DEVELOPMENT: First Design Review date set for next West Seattle Junction mixed-use project, 4747 California SW

| Development | West Seattle news

(Preferred ‘massing’ – size and shape – option for project, from draft Design Review packet)

Thanks to Scott for the tip! He spotted the first Southwest Design Review Board meeting date for the Junction mixed-use project we first told you about back in February, at 4747 California SW, on the sites that currently hold Bikram Yoga and Sleepers in Seattle. The site’s owner/developers were described by one of them, Husky Deli‘s Jack Miller, as an “all-West Seattle team.” The review date is July 19th, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, and as always with Design Review meetings, there will be a public-comment period.

The proposed project is listed as 7 stories, 82 apartments – mostly one-bedrooms, some studios – with 5,000 square feet of commercial space and 45 offstreet parking spaces. The draft Design Review “packet” in the city file confirms that Miller plans to move Husky Deli there. Two other things to note: Since this is the Early Design Guidance phase, it’s focused on the “massing” – size and shape – of the project, not design details, so don’t read too much into the imagery; second, the formal notice of this meeting isn’t out yet – it’s “tentatively” scheduled on the city’s calendar until the notice is out.

M June 1, 2018 (4:37 pm)

Wow. Moving Huskey Deli there? I hope they can detail the same nostalgic feel. That’ll be a challenge in a new space. I wonder what could possible go into the space they have now. I hope residents of the apartments don’t eat up all the available street parking for those of us that want to shop there.

Swede. June 1, 2018 (7:49 pm)

Agreed that most businesses in newer buildings seldom have any ‘feel’ to them. Usually sterile and boring. There won’t be anything in the current place I bet, that building will also be tore down and another building like the oter ones will go up. The odds for saving it are really, REALLY low now.
- Sam-c June 1, 2018 (8:24 pm)
  
  That’s my guess. After husky deli moves, their current location will be redeveloped too.
  - wsgirl June 1, 2018 (11:25 pm)
    
    That’s my thought too. Once the new space is open, Husky Deli moves in and the old space is torn down. I was wondering what would happen to Husky just last week when we walked by.

Jeannie June 1, 2018 (5:59 pm)

Neat-o! More tall buildings to block out Seattle’s excessive sunlight. More traffic on the West Seattle Bridge. And yet another brilliantly designed architectural triumph that truly reflects and takes into account the character of the neighborhood. Bravo! /s

BJG June 1, 2018 (6:06 pm)

Not seeing a Junction-friendly vibe, but how could something that massive be anything other than another oversized obstruction to view and light? At least it has parking. Charm is for some other neighborhood, not ours. Sad because we really like Jack.

WSB June 1, 2018 (6:25 pm)

I’m sorry if it wasn’t clear enough – this is the massing rendering, not design details. Those are in the second phase of Design Review.

Anne June 1, 2018 (7:10 pm)

I don’t think the “ vibe” of Husky Deli will change at all- for me that “ vibe” comes from Jack Miller – his family & employees. Do wonder what plans he may have for current building though.

WGA June 1, 2018 (7:11 pm)

Tiny units-only about 400-575 sf!!At least Bakery Nouveau is ok (for now).

Erithan June 1, 2018 (8:30 pm)

That’s about studios size, the edu/apodments run at least half that if I’m correct. More expensive to build I think too due to needing custom furniture etc. (apologies if I’m incorrect, migraine.)or so that’s a good size overall vs a lot of new things being built.

JayDee June 1, 2018 (7:13 pm)

After today’s Seattle Times article, when is enough, enough? Driving down California is a bumper to bumper experience. I recall that several years ago West Seattle (The Junction) had already achieved the growth targets for 2030. Unless we change the infrastructure (street volumes) what is the point to increasing density HERE? (apologies for the caps). Even Alki is hammered everytime I try to cross or enter Admiral even just to hide and ride on the bus.

My two cents ... June 1, 2018 (7:30 pm)

@JAYDEE – I remember the days when they only had horses and trolley cars on California! Sorry, this is an urban growth area – this is what was designated by past decisions by past administrations/governments. If you want to stop/revert the urban growth plan, would be more than willing to hear your suggestions. I don’t believe we can roll back the clock – the best we can do is to advocate for a pragmatic balance for livability within the context of the current policies.
T June 1, 2018 (8:09 pm)

I agree with you jaydee. I know people who have moved because it’s just too populated here. If people like it, great but it’s not for everyone.

JayDee June 1, 2018 (7:17 pm)

And while I a long term fan of Husky Deli, what becomes of the old HD site? Another 5-6 story development? Plus it is in a Peat Settlement Prone II area with more costs for development.

BJG June 1, 2018 (7:23 pm)

Then I’ll remain hopeful that something more inviting will somehow evolve. I know West Seattle is Jack Miller’s home too.

My two cents ... June 1, 2018 (7:26 pm)

Why this talk about Husky Deli? That location is NOT being impacted – READ the article, the impacted spaces are Sleepers and Yoga.

heartless June 1, 2018 (7:40 pm)

From the WSB article above:”The draft Design Review “packet” in the city file confirms that Miller plans to move Husky Deli there.”
Swede. June 1, 2018 (7:55 pm)

Say clearly that they are moving into this new building. Zero chance the current one will stand after this one is finished…

Swede. June 1, 2018 (7:52 pm)

The start of the last part of the old, nice buildings of the junction. Since they will occupy the ground floor themself their current location is likely in developing planing already and will get tore down as soon as this one is open.

BJG June 1, 2018 (8:00 pm)

Jack owns the block from the planned apartments to his deli. The expectation is that he and his investors will be developing the block eventually.

heartless June 1, 2018 (8:12 pm)

I wish it wasn’t such a mix of single story and 5+ story buildings in the Junction now.I am all for density, but can’t help but think that a more uniform 3 or 4 story height along California would be better for all and net the same number of units. Oh well. Can’t have everything.

Sam-c June 1, 2018 (8:22 pm)

I love when my predictions come true (husky deli moving to the new spot) I feel so validated, lol. Now have to wait many years to see if the rest of my prediction comes true.

Mike June 1, 2018 (8:56 pm)

I love Husky Deli, and have been going for decades. But looking at the large cracks in the walls and extremely uneven and sloping floors, the building appears to be falling apart. I think it’s appropriate that they move to an updated space, and redevelop/modernize the old building.

TJ June 1, 2018 (11:08 pm)

Hey look, another apartment building. Still no condos. All the equity in their pockets. Pressure the politicians for no bailouts like they said the next collapse for banks and developers. No bankruptcy protection for. Lets see how aggressive the developers are if their private assets can’t be sheltered by bankruptcy protection in the future. We would see less building for sure

Huck June 1, 2018 (11:34 pm)

I for one am glad to see these old buildings being torn down. None of them have any character whatsoever. Left alone they would probably fall over in time anyway.

Jeannie June 2, 2018 (1:06 am)

Huck, I can only hope you’re being sarcastic. If you’re not, I’m thinking that with your attitude, the Smith Tower would have been demolished long ago. Now, I’m not saying the old buildings in West Seattle are architectural masterpieces, but they sure have more character than the soul-less, cookie-cutter megabuildings that are replacing them. Take time to look at the old buildings more closely. Appreciate the workmanship and details. You might gain a new perspective.

Macs June 2, 2018 (8:26 am)

Many of the historic buildings on California are already landmarked so there’s currently little threat to those old brick buildings everyone loves. But Sleepers in Seattle? It’s essentially a strip mall structure on an urban street. Ciao.
- WSB June 2, 2018 (9:10 am)
  
  Only 2 buildings in The Junctiin are landmarked, the Hamm (Easy St) and Campbell (Cupcake Royale) buildings.
KM June 2, 2018 (12:06 pm)

Some older buildings in the Junction are URM (not sure how many, but I believe the building with Lee’s is, which is also up for discussion on development). Sometimes keeping old building around simply because they are old and give people good feelings is a risk to our community.

Anne June 2, 2018 (7:05 am)

Huck- have you looked at —say the Antique Mall building( old JCP)- love that building- wish the current tear down plan could be changed to save & renovate- are there some old ugly buildings in WS- sure- but there are some beauties as well that would be nice to save.

HappyCamper June 2, 2018 (7:37 am)

I’m there with huck. I see no historical relevance in some of these older buildings other than romanticizing times there (which does count, memories are a big deal. My kids love Husky Deli so my heart sinks a little too).As far as architecture and looks that’s a matter of opinion. Full disclosure: I am generally pro density as I think it is the proper direction for all cities to go. My coworker lives in Duvall and they are clear cutting 40 acres behind his house for a development! That is way more destructive than utilizing existing space to accommodate more people. Thinking about the world and future generations to me means that densification is the correct path.

chemist June 2, 2018 (8:41 am)

I’m a bit disappointed in the design packet referencing the “1 bike parking space per 4 units” standard that was changed in April, city-wide, to 1 bike parking spot per unit and 0.75 per unit after the first 50.82 units of housing needs a no-stairs/first floor bike room for 74 bikes, at minimum including some cargo bikes. Commercial space for general sales and services now requires one bike parking space per 500 sq ft, so at least 10 more bike parking spots for the commercial/retail space. The city really wants everyone to have a space to park their bikes.

chemist June 2, 2018 (9:25 am)

Apologies, I was reading the wrong table. The commercial, sales type bike parking requirement is 1 per 4,000 sq ft long term (rounded up) and 1 per 2,000 sq ft short term (rounded up to even numbers).For 5,000 sq ft of retail they’d only need 2 long term and 4 short term bike parking spots added.

Helpful June 2, 2018 (9:30 am)

I heard they are going to use some of those little old packages of crackers from husky deli for foundation infill..

TJ June 2, 2018 (12:38 pm)

HappyCamper, the burbs is where we are left to build new single family housing. While we are pretty much tapped out for land here in Seattle obviously, there is lots of land in the sticks for sfr. The American dream has been and is still for most still owning a house and yard. That can’t be ignored in this. Families aren’t being raised in these new buildings. Look at this one here. Studios and 1 bedrooms. Great for singles or young couples. My nephew is a prime example. Moved here 3 years ago in a 1 bedroom, works in Lake Union, didn’t think he needed a car, and wasn’t thinking of a house. Decided he needed a car 6 months later. Met a woman, engaged in a year, and bought a house last fall in Snoqualmie. The key is getting businesses to expand out. Hopefully our city council is forcing that now

HappyCamper June 2, 2018 (3:55 pm)

I agree to a certain extent. I think we could use more infill in Seattle as SFR’s to provide some level of affordability for families. If we don’t do that you’ll have to inherit a house in Seattle to live here. Sprawl is crazy here because of topography, it’s a lot more complicated than say Phoenix. We could use more “missing middle” housing in Seattle. I think they usually build like this because if people can afford to rent in the city they can afford to live alone or they share with a significant other and don’t “need” a 2nd bedroom or more square footage. Just speaking for myself but having a big house and yard isn’t worth adding an hour each way to my commute, etc. it would be great but not if I have to commute from Stanwood or Fife or something.

TH June 3, 2018 (7:18 am)

I just reviewed the conceptual “massing” document. Of the three concepts, only the first two provide on-site parking stalls. The third (preferred) concept provides none. I doubt this is an oversight. Off-site parking from existing developments is already a problem in surrounding residential areas. Sadly, this will do nothing to lessen that impact.

WSB June 3, 2018 (11:01 am)

That is clearly just an omission on one page of what I tried to note clearly is just the *draft* packet. Page 4 includes the 45 spaces as part of the “basic program” and if you look at the details for Concept 3 (see page 43), it includes the parking levels.

DJ June 3, 2018 (9:50 am)

I moved to West Seattle 3 years ago and live in one of these buildings that many people seem to dislike. It was the best decision I have ever made. I feel like WS is now my home. I love to walk around the neighborhood and support local businesses. I can’t afford to own a home here, and probably will never be able to. So what other options do people with healthy but not wealthy incomes have if they want be a part of a community that has so much to offer? It would be selfish of me to not want others to get a chance to experience what WS has to offer. If I could afford a million dollar home anywhere within 2 miles of the the Junction I already would have bought one.

WSB June 3, 2018 (10:22 am)

DJ, thank you for commenting. We’re glad you found WS. Just about everyone was a newcomer at some point – even if a lifelong resident, unless they are Native, somewhere along the line their parents, or grandparents, or great-grandparents arrived. We came here from California 27 years ago and rented an inland Beach Drive condo, then just a few years old and certainly a replacement for an old bungalow, for the first few years we were here. Glad you are enjoying WS life – TR

Fire Ball June 3, 2018 (1:15 pm)

I sure hope those 45 parking space are for paying customers.

Eileen June 3, 2018 (1:53 pm)

Yikes, I would probably have to park a half mile away to take the kids to get an ice cream cone at the new Husky Deli….sad, it is not going to happen.

dawsonct June 3, 2018 (9:22 pm)

Cool. A few less people in line in front of me then. I guess you can always have Amazon deliver experiences to your door.—-BTW, not to edge into any type of body-shaming here, but we Americans would probably all benefit from walking half a mile before and after we have an ice cream cone.

Sorry, comment time is over.