Pushing history's edge toward the apex of modern, Trace North is the newest addition to the Pine/Pike neighborhood's eclectic 12th Avenue corridor.

Just-released penthouses and two living space models offer an extra dose of sizzle. In all, the building features 100 new urban studios, one- and two-bedroom homes.

"Trace is the hot space to be in this vibrant neighborhood," says ek Real Estate Group project manager Jim Goldberg. "They want to live where they play — and our buyers know there is strong value in buying real estate with the 12th Avenue vibe."

In fact, the entire neighborhood is kicking up the heat a notch, with two more leading-edge eateries planning to open street-level at Trace North, along 12th Avenue's emerging restaurant row. Inspired by the best of Vancouver and Portland's trend-setting districts, Trace North architects capture that "same mix of authentic character amid a contemporary downtown living experience," says Goldberg.

Bordered by Madison, Broadway and 15th, the Pike/Pine triangle defines and refines its image as downtown's hot-spot choice for foodies, bar hoppers, arts aficionados and coffee connoisseurs who want all they can get from living urban.

Solidifying this identity: Trace North, with its sleek metal, glass and concrete façade and street-level retailers, plus five levels of living and a panoramic-view rooftop terrace. Connected underground to the turn-of-the-last-century Trace Lofts, Trace North plays new kid on the block with an artful juxtaposition to its handsomely renovated brick sibling, where just four of the 42 lofts remain for sale.

Though it borrows pieces of its sibling's past, "the entire Trace North building is about wide open living spaces," says Goldberg. "Custom floor-to-ceiling walls of glass offer amazing views of downtown. When you see a home with a soaring 14-foot ceiling, there is a ton of volume. It's all very, very dramatic."

The Trace Buyers' Lounge features a model kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room highlighting the same finishes found throughout Trace North upper-level homes, which range from about 475 to nearly 1,000 square feet.

"Trace North shares the same strong sense of community" — plus artsy extras borrowed after renovation at the nearby lofts, says Goldberg. Robin Freeman of Two.9 Design found artistic ways to tie in "old elevator doors, old sewing machines and vintage fire doors from Trace Lofts into the Trace North elevator bays, lobby and other common areas," he says. "All of these interesting pieces ... will live on in the interiors of both new buildings," says Freeman.

New and sustainable finishes are equally important. Throughout each Trace North home, Tilo cork flooring covers living spaces, while Sky Blend cabinets with Utti Inni porcelain tile countertops and backsplash share center stage with stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. Floor plan options include a raised vessel sink for show-off fun in the bathroom or a roomy closet in the hallway.

Up top, Trace North's rooftop terrace is a view-worthy venue for scenes of Mount Rainier, First Hill and the city skyline.

On the street, action is also spinning forward with plans for Barrio, a Northwest twist to Mexican cuisine. It's slated to open this summer under direction of the team behind the successful Purple Café and Wine Bar restaurant.

Barrio will join Pizza Fusion, considered by many to be the country's most environmentally-friendly restaurant chain. The state's first restaurant to be certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Pizza Fusion will "spice up" its healthful, organic foods that are surrounded by earth-friendly décor, including tables and barstools reclaimed from Ballard's recently-closed Sunset Bowl, flooring from Garfield High School and pews preserved from Capitol Hill's former First Church Seattle.

They'll join other Pike/Pine triangle favorites, including La Spiga, Lark, Crave, Boom! Noodle and the much-anticipated Gun Club lounge — originally designed by restaurant/entertainment impresario Michael Klebeck. Plans for opening will come after the space's current incarnation as the Trace Buyers' Lounge.

"We found the right place," according Larry Kurofsky, part of the team behind Barrio. "I've spent a lot of time in this neighborhood. It's diverse, urban and established. It just has an ideal demographic and it's also emerging as a restaurant hub."

Goldberg agrees. "You can live in this neighborhood, live at Trace and be part of this really walkable community — all at an achievable price point for first-time homebuyers," adds Goldberg. Trace will soon be FHA-approved, so it "opens up financing. It's a big deal for people. It's solid government-backed financing and really good for people's needs right now."

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