New renderings for 4435 35th SW show proposed ‘hillclimb’

| Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

With eight days until the next Southwest Design Review Board meeting about the mixed-use development planned at 4435 35th SW, its new “packet” is out with renderings and other information for the board to consider, publicly viewable via the city Department of Planning and Development website. You can see it in its entirety here; above is a rendering by architects GGLO showing a feature that sparked some buzz at the previous meeting in June (WSB coverage here), a “hillclimb” on the south side of the site, going up to other parts of The Triangle and leading toward The Junction. According to the packet, the project is currently planned for ~159 residential units, 153 underground parking spaces (it’s in an area where the city does not require any parking at all because of nearby frequent transit), and more than 12,000 square feet of commercial/retail area. This site originally came to the board in 2009, then went on hold, changing architects and developers (now Trinsic) before returning with a new design proposal earlier this year. The Design Review meeting is set for 6:30 pm October 10th at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon); as always, the meeting will include a public-comment period.

Curious October 2, 2013 (2:04 pm)

Any updates on the 4755 Fauntleroy Project?

WSB October 2, 2013 (2:20 pm)

The alley vacation will not go to council any sooner than December, as previously reported. The council is in the midst of budget right now. The underground-storage tank removal at the ex-Shell station will be done before the other buildings are demolished next year, but the owners/developers do say they will take down the CANOPY over the storage tanks when the tanks come out.

Findlay October 2, 2013 (2:58 pm)

Probably not a part of the project, but has there been any discussion in adding ‘real’ left hand turn lanes at the 35th Ave SW / Avalon intersection?

CW October 2, 2013 (3:03 pm)

The developer and Whole Foods are just patiently waiting for November 5th. The project will get fast tracked on November 6th. Bye-bye Mayor McCheese.

The Truth October 2, 2013 (4:11 pm)

I actually don’t hate this project. It has parking, a fairly ok look and a nice hill climb feature that I would love to add to my running route. Not too shabby!

metrognome October 2, 2013 (6:22 pm)

wonder if they will have an alternate, accessible route (i.e. an elevator open to the public) for people who can’t use the hillclimb due to a disability … I kinda doubt it as there is no elevator tower in that area. I scanned the .pdf file and saw no mention whatsoever about accessibility of the building or units (a certain number are required to meet accessibility standards), ‘people with disabilities’ or even ‘the handicapped’. None of the visuals showing people included people with disabilities (maybe the figures shown had ‘invisible’ disabilities such as asthma, heart conditions, etc.) What I did notice was the allowed use of pavers, which is at least frowned upon if not actually prohibited.
.
Seattle used to have an international, well-deserved reputation as being accessible to residents and visitors with disabilities. That reputation has been seriously eroded in the last decade.

themightyrabbit October 2, 2013 (8:15 pm)

seems like a lot of spare space on the left of the picture. why not add a mtn bike track in there?

jeff October 2, 2013 (8:40 pm)

Pavers are good for permeability and helping with storm water runoff. The hill climb may not be accessible, but then neither is the vegetated slope there now, so it’s hardly a loss. I actually think this is one of the nicer looking projects we have seen lately.

J.P. October 2, 2013 (10:20 pm)

Is this the right address? I just google mapped it and it’s saying it’s the new apartment that was built on 35th and Avalon. By KFC, 7-11, and Taco Time area….

WSB October 2, 2013 (10:24 pm)

Yes, this is the right address. You’re thinking of 3295 Avalon Way, which is across the street and a tiny bit north. This is on the current site of The Bridge and an empty lot, immediately south of KFC, whose site is NOT part of the deal (separately owned)… TR

metrognome October 2, 2013 (11:02 pm)

jeff — ‘hardly a loss’ is irrelevant but your attitude about accessibility reflects current social and governmental views about people with disabilities. Why shouldn’t temporarily able-bodied folks have to go north to the corner and west on that sidewalk? If you ever break your leg skiing, you’re gonna wish there was an elevator …

K8 October 3, 2013 (7:36 am)

I have to say that it looks pretty nice to me.

MAS October 3, 2013 (2:29 pm)

Regarding accessibility, folks in my neighborhood won’t even keep their shrubs off of the sidewalk, so just moving down the sidewalk is nearly impossible. In some cases you can push through, but this time of year it leaves you soaking wet.

I’m not talking about overgrown brambles, but actual planted shrubs and plantings that in some cases cover 2/3 of the sidewalk. There’s a city ordinance prohibiting it, but good luck getting anyone to help out.