Recently homeowners on the southside of the Cristalla and eastside of One Pacific Tower have expressed some concern about the proposed project on the north and south corner of 2nd and Virginia. I was able to take a peak at the design review proposal and although views (and daylight!) definitely will be impacted by the project, I think that rebuilding the 2nd Ave strip is a must for such a prime location.

The ?twin? towers, designed by Weber+Thompson and developed by Justen Company, LLC will join the Cristalla, 1915 Second Ave and 1521 Second Ave to create ?a five-building assemblage that will reshape the skyline behind the market district.?

South Tower
1931 2nd Ave
38 floors total- 10 floors hotel/lobby (117 rooms) & 28 floors residential (185 condominiums)

North Tower
2015 2nd Ave
39 floors total- 6 floors lobby/retail & 33 floors residential (234 condominiums)

1915 2nd Ave
24 floors total- Street level retail & 175 condominiums developed by Intracorp

Other projects just blocks away are One Residences (2nd & Pine), Escala (4th & Virginia), The Alex (1st and Bell) and a 43 story apartment building on 3rd & Virginia.

In less than 5 days, my listing in the Cristalla (2bd+den, $4,300 per month) leased for asking price and for a year longer than the owners had anticipated- I didn?t even see it coming!

Over the past couple of weeks I have noticed that there are several current renters/former homeowners in the market for luxury rentals offering more than 1400 sq. feet and VIEWS. Most are looking to give ?urban living? a chance, are in the process of relocating or have recently sold their homes and are downsizing. They all have had flexible price ranges and have had a hard time finding the perfect place that fit their needs.

Currently there are only 10 listings in Belltown/Downtown over $3000 per month, 3 or 4 of which might work for someone looking for a modern and spacious rental (depending on how flexible they are with their budget!). Click here for Craigslist listings. Click here for NWMLS listings.

In April and May there were 14 listings on the NWMLS that were either labeled as Sold, Active- STI (subject to inspection) or Pending in the Belltown/Downtown neighborhood.

Some of the quick turnovers?

Moira Holly listed a 2 bedroom/ 1.75 bath condominium at Continental Place for $1.695M 3/31/07, accepted an offer on 4/03/07 and it sold for asking price on 5/24/07.

Another condo at Continental Place listed for $1.295M on 4/14/07, an offer was accepted 4/20/07 and it sold for $1.330M on 5/24/07.

One of the 5 condos at the Millennium Tower listed 5/01/07 for $3.895M, changed to Active-STI 5/10/07 and has been Pending since 5/18/07.

At the Cristalla, a $1.1M 2 bedroom/ 2 bath was listed on 5/24/2007 and labeled Pending on 5/25/07!

The most luxurious property Pending?.A 3000+ sq. ft penthouse at the Cristalla, listed for $4.695M!

According to the MLS, it looks like there are three condos available in the Cristalla right now. Two of which are decently priced in comparison to previously listed 800+ sq. ft 1 bedrooms and the third being an 18th floor, 2 bedroom/ 2 bath listed just over $1M. View more details and photos here.

This building happens to be one of my personal favorites with unsurpassed amenities, timeless finishes and an unbeatable location!

I also noticed that some owners have listed some rental vacancies on Craigslist as well!

2033 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 443-2610