300/600/900: Ballard

Today on Urban Living – one neighborhood, three prices.  I’ve rounded up Ballard’s most intriguing listings in the $300K, $600K, and $900K ranges.  Ballard is an old Seattle neighborhood, but lots of new construction has been popping up throughout the area.  I enjoy thinking about all that my own home has seen over the past century.  But, for those of you who prefer to be first, all three of these picks are brand new.  So brand new, in fact, a couple are still under construction.

$349,900: 1760 NW 56th St, #305

A lot of anticipation has been brewing about Vik Ballard.  In fact, we’ve already written about the building quite a bit here on urbnlivn, but I thought I’d cover a specific model.  Prices start in the mid-$200s, but one bedrooms like this will run you in the mid-$300s.  Unit #305 is a B.2 floorplan.  Don’t let the model pics fool you.  This unit faces north, so it’s shielded from noise on the main street, but you won’t see Salmon Bay from your bedroom.  This design also trades space in the bath for a large walk-in closet housing the full-size washer/dryer, which I actually prefer.

They’ve done a good job with the features.  Most, like ultra-high-speed internet, custom cabinets, and designer fixtures, are standard these days, but details like the waterfall quartz countertops and “appliance garage” are a nice touch.  Nothing particularly stands out among the amenities.  Fitness center, rooftop deck, and car charging are all pretty typical these days.  I think the big selling point here is location.  Just a block off of Market, the walk score is 98.  Restaurants, bars, shops, movie theaters, parks, and the library are all within a few blocks.

$649,000: 2018 NW 57th St, #601

Also a hot new community, Solo Lofts have already gotten some coverage here on urbnlivn and happen to be one of our advertisers, but this is not a sponsored post.  They just happen to have one of the best properties in this middle range.  Like Vik Ballard, Solo Lofts also start in the mid-$200s, but this 1,091 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath + loft home is listed for $649,000.  On the top floor, I am certain that the 16-foot southern and western windows will bring in loads of light, and assume they will also offer good views.  The bright loft space would make a fantastic office.  In fact, I would love to be writing this post from there right now!  I’ll have to wait, though.  Completion is estimated for April 2015.

Only a few blocks from Vik Ballard, Solo Lofts is also convenient to all the Ballard has to offer.  The building, however, is much smaller.  Common amenities, of which there are few, only have to be shared with the residents of 19 other homes.  There is a rooftop deck with views over downtown and Salmon Bay; although, unit 601 has a 341 sq ft deck all to itself.  So, sharing isn’t necessary.  Interior features focus on Built Green efficiencies, including high-efficiency fixtures and appliances, dual-flush toilets, sustainable materials, and low-VOC paints.  For a limited time, they’re even offering a free Linus bike with purchase.

$949,000: 6113 32nd Ave NW

Do you ever feel like a house has all the pieces, they just don’t quite fit together?  I want so badly to have nice things to say about this home, but it lacks the curb appeal and interior features that I would want in a property of this price.  The living room touches on a sophisticated style, but it isn’t carried throughout the main living space.  Shaker cabinets in the kitchen detract from the contemporary style.  Flat panel in a more modern material would be better suited to this home.  I love the tub in the master bath, but it feels awkwardly placed, and the shower tile isn’t reflected in the rest of the bathroom.  The bedroom windows are large but don’t seem like an asset or focal point.  Everything just feels a little bland.

With over 3,000 sq ft of space, there’s lot of room to spread out here.  But bring your designer.  I think some extensive interior design will be required to make this one stand out.  The location in Ballard’s Sunset Hill neighborhood is a nice one with views in all directions.  It’s close to the water and walkable to the Green Market and Ristorante Picolino’s; although, it’s right on 32nd, which is a relatively main thoroughfare.  What do you think: keeper or catastrophe?