A 231-unit mixed-use development proposal is making its way through Seatte’s Design Review process. Recently, a proposal from San Mateo-based Prometheus Real Estate Group was brought before the Seattle Northeast Design Review Board, which ultimately recommended it move forward to a Master Use Permit.
The project, located at 3831 Stone Way N., in the city’s Wallingford neighborhood, would include the construction of a seven-story residential building with 2,819 square feet of commercial space as well as 157 parking spaces in a below-grade garage.
In addition to Prometheus, the project team includes Jones Architecture and MG2 and Page as the landscape architect.
The development would take place on a triangular site, and according to the design proposal, aims to contribute to and enhance the surrounding urban context and serve as a gateway to the Wallingford neighborhood.
“It seeks to connect the rich detailing of historic Seattle apartment buildings with modern high-quality materials and well-proportioned fenestration interwoven to provide desirable residential units and active pedestrian-oriented streetscapes,” the proposal states.
Previously, the project team met with the board in February of this year for an Early Design Guidance Meeting. During the meeting, the board approved a preferred massing scheme and also gave several suggestions for the project team to consider in moving forward.
“To summarize the EDG, scheme C was the preferred scheme. It was recognized as a strong, urban response with building frontages located on the three streets. Building service in the vehicular circulation was supported on North 39th, Ground story and residential on Bridgeway was supported, and there was support for the overall massing and the use of two architectural languages,” said Alan Jones, of Jones Architecture.
At the time of the EDG meeting, the team was given several suggestions in order to aid with the overall design vision. The board recommended a clearer set of massing rules in relation to the architectural languages as well as further details on the courtyard, lobby, street connection and the sense of arrival. Additionally, the board wanted to see more connection between retail spaces and the adjacent sidewalk.
During the meeting, the design team gave responses to these suggestions, including clearer massing details, updated information on landscaping and plans to connect the courtyard space to interior spaces. Additionally, the team provided updated information on the planned materials for the project, which include brick masonry, box rib metal paneling, aluminum, galvanized steel and more.
Overall, the design review board felt that the plan had evolved well since the previous EDG meeting. However, in approving the project, the board gave several more suggestions for the team to consider. The board asked to see the design team address the inconsistency between the reveal and the entryway on the northeast corner, and recommended the design team conduct a study to find a suitable solution. Board members also agreed that there should be activation and seating at the 39th corner. The board also liked designs for the courtyard but suggested that there should be a stronger connection between interior and exterior spaces.
