Celebration at Link, the building that went up when the market was down

The new Triangle building Link (WSB sponsor) was celebrated as the development that beat the odds – and bucked a trend – at an invitation-only reception on its sweeping-view rooftop last night. In our photo above, you’ll note West Seattle’s highest-ranking elected officials – King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. Neighborhood leaders and local businesspeople were there too, admiring the view and the rooftop herb/vegetable gardens, pausing briefly to hear speeches. West Seattle Chamber of Commerce board chair and West 5 owner Dave Montoure (below left) hailed the 60 jobs the new development is estimated to have created; after the jubilant opening remarks from Harbor executive vice president Denny Onslow (below right):

Barely a year and a half earlier, a short distance to the east, Onslow had stood at a meeting of the Fairmount Community Association and announced that Harbor had secured financing for Link – at a time when almost nothing else of its kind was being built in the city, since the commercial-market dive was so fresh. Seattle Department of Planning and Development director Diane Sugimura spoke too, describing Harbor as “bold” for moving ahead at the time.

And now, less than 2 months after its first move-ins, Onslow said 85 of its 200 units are leased. And as of yesterday, all three of its ground-floor businesses are open, with Breathe Hot Yoga‘s first classes, next door to one-month-open Chaco Canyon Organic CafĂ©, and recently opened Bright Horizons. If you’re interested in a first-hand look at Link, its next public open house is scheduled for Saturday, May 21st (one week from tomorrow).

7 Replies to "Celebration at Link, the building that went up when the market was down"

  • my May 13, 2011 (9:41 am)

    Ok so riddle me this, while I love what they have done and all the businesses below etc. And I get the angle of the fact that they were able to build through the downturn and that too is impressive. Really when you look under all this PR its ultimately for the financial benefit of the builder. As well, they likely had huge capital (compared to most) to be able to build that. I guess what I’m saying is that many would have done the same thing given the resources and let’s not forget these types of things are always business deals plain and simple a la ‘Trump’.
    Either way, yes it does benefit West Seattle in light of Whole Foods. Just don’t get why the political leaders have to be there. A little over the top.

    • WSB May 13, 2011 (10:02 am)

      My, for a little context … They had to convince a bank (US Bank, to be specific, according to Denny Onslow). And we have heard time and time again, the banks were just not inclined to be convinced, especially then. That’s why we still have stalled projects (the foundations at Avalon/Yancy, for a while the Avalon/35th building, etc.) They had partners (some were mentioned last night in a massive list of acknowledgments). Now as the cranes come back and the building resumes, memories fade … a bit … of the crash time a couple years ago (although from Link’s roof, you can also very clearly see The Hole – we have used that angle before and took a new shot last night for our next inevitable update). Re: politicians, for what it’s worth, they show up at lots of business functions. And from there, Tom Rasmussen went to the same place I did … the Fairmount Springs meeting with police regarding the woman who was attacked. – TR

  • ad May 13, 2011 (12:29 pm)

    Woohoo!

    I know many WestSeattlelites are anti-apartment development…but this place really does have a good vibe and I welcome it.

    Also, I love Chaco Canyon! If you have not been yet, GO. It’s not just for hippies (but my favorite is a grain bowl called The Hippie Bowl, haha). The food is delicious. There’s free wifi, it’s spacious and family friendly!

  • conlux May 13, 2011 (12:58 pm)

    I called for pricing on a unit, and can’t believe how affordable they are. I’m thinking of leasing a couple of apartments just for out of town friends and relatives. Better than hotel stays, and a great way to store extra furniture that i like too much to get rid of.

  • DF May 13, 2011 (5:24 pm)

    I WISH I COULD GET AROUND WEST SEATTLE SOMETIMES WITH BLIND FOLDS ON SO I WOULDN’T HAVE TO SEE ALL THESE COOKIE CUTTER CONDENSED LIVING PROJECTS. I( .

  • my May 13, 2011 (8:58 pm)

    Thanks TR! Good to know!

  • Ida B May 16, 2011 (5:57 pm)

    Nice to hear some positive RE news. Way to go Harbor!

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