Come March 13th, how are you going to vote on the future of the Viaduct?  If you feel you may need some clarification, the Young Professionals Network is sponsoring: Viaduct Advisory Vote, featuring Tim Ceis & Bob Powers.  

Tim Ceis is Deputy Mayor for the City of Seattle and is responsible for all policy and operational issues for the mayor. Tim is the former Chief of Staff to King County Executive Ron Sims and served as the Senior Executive Policy Coordinator for Governor Gary Locke.

Robert (Bob) Powers is currently director of Major Projects at the Seattle DOT and is a Certified Bridge Inspector in Washington and Oregon. Mr. Powers was previously a Division Chief of Transportation in the Engineering and Construction Division (TEC) for the Baltimore DOT, and has been involved in projects at the San Francisco International Airport and Golden Gate Bridge.

YPN: Viaduct Advisory Vote
Wednesday, February 28
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
One Union Square Boardroom, 600 University Street, Seattle 98101
$12 pre-paid; $18 after Tuesday, February 27 (pre-pay deadline extended)

On a side note….
King County Elections granted the city of Seattle’s request to conduct this election entirely by mail.

Here are some things you should know:
• Polls will not be open on Election Day (March 13th).
• All voters must vote by mail.
• You must postmark your ballot by Tuesday, March 13th
• If you have questions about how to complete your ballot, or if you prefer to personally turn in your ballot, visit one of the Seattle ballot drop-off locations. 

Last year around this time, Starbucks was filing paperwork to acquire two buildings at 83 S. King St. and 505 1st Ave. S in Pioneer Square.  It is confirmed that they are indeed extending their headquarters but it will be quite the process. 

Built in 1904 and renovated in 2000, 83 S. King is currently occupied by Starbucks employees in the Store Development Design and Pacific Northwest Region Store Development Team divisions.  Other lease agreements within the building have been honored and Starbucks will gradually take up the space as it comes available.  505 1st Ave S. has been granted a master use permit for a 7 story, 203,000 sq. ft office building.  A parking lot, parking garage and the one story, Duncan Building sits on the site and plans for demolition have not been revealed, let alone a timeline. 

This is very exciting news for the neighborhood and a perfect fit for those condo projects just being developed/proposed in the Downtown/Pioneer Square areas.  An update should be publicly released in the next month or two, so stay tuned! 

Blending modern and historic, Trace offers 142 wide-open living spaces in Seattle’s vibrant 12th & Madison neighborhood — a gateway to downtown. Appealing to creative people, the Built Green project takes its architectural cues from a handsome early-Seattle mercantile building being adapted into 42 loft spaces known as Trace Lofts, scheduled to open in summer 2007. Trace North is a neighboring modern building featuring 100 living spaces that will also incorporate historical elements throughout, scheduled for completion in early 2008. Trace living spaces include environmentally friendly modern finishes artfully mixed up with original features, including artifacts discovered during the renovation that will be placed throughout the buildings as design elements. On the street level Trace will house new “character” retail merchants providing unique goods and services to residents and neighbors. Read More  Things seem to be moving quickly, so if you are considering this unique property- you better get on it! 

While showing condos at Live2200, one of the most common questions asked when staring at the southwest corner of Denny and Westlake is “What is going on over there?”  Could it be Rollin Street Flats? Veer Lofts? 2201 Westlake? Even the Seattle Times most recently had trouble reporting the actual project in print! Just to clear everything up, the development is indeed 2201 Westlake and Enso, a 450,000 sq. ft mixed-use project.  Enso will be 19 stories tall with over 135 luxury condominiums and 2201 Westlake will feature 300,000 sq. ft of office space and 25,000 sq ft of retail reaching 12 stories. Sellen Construction is currently getting the lot ready for excavation by driving pilings into the ground for structure support.  The completion date for this project is set for early 2009. 

                                       
Please Support HB 1865/SB 5800 - Joseph Puckett, Attorney At Law

The RLTA was amended in 1992 with the intent to provide a statutory mechanism for a landlord to recover for the costs of moving and storage if the landlord opted to store the tenant’s property after a physical eviction.  Unfortunately, a recent decision by the Court of Appeals in Spokane misread the intent of the legislature and ruled that landlords must store a tenant’s personal property when conducting a physical eviction.  As a result of that decision the Pierce County and King County Sheriffs have issued a statement that they would immediately begin requiring landlords to store a tenant’s personal property when a physical eviction was performed. This decision could cost landlords hundreds, and possibly, thousands of dollars.  

When making its decision in regards to RCW 59.18.312 (writ of restitution), the court reviewed 59.18.310 (abandonment of property) and because .310 states “the landlord may immediately enter and take possession of any property of the tenant found on the premises and may store the same in any reasonably secure place.” And .312 states “A landlord may, upon the execution of a writ of restitution by the sheriff, enter and take possession of any property of the tenant found on the premises and store the property in any reasonably secure place.”  Because the word “may” does not appear before the word “store” as it does in .310, the court held that it was optional with the landlord to enter the property but that if the landlord did enter the landlord was required to store the property. This was not the intent of the legislature. 

HB1865/SB 5900 clarifies the law to ensure that it is the choice of the landlord to store the tenant’s property.

Prior to the date of the physical eviction, the tenant is given at least 3 written notices and an opportunity to contest or dispute the eviction.  The tenant has plenty of warning and many opportunities to remove or store his or her belongings prior to physical eviction. 

The eviction process will usually take between 30 and 45 days to complete after the first notice is given to the tenant.  In addition to the lost rent, the eviction process will cost the landlord between $350 and $600 in attorney’s fees and between $150 and $300 in court costs. Mandating the landlord store the tenant’s property, in addition to the burden of the eviction process, is simply unfair.

- Please feel free to email me if you have any questions!

Walton Street Capital filed papers with the city’s Department of Planning and Development yesterday (2/21/07) to begin the process of approval for converting the Smith Tower into condominiums.  The Chicago- based firm acquired the tower and an adjacent property last year for $48 million and have proposed big plans for the 260,000 sq. ft, 38 story building.  Due to the landmark status, permission must be obtained by the Pioneer Square Preservation Board and the city’s Landmarks Board. 

When interviewed by the Seattle Times, Michael Allmon, Walton Street’s local operating partner stated that “The proposed change is a way to ensure that the tower remains a vibrant part of downtown Seattle.” He goes on to state that “We want to embrace and enhance the historical fabric of the building.” 

If this conversion does indeed proceed, it will be a huge success following in the footsteps of The Cobb, The Seaboard Building, Queen Anne High School, and the new First Church in Capitol Hill. 

About every month or so, I do a search on the NWMLS to see what property holds the highest priced condominium in Seattle and today’s winner is….1521 Second Avenue.  This 36th floor, 5044 sq. ft 2 bedroom/ 2 bath is sitting at the presale price of $9,990,000! 

In second place, a 5 bedroom/ 4.75 bath penthouse on the 27th floor of One Pacific Tower (2000 1st Ave) listed at $9,950,000.  With over 5,600 sq. ft, this residence occupies the entire floor, comes with 6 parking spaces in a private garage and features a library, home gym and office.    Click here to view photos
The Cristalla (2033 2nd Ave) comes in third, with a 3100 sq. ft 2 bedroom/ 2.75 bath penthouse listed for $4,695,000.  Featuring an extra 1,500 sq foot private terrace, 400-bottle wine cellar, private home office on the 5th floor and a 4-car privately gated garage.   Click here to view photos

If you haven’t strolled down 2nd Avenue lately, you will be surprised at how many lounges and restaurants have opened. Each adding their own twist to a diverse mix of menus and atmospheres, they are getting great reviews!

Karma Martini Lounge & Bistro
2318 2nd Avenue
(206) 838-5590

Great food at a great price until 3am- need I say more! Karma has a very inviting ambiance and accommodating floor plan that features oversized booths for larger parties, smaller tables for intimate affairs and a communal bar for a quick drink or an evening stay. They have a wide variety of specialty drinks including the delicious and frilly Burgundy Mojito and Key Lime Martini. Everything on the menu has been a success, especially the French fries with truffle oil-a must for late night snacking!

Tavolata
2323 2nd Avenue
206-838-8008

There is no sign, just an Italian flag waving proudly above a crowd anxiously awaiting for the doors to open at 5pm. Tavolata, meaning to gather around the table, only takes reservations for parties of 6+ and the 30 person table speaks for itself. The new-age Italian menu is targeted towards the late night crowd who love to share and drink wine. There is a full service bar open until 2am and the food is served until 1am everyday. This new spot is brought to you by Ethan Stowell of Union and Patric Gabre-Kidan.

Thanks to an insider tip, coming late spring 2007…..The Local Vine
2nd Avenue & Vine
206-441-6000

Instead of converting apartment buildings that were built in the early 2000’s, developers like Legacy Partners and Pioneer Properties are concentrating on Queen Anne’s vintage buildings and sparking a trend. 

Queen Anne High School- 201 Galer Street

November ’05, Legacy Partners acquired Queen Anne High School to convert into a one-of-a-kind, upscale condo community.  With 139 units, this historic 1909 building features soaring ceilings, arched windows, stainless appliances, slab granite counters, mosaic tile floors, marble bath counters, farm-style sink, custom cabinetry available in White or Cherry, and the original hardwood floors and chalkboards in select units.  Studios are starting from $299,950 with 555 sq. feet, one bedrooms starting at $355,950 and two bedrooms from $566,950.  They have done a really good job with the upgrades, the floor plans are spacious and open, parking is included in the selling price and in addition to the Euro-style washer and dryer in the units, there are laundry facilities on-site.  

Pioneer Properties are currently working on two condo conversions, Queen’s Court and the newly announced, Pittsburgh.  Both located in lower Queen Anne, these buildings offer a great location with modern essentials at an affordable price.

Queen’s Court- 124 Warren Ave

This 34 unit, 3 story brick building was built in the 1930’s and has been remodeled with the common luxury finishes including granite counters, new cabinetry, ceramic tile, stainless appliances, new wood blinds and hardwood floors.  There is a laundry facility in the building, parking is available for an additional $20k and studio, studio+ and one bedroom floor plans are starting at $239k for 515 sq. ft. - The largest one bedroom is 765 sq. ft on the top floor for $369k.  The overall quality doesn’t quite compare to the High School, but offers great pricing for the neighborhood and modernized charm.   
 
 

In November, the first owners at Live2200 closed on their condos and the last wave of them are set for closing in late March.  Out of 261 units, 150 to date have been recorded and only 80 of them have been occupied, either by owner or tenant. 

If you visit the property, you will notice the wall of key boxes on the eastside of the courtyard entrance- only 17 of which are currently listed on the NWMLS. 
     -Click here to view listings at Live2200

Coming up in March, the condos on the higher floors of the Arte (910 Lenora) and Azur (900 Lenora) will be completed.  I will have some additional rental listings come up early in the month so keep in touch~