Vulcan Inc. and Seattle-based architecture firm Graphite Design Group presented two proposed projects before one of Seattle’s design boards on Wednesday, which are part of a large three block mixed-use project in the city’s South Lake Union neighborhood. One of these projects was approved to move forward, while the other must first make some aesthetic changes to its residential tower in order to advance.
The proposed project that must be presented before the board again is located at 630 Boren Avenue North. It involves six stories of office space with a seven-story residential tower above, providing a total of 145,600 square feet for office use, 69 apartment units and 2,500 square feet of retail. There will also be three levels of underground parking, 8,210 square feet of public open space and a through-block connection that allows pedestrians quicker access through the three blocks from Westlake Avenue to Fairview Avenue North. “There is almost a porch-like element that gives the accessibility to allow people to move through the project,” said architect Peter Krech from Graphite Design Group.
Overall, we find the design successful, with the exception that the residential side seems a little scattered
Generally, the board felt the project was successful. However, they also agreed that the seven-story residential tower, located at the northwest corner of the site, was not appealing and did not fit with the rest of the project’s horizontal design. “We’re very supportive of the concept and execution of material elements,” said board member Boyd Pickrell at the conclusion of the meeting. “Overall, we find the design successful, with the exception that the residential side seems a little scattered.”
The project shares a city block, separated by an alley, with the approved project located at 609 Fairview Avenue North. This six-story project provides 187,267 square feet of office space, more underground parking, 7,600 square feet of public open space and 3,600 square feet of private open space for tenants.
Once completed, the overall project named Lakefront Blocks will provide a total of 150 apartment units, 638,000 square feet of office space, 10,000 square feet of retail space and 788 parking stalls. Graphite Design Group’s Web site says the large project is scheduled for completion in 2018.
According to The Broderick Group’s 2016 First Quarter Seattle Office Market Overview report, significant office space leases in the Seattle area were dominated by technology market movers in both existing and future space. The largest deal of the quarter was Google pre-leasing 607,000 square feet in Vulcan’s 625 Boren Avenue new office development. Additionally, Amazon leased 287,000 square feet of Urban Union, which has an expected second quarter 2016 delivery date. Other notable leases were Saltchuk’s 91,357-square-foot lease at 450 Alaskan Way, making it the first tenant. Expedia also leased a full floor of 38,000 square feet at 645 Elliott and F5 Networks leased 20,000 square feet at Elliott Bay Office Park, says the same report.
