In a move that underscores the potential for growth in the ever-evolving Seattle real estate landscape, Ilahie Properties Inc. has unveiled preliminary plans for a development on the south side of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The project, announced earlier this month, aims to revitalize an underutilized stretch of land by introducing over 300,000 square feet of office space and two hotels.
Ilahie Properties, a Seattle-based developer, is set to transform the 4.6-acre site, located between 603 and 1051 W. Ewing St., into a thriving hub of commerce and hospitality. This initiative, if realized, holds the potential to redefine the surrounding industrial landscape of this neighborhood, according to a recent report in the Puget Sound Business Journal.
The plan includes the construction of four office buildings, each rising up to five stories, and two hotels — one a six-story property and the other a four-story extended-stay property.
With Seattle architecture firm Clark Barnes at the helm of design, the project is expected to unfold in phases over the span of 10 to 15 years. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing market, ensuring that the development remains aligned with evolving needs and trends, according to the report.
The project site’s historical significance as part of the Foss Maritime yard adds a layer of complexity and opportunity to Ilahie’s endeavor. The closure of Foss Maritime, linked in part to labor disputes and market challenges, presents a chance for Ilahie Properties to rejuvenate the area and breathe new life into the legacy of the shipyard.
While this development coincides with the establishment of new industry and innovation zones, Ilahie emphasized that its Ewing Street proposal stands independently, driven by its own vision and goals.
Saltchuk Marine, a division of the Saltchuk family of companies, is the owner of Foss Maritime. Saltchuk Resources, a company that boasts revenue of $5 billion, is also the largest private company based in Washington.
