10 responses so far ↓

• 1 Ace // Nov 9, 2008 at 12:57 pm

  The number of available units at 4 Seasons keeps going up. Six months ago there was allegedly only one unit, then half a dozen, now nearly a dozen.

  The photo’s on the Stroupe blog surprised me. I thought the interior would be something special but in fact it’s quite ugly. The corridors look cluttered - is that a hotel corridor or the residence level? The interiors are just uninspired.

  The biggest problem demonstrated in those photo’s is the lack of privacy. Because of the building’s U shape facing the viaduct, you can easily see into the main living area and even the closet of adjoining condo’s. That’s a deal killer for any million dollar plus condo in my opinion, and I bet it’s a major reason that former buyers got cold feet after their first tour.

• 2 EconE // Nov 9, 2008 at 4:02 pm

  Well stated Ace.

  Those pictures do kind of give the “Hi Neighbor!” feel.

  And what’s with the front door. No double door entry?

  And at those prices…should there really be carpet in the bedrooms? I would think hardwood floors throughout with rugs galore is what their target market would want.

• 3 The MD // Nov 10, 2008 at 1:28 pm

  Four Seasons is “nice,” but by no means warrants $2,000+/square foot. I also have to agree that the u-shaped building doesn’t lend itself to multimillion dollar home buyers as privacy is compromised. Seriously, how “special” or “exclusive” is it to look at your fat neighbor hanging out in the buff every morning? Also, any home at $2,000+/square foot better have Dornbracht hardware and Duravit throughout. Sorry, folks, Kohler, although its a nice brand, simply just does not work for ANY reason at these price points. Also, the homes did not include home automation systems as standard. At best, these homes were worth around $1,000/square foot. This is why the number of units sold continues to rise. Multimillion dollar buyers are simply more astute, and they understand what their money is buying - hence the reason they have the millions to spend in the first place. They are savvy buyers - not naive. If I had the money to spend on these residences, I would feel my intelligence is being insulted upon taking the tour.

• 4 The MD // Nov 10, 2008 at 1:29 pm

  CORRECTION!!! I meant to say this is why the number of units UNsold continues to rise.

• 5 rick // Nov 10, 2008 at 2:34 pm

  how is the number of unsold units rising? are you talking about buyers backing out? if this building is 75% sold at those prices…not bad at all.

• 6 Ac // Nov 10, 2008 at 5:30 pm

  Rick - the MD is talking about the fact that the number of unsold units at 4 Seasons has been rising steadily, which shows buyers are backing out of the building.

  I was told there was only one of the smaller units open early in the year, then it went up to six a few months ago and now it’s at eleven unsold units according to the developer. Some of the unsold units are the larger units which does not bode well for this development.

  It’s amusing that the larger of the two walk-in closets is the one with the window views. Maybe the neighbor you’ll get to see will be Carrie Bradshaw?

  I also noticed the lack of high end finishes. The only exception is the closets which look like Poliform unless I’m mistaken.

  I don’t think Seattle can support much in this price range. Look at the 10,000 sq ft unfinished penthouse at the Millenium building which is $1000 ft. It’s been on the market for eight years…http://www.ewingandclark.com/properties/55182

• 7 The MD // Nov 11, 2008 at 8:42 pm

  Rick, obviously you’re a real estate agent, but that’s okay. Let me educate you here, even though you should be the “expert.” Here’s the deal… Four Season was claiming to have sold all units but 6 just about 12 months ago when we toured the building seeking a two bed/two bath. Then, the number went up to 9. NOW, they claim 11 are remaining.

  This building is using K O H L E R sinks in the mater suite and “custom cabinets” from a Northwest cabinet maker (which is code for cheapskate way out vs. using a reputable brand such as Poliform or Arclenia) for Christ’s sake! What the heck are they thinking? That is insanity and it is HIGHLY INSULTING to potential buyers.

  I anticipate an additional two units will hit the market in the next couple of months in this building as they will not be closed. I could be wrong, but this is my gut intuition. ;-)

• 8 Matthew // Nov 11, 2008 at 9:12 pm

  I can see both 1521 and 4 Seasons from my office building and honestly don’t know why anyone would choose 4 seasons just by looking at the exterior. It’s pretty damn ugly IMHO. 1521 is the finest looking building I have seen so far in the Seattle area. It is going to absolutely gorgeous when finished.

  I also know the interior designer that did both 1521 and 4 seasons, I don’t think there was nearly the leeway on the 4 seasons project. I have some interesting stories I can share at a meet-up sometime.

• 9 Ace // Nov 12, 2008 at 9:14 am

  They aren’t Poliform closets?!??!

  Wow, $8m doesn’t buy you much these days.

• 10 Ace // Nov 13, 2008 at 9:47 am

  1521 has it’s own problems. The condo layouts are poky and convoluted. The three floors of above ground parking really ruins the look of the 1521 building compared to similar modern developments like Olive 8, 5th and Madison or 4 Seasons. And it’s located in the dead centre of the sketchiest part of downtown…

  Of course, 1521 isn’t $2000 a sq ft either so from that perspective I agree.

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