The city just granted permits for the townhouse project that’ll replace this brick multiplex @ SW corner of Cali/Seattle (not far from similar projects).
Also on the topic of doomed brickwork, there’s an addendum to the saga of the unique fourplex that’s on its last legs across the street from Charlestown Cafe — scroll to the bottom of the original page to check out a comment just posted by one of its current renters.
I had a feeling what “displaced” described was what was going on. It’s sad. The current attitude with teardowns leads to stuff like this. Some development is ok/necessary.. I think what is going on in general is excessive. I echo comments made by flipjack, Rhonda, JD, Todd, Al K, etc.. I hope developers and those who support them are proud of themselves. To quote Alki Al in another “development” post.. “Pretty soon it will look like W Seattle was founded/developed in the 21st century. Woohoo! It is a shame. Some call it progress, I call it a disgusting-blight-congested-greedy-shame. There is little class or respect for history in W.S. We are supposed to be the birthplace of Seattle!? Guess Seattle was founded a couple of years ago. I would say there goes the neighborhood but it has already gone. Thanks in part to the OMNI a_holes.
Comment by Alki Al  11:22 am # “
If demand for affordable housing wasn’t as strong as it is in Seattle no builder would take the capital risk to construct new multi units. Seattle City and King County both officially push density of housing instead of suburban sprawl — if the complaint is congestion take it up the the politicians and bureaucrats who allow favorable zoning for multis.
Maybe we can unite and stop new people from moving here. Let’s tell ’em it rains all the time….
This is in no way a slam against anyone. I am not intending to rip anyone a new one as I have been accused of in the past. It is my comment/point of view.
I have taken up the congestion issue with the Mayor and Diane Sigamura, the DPD director. First I was ignored but upon following up, I was told “Well this is Greg’s plan (development)..” One could argue that pushing density results in sprawl because this developer bought the land for about a million dollars… the units they build will go for no less than lets say 450k (not exactly “affordable” for the average salary/family) based on similar, recent projects. That turns the land into now being worth a minimum of 1.8 million overnight IF the developer only builds 4 units. Land value becomes higher now so it causes people to look further away for cheaper land a/k/a sprawl. I’m not speaking as someone who is bitter by being squeezed out.. it’s the opposite. I am fortunate to afford a mortgage, childcare, car payment, even the cost of gas. I’ve always lived where I could afford to live. It’s like saying I demand affordable housing in Medina. Sounds ridiculous right? Developers say they are filling a demand and building affordable housing. It’s just an excuse to make money and destroy what was once a perfectly fine house or old apartment building (3811 California).
Some observations: What happens when you put too many rats in a cage? With all the new tax payers (property owners), why aren’t property taxes going down or atleast staying the same?
I see why people think people wanting to live here is a good thing and I agree to a point but at what cost to community character, the environment, roads/road rage, taxes, schools, transportation, etc? I own a home as in a house on land so I will benefit from increased land value. Ofcourse I would make out better if my house was on CA Ave. So, one would think I wouldn’t have a problem with development but I do.
Yeah, whenever I meet someone and they ask where I live, the first thing out of their mouth is, “Oh, I hear it rains a lot there..” I say, you’re exactly right!
Chet….”affordable housing” really depends on what one can afford. $500,000 might be affordable for that guy over there, but for this person here, something more in the range of $250, 000 is affordable. I hate the piling on of people on top of people..the condos going up with retail space below that never gets filled, the congestion of cars (because “we’re” addicted), the strain on our public transportation system that never seemed to meet the need when we need it. And I hate that some of these lovely old buildings are considered just so much trash, while someone with a little more foresight and, heaven forbid, imagination, might be able to turn preserve them and actually turn them into something unique. More is NOT always better – sort of like our waistlines ;-)
So Jan, it sounds like you agree with me then? Seems like we both share the same concerns. I totally agree that affordable is a relative term, like “nice”. Someone might think McDonalds is a nice place to eat and someone might think Jaks is a nice place.
I assume most of you have been to Kerry park in Queen Anne and admired the old brick complex just across the park.It will be replaced by a new 5 story condo complex: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=466653.
OMG Andre! I can’t believe this! I wonder if they are using the earthquake damage excuse on this one too? {I think I see a cracked brick on the southern exposure.. Welp, better tear it down then.}
What gives me hope is another historic building (with many alterations) a few blocks up the road was saved so I don’t see how this latest building can be “developed”.
For the pro development/density folks.. Just wondering the rationale – isn’t this an example of tearing down an already dense building? I doubt, given the size, they will build as many units as are currently there now.
This is such a shame. I knew someone who lived there maybe 15 years ago. At least then, the apts. were VERY charming inside. And as I recall, rent was a steal (especially with that view). An older lady owned the building and many of her friends were residents so she rarely raised rents. I remember wondering at the time what would happen when she eventually passed on. Guess we know now. Bummer.
GenHill which place are you refering to.. the one on Queen Anne or the one recently razed in WS?
Sorry, comment time is over.
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