center.

My point is that the building commission in Bellevue should have stopped the architect after two building becuase they were all the same. Fortunately the architect died several years ago so his legacy of identical buildings also died. He had connections with every power person on the eastside so he was the architect chosen for every building design around 1990 or so. These are not exact figures.

The best thing that happened to Bellevue was the lowest vacancy in the country and high prices for class A office space. This has brought out of state builders who are making Bellevue diverse and unique.

I pray to the god of fire that Donald Trump doesn't get to build any building in Seattle. His buildings are not classy but pure power symbols.

The Seattle Public libarary will go down in history as was of the greatest buildings of the 21st century. We need more of that in Seattle. The skyline isn't bad at all because car commercials are filmed for national campaigns in Seattle, usually on the alaskan way viaduct but also in front of the new library.

[M'sFan]

I think Trump's more recent buildings and proposals have been very nice. Trump Chicago? Stunning. Toronto? Elegant. Atlanta? Love it. Skyscrapers by their very nature are an expression of ego, I think. It's just that Trump expresses himself more. And not just in buildings. I would welcome Mr. Trump to Seattle.

[Vashon118]

I just noticed this in today's Seattle Times...

Saturday: Seventh Avenue, from Madison to Marion streets, will be closed to northbound traffic from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exit from Interstate 5 at Madison will remain open.

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004017455_here16m.html

Sounds like there might be either a concrete pour or the tower crane is going up at 7'th and Madison.

[Hans Gruber]

I think Trump's more recent buildings and proposals have been very nice. Trump Chicago? Stunning. Toronto? Elegant. Atlanta? Love it. Skyscrapers by their very nature are an expression of ego, I think. It's just that Trump expresses himself more. And not just in buildings. I would welcome Mr. Trump to Seattle.

From what I've heard the only thing Trump is selling is his name. He doesn't design any buildings anymore. He sells his name to developers who build the buildings and pay him a small royalty for the use of his name or the "Trump" brand.

[mhays]

Read today's Wall Street Journal. Lengthy interview with Trump about his own projects and his licensed projects.

[Vashon118]

The tower crane is up at 7'th and Maidson.

[Vashon118]

Demolition has begun at 2301 6'th (taken 11/20)...

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/333/23016th200711201zc9.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7208/23016th200711202mk6.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/905/23016th200711203nr0.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8569/23016th200711204mh3.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/1414/23016th200711205sx5.jpg

[Complex01]

:previous:

Kewl, nice to see them start. Also looks like ya had some sun there, nice...

[Aleks]

I think it's 5th and Columbia. It's only a render of massing studies but it looked cool o I thought I'd share.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/20070530/450Church31_Proposed_Massing_with.1.jpg
source (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/317808_church31.html)

Edit: It looks like Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects are designing this tower. They designed the IDX tower downtown too.