Condomania, the latest

Funny this P-I article didn’t even mention WS, where condos/townhomes are popping up like dandelions. And the teardown-to-townhomes along Cali are selling fast. Checking up on a few – Soundview in the 5900 block is “sold out,” as are Sea Holly in the 5600 block and Bayberry in the 6900 block of Cali. A bit further south, the condo-converted 1 bed/1 ba units at SeventyOne are close to half-sold. Question is now, how is the higher-end market doing? Still some openings listed at NoMo 12 — half-mil and up. (Though if you really want luxury, we’d suggest Alki’s most expensive current condo listing.)

Robert May 29, 2007 (9:22 am)

I’ve always wonder how one could check the veractiy of the “X units sold” declaration on condo to be built.

If I recall, a few years ago, at the SE corner of 35th and Avalon, there was a sign for Condo’s to be built and the sign said something about “half sold”…. That was 3 or 4 years ago and nothing has been bult on the site yet – it is still a empty lot.

Bill B May 29, 2007 (9:39 am)

When they quote a “sold” number it usually just reflects the number of units that have received offers and passed inspection. There are still several opportunities for the buyer or seller to kill the deal.

Nothing is officially sold until the transaction has been recorded and funds transfered. That is why the “71” building only looks half sold. There are actually pending offers on all but one unit (last time I looked).

Robert May 29, 2007 (9:49 am)

Bill B,

Thanks, I’m sold on your definition of sold…

Jiggers May 29, 2007 (11:46 am)

California Avenue is looking like Condo Row. I’m surprised that nobody has built a multi-use complex across from the Rocksport. That spot has been vacant for years.

Delivery Dude May 29, 2007 (12:55 pm)

Uhh…isn’t that where the WholeFoods is supposed to go…or am I mistaken?

Jan May 29, 2007 (1:07 pm)

Del. Dude….the Whole Foods complex is going to go in at 39th and Alaska…which is the parking lot for the present Schucks Automotive and Hancock’s Fabrics….right next to West Seattle Bowl….

Keith May 29, 2007 (1:10 pm)

Compared to the rest of the city, I feel like West Seattle is faring better in terms of the inescapable development that’s happening everywhere. I’m seeing more townhome clusters here than massive condo buldings, and I personally feel that the former are preferable to the latter. But maybe the condos are coming too…

WendyHJ May 29, 2007 (4:18 pm)

There is a community park going in across from Rocksport.

Don’t forget The High Point. Yes, I will use the “The” as they do in their marketing since it really is The High Point these days, not the old HP. My husband and I are so sold on it we are selling our house on a 1/4 acre lot near Puget Ridge and buying into the Polygon condo development there, called “Redwood”. 96 units, some buildings are flats, and some are adjoined townhomes. We’ve bought the biggest floorplan they make and are actually getting more square footgage, plus a 2-car garage, which is better than our current house. But it sure doesn’t feel like a condo other than the pain of the HOA dues – which I am mysteriously happy to pay to have someone else take care of the yards. I can’t wait to move!!

flipjack May 29, 2007 (6:13 pm)

i wouldn’t pay that much for a condom.

hutchbec May 29, 2007 (8:20 pm)

I am a new condo owner in West Seattle. I can’t afford a house in Seattle – anywhere – and I imagine most of the other condo owners are in the same boat. Condos are about the only affordable option – especially for single people working in social service or teaching jobs. If I could own a home in West Seattle and not be part of changing the landscape of West Seattle, I would. I can appreciate the loss that goes into having developments spring up, but I can say that I, and I imagine most other condo owners, will be a good neighbor, I can contribute a lot to this community, and I would like to live here a long time. One thing I’ve appreciated about living in West Seattle is how kind the people are, how they smile at you when you smile at them on the street, how they acknowledge you exist. When I read these posts about condos in such a negative light – it’s hard to not take it personally and feel unwanted.

Sue May 29, 2007 (9:33 pm)

“When I read these posts about condos in such a negative light – itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s hard to not take it personally and feel unwanted.”
Hutchbec, it’s hard to not feel negative about condos when I’ve seen what it’s done to the apartment complex I happily lived in until I was told it was time to buy or go. Nothing personal to you or other buyers – you have an opportunity and you go for it, and I respect that. But it’s hard for me, personally, to be on the “yay condo” band wagon when it’s totally uprooted my living situation.

Sorry, comment time is over.