DEVELOPMENT: New plan for long-stalled site at 5249 California SW

(WSB photo this morning, with tagging pixelated)

What might be the longest-stalled development site in West Seattle has a new plan. At 5249 California SW [map], the small commercial building that was previously on the site was demolished almost a decade ago. The foundation for a new mixed-use building was put in six years ago, and some framing followed. After that, the site went dormant, and as reported here a year and a half ago, the property went up for sale. County records don’t yet show an ownership change, but city records show a new early-stage proposal – nine townhouses, with five offstreet-parking spaces. The site plan shows that two of the townhouses would face California SW, with the other seven lined up in north-south orientation, rowhouse style, behind them, and parking off the alley.

10 Replies to "DEVELOPMENT: New plan for long-stalled site at 5249 California SW"

  • DC January 5, 2022 (3:40 pm)

    Wish it were apartments, but at least the land is getting put to use.

    • Axe January 6, 2022 (12:24 pm)

      While I don’t know the zoning specifics or economics for this project vs apts on this site, I know that I would not take on the risk of owning apartments in this heavily anti landlord culture. I don’t fault this being THs. 

  • I. Ponder January 5, 2022 (4:04 pm)

    What happened that stopped the original project?

  • Sunflower January 5, 2022 (5:48 pm)

    It’s too bad property is allowed to sit in that state for so long. This one beats the record the burned out shucks set 10+ years ago. Nothing good comes from a boarded up  or unfinished property.

  • Michael Waldo January 5, 2022 (7:13 pm)

    Issues with the original contractor.  Fired contractor.  Lawsuits. You know, the regular stuff.That lot is not that big, how are they going to fit nine townhouses?

    • Just wondering January 6, 2022 (5:57 pm)

      I was wondering if the Ephesus restaurant is part of the property being used for the 9 townhouses?

      • WSB January 6, 2022 (6:04 pm)

        No.

  • Lynda B January 5, 2022 (9:08 pm)

    Speaking of dormant plans…anybody know about the house across from Madison Middle School with the big tree.  It’s been sitting there unfinished for at least 10yrs.

    • Empty House January 6, 2022 (7:57 am)

      I asked some of the neighbors of that house if they knew why it has remained empty for as long as I’ve lived in the neighborhood (13 years)  and it sounds like there is a family issue and the owner just lets it sit empty out of spite. 

      • Lynda B January 6, 2022 (2:16 pm)

        Thanks for the info.  Can’t believe it’s been longer than I thought!  

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