Comments on: Capitol Hill: a resident suggests that developers put in more effort http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:11:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Jerry http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/comment-page-1/#comment-4433 Jerry Sun, 15 Apr 2007 02:37:11 +0000 http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/#comment-4433 sorry, just caught the typo. It is Weber Thompson, one "B" sorry, just caught the typo. It is Weber Thompson, one “B”

]]> By: Jerry http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/comment-page-1/#comment-4432 Jerry Sun, 15 Apr 2007 02:35:07 +0000 http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/#comment-4432 Many may not be aware that Webber Thompson also did the uninspired architecture work for Cristalla (definitely not user friendly or inspired interiors), as well as the uninspired, cheaply done and aesthetically challenged interiors of the 2200 project. Not knowing what constraints the developers placed on them, it is hard to know if the fault lies entirely with Webber Thompson, or if they simply agree to do this kind of work driven by the demands of their developers.Given what I've see of their work, I don't think it realistic to expect them to be creative or interesting in their work on this project. Frankly, with so much architectural talent out there, I do not understand how they keep winning these new commissions in Seattle. Many may not be aware that Webber Thompson also did the uninspired architecture work for Cristalla (definitely not user friendly or inspired interiors), as well as the uninspired, cheaply done and aesthetically challenged interiors of the 2200 project. Not knowing what constraints the developers placed on them, it is hard to know if the fault lies entirely with Webber Thompson, or if they simply agree to do this kind of work driven by the demands of their developers.Given what I’ve see of their work, I don’t think it realistic to expect them to be creative or interesting in their work on this project. Frankly, with so much architectural talent out there, I do not understand how they keep winning these new commissions in Seattle.

]]> By: chris http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/comment-page-1/#comment-4070 chris Mon, 09 Apr 2007 16:43:22 +0000 http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/#comment-4070 since you're looking at creative solutions. Get your neighborhood behind increasing height limits in this area while only slightly increasing FAR (if you're following the rezoning process in SLU - or if not - such a process will eventually make its way to Capitol Hill west of Broadway). the problem the developer is facing is the restrictive height requires maxing out the building envelope at what looks to be 65' height - the diagram shows 65' above grade in front and rear. The large, expensive, retail bays are an economic consequence of the zoning because it needs the margin to be financed. If you go the developer and ask for concessions, you might be able to get somewhat smaller retail bays, maybe work on facade changes, but hands are tied on the massing without a zone change. For simplicity, lets assume the developer could take the same density and allocate it to a 12-story tower and a 3-story podium with groundfloor live/work lofts, open space setbacks and smaller, less expensive retail. The revenue from the top floors with views could help offset the costs of steel/concrete construction. since you’re looking at creative solutions. Get your neighborhood behind increasing height limits in this area while only slightly increasing FAR (if you’re following the rezoning process in SLU – or if not – such a process will eventually make its way to Capitol Hill west of Broadway). the problem the developer is facing is the restrictive height requires maxing out the building envelope at what looks to be 65′ height – the diagram shows 65′ above grade in front and rear.

The large, expensive, retail bays are an economic consequence of the zoning because it needs the margin to be financed. If you go the developer and ask for concessions, you might be able to get somewhat smaller retail bays, maybe work on facade changes, but hands are tied on the massing without a zone change.

For simplicity, lets assume the developer could take the same density and allocate it to a 12-story tower and a 3-story podium with groundfloor live/work lofts, open space setbacks and smaller, less expensive retail. The revenue from the top floors with views could help offset the costs of steel/concrete construction.

]]> By: aly http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/comment-page-1/#comment-4051 aly Mon, 09 Apr 2007 01:54:42 +0000 http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/#comment-4051 Hello, I didn't know where to post this but I found a small development on 14th and fir street. a green project by urbansight (g-projects llc and b9 architects) of 8 townhouses. between 1100 and 1330 SF and high 400K to low 500K. it's a small developer that does one project at a time. I have to admit that I'm not too impressed with construction quality. Also some elevation issues like why does the large window face the neighborh instead of the street? but some nice touches, too. Permeable concrete surface at parking, rain barrel.. No HOD and you can do whatever you want with your 3 story unit. the sample home had the kitchen/dining at main floor, living room with powder at second, and the bedroom with a nice bath and study area at 3rd. there is a grated floor area at living room that filters light into main floor. concrete floors, reclaimed wood, doubleflush toilets... exterior walls had the rain screen system (like the lumen but not as fancy of course) 2 units sold. the agent said that if interested in any unit, they could finish it up in a month. also each owner gets 15 hours of carpentary to add some personal touch to their townhouse. I noticed that in the kitchen they had a traditional Turkish cooking book. that was a nice compliment to me, cause I'm Turkish :) anyways check it out.... Hello,
I didn’t know where to post this but I found a small development on 14th and fir street.
a green project by urbansight (g-projects llc and b9 architects) of 8 townhouses. between 1100 and 1330 SF and high 400K to low 500K. it’s a small developer that does one project at a time. I have to admit that I’m not too impressed with construction quality. Also some elevation issues like why does the large window face the neighborh instead of the street? but some nice touches, too. Permeable concrete surface at parking, rain barrel.. No HOD and you can do whatever you want with your 3 story unit. the sample home had the kitchen/dining at main floor, living room with powder at second, and the bedroom with a nice bath and study area at 3rd. there is a grated floor area at living room that filters light into main floor. concrete floors, reclaimed wood, doubleflush toilets… exterior walls had the rain screen system (like the lumen but not as fancy of course) 2 units sold. the agent said that if interested in any unit, they could finish it up in a month. also each owner gets 15 hours of carpentary to add some personal touch to their townhouse. I noticed that in the kitchen they had a traditional Turkish cooking book. that was a nice compliment to me, cause I’m Turkish :)

anyways check it out….

]]> By: POWHatan http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/comment-page-1/#comment-4041 POWHatan Sun, 08 Apr 2007 16:48:02 +0000 http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/#comment-4041 Have suggestions that could improve the project? SPEAK UP and let the City know! Read on for details: The Dept. of Planning and Development is accepting written public comments through April 25th. This is an extention of the orginial 2 week period. POWHat supports density and mixed use development; however, the design of this project is of great concern for many within the community. Design review and environmental-related feedback is critical at this point. Please read the following tips on the types of comments DPD considers before you write your letter - http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Notices/Public_Comment/How_To_Comment/default.asp Send comments to: Seattle Department of Planning & Development 700 5th Ave., Ste 2000 PO Box 34019 Seattle, WA 98124-4019 You can read more information about the project here - http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/luib/Notice.aspx?id=5058 And learn more about the Design Review process here - http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/publications/CAM/cam238.pdf Have suggestions that could improve the project? SPEAK UP and let the City know! Read on for details:

The Dept. of Planning and Development is accepting written public comments through April 25th. This is an extention of the orginial 2 week period.

POWHat supports density and mixed use development; however, the design of this project is of great concern for many within the community. Design review and environmental-related feedback is critical at this point. Please read the following tips on the types of comments DPD considers before you write your letter –

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Notices/Public_Comment/How_To_Comment/default.asp

Send comments to:
Seattle Department of Planning & Development
700 5th Ave., Ste 2000
PO Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019

You can read more information about the project here – http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/luib/Notice.aspx?id=5058

And learn more about the Design Review process here – http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/publications/CAM/cam238.pdf

]]> By: EconE http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/comment-page-1/#comment-4018 EconE Sun, 08 Apr 2007 05:10:27 +0000 http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/#comment-4018 Kicking out Bimbos? Damn. It's really kind of sad to read entries like this. It's one thing to take the seedy warehouse infested part of SLU and bring it to life...as there was no life there to begin with...but hearing about the "sterilization" of Cap Hill is a downer for me. I have never lived on the hill but have been there a few times and felt that it had a quality that made it truly unique. Maybe while they're at it they can also get rid of all the Ivars, Spuds, The Space Needle, the troll under the bridge (I'm sure they can fit some condos there too) and anything else that Seattle's people hold dear in pursuit of the almighty $. Oh...and while you builders are at it...could you chop down all the trees?...think about how much more you'll get per sf without those ugly evergreens blocking the views. Kicking out Bimbos? Damn. It’s really kind of sad to read entries like this. It’s one thing to take the seedy warehouse infested part of SLU and bring it to life…as there was no life there to begin with…but hearing about the “sterilization” of Cap Hill is a downer for me. I have never lived on the hill but have been there a few times and felt that it had a quality that made it truly unique.

Maybe while they’re at it they can also get rid of all the Ivars, Spuds, The Space Needle, the troll under the bridge (I’m sure they can fit some condos there too) and anything else that Seattle’s people hold dear in pursuit of the almighty $.

Oh…and while you builders are at it…could you chop down all the trees?…think about how much more you’ll get per sf without those ugly evergreens blocking the views.

]]> By: CG http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/comment-page-1/#comment-4012 CG Sun, 08 Apr 2007 01:32:13 +0000 http://www.urbnlivn.com/2007/04/07/capitol-hill-a-resident-suggests-that-developers-put-in-more-effort/#comment-4012 The start time of the referenced POWHat meeting, to take place on Tuesday, April 10, is at 7:00 p.m. We'll try to create a doable action plan to influence the design of the Pine + Belmont development. If nothing else, it is empowering to learn the workings of the city design and permitting bureaucracy. Hope you're able to attend and share your ideas on how to keep Capitol Hill vibrant for condo owners and renters alike. The start time of the referenced POWHat meeting, to take place on Tuesday, April 10, is at 7:00 p.m. We’ll try to create a doable action plan to influence the design of the Pine + Belmont development. If nothing else, it is empowering to learn the workings of the city design and permitting bureaucracy. Hope you’re able to attend and share your ideas on how to keep Capitol Hill vibrant for condo owners and renters alike.

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