- View these home
- Open noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays at 1220 Boren Ave., Seattle.
- Prices
- From $225,000.
- Builder
- Live Historic
- Information
- 206-436-0285 or www.livehistoric.com.
"I always loved this building," says Robert Dawson, standing in the construction site that will be his living room. New wiring is being installed, and the brick-and-mortar interior of a 1927 wall is visible. It's just a glimpse, but by this summer, all the homes at The Marlborough will have new systems, appliances and finishes that embrace the building's original era.
Dawson hadn't been looking for just anywhere to hang his hat. Like many who have been steadily streaming through the gorgeous Marlborough lobby -- heels clicking on the marble floor, eyes widening at the expanse of box-beamed ceilings and the hand-carved ornamentation on pillars -- he was on a quest. He had spent almost a year looking over Seattle's stock of pre-World War II buildings, trying to match his appreciation of hand craftsmanship, classic design and sturdy permanence with the needs of today's world. Two days after he toured The Marlborough, he was an owner. Dawson can list the reasons: "Architecture, building quality, location, square footage, price point." What he means: It felt like home. Twelve units sold immediately after the grand opening, so Dawson is joining a fast-growing community of people who know the feeling. From the front window of his new home, he surveys the Seattle skyline. At night, the 13 floors of The Marlborough shine like a beacon on First Hill -- a landmark as much for its central location as its brilliant past.
Built in 1927, it was one of Seattle's first residential high-rise buildings. Designed by London-born architect Bertram Dudley Stuart (1885-1977) in the Gothic revival style, its golden-colored brick and terra cotta façade made a statement that the port town of Seattle had arrived.
Residents and guests of The Marlborough will feel they've arrived, too. They will be able to enjoy concierge services, a guest suite and walks through Seattle's old "millionaires" neighborhood. Stuart provided residents with green space and parking. A garden tops the roof of The Marlborough's adjacent parking garage, connected by skybridge to the main building. Over the past eight decades, the traditional English garden has grown into a lush, tree-shaded refuge.
A short walk away are Town Hall, ACT Theatre, the Washington Athletic Club, First Hill medical facilities, downtown's shops and offices, the restaurants of Pike/Pine and grocery stores. Boren Avenue connects The Marlborough with Capitol Hill, Lake Union, I-5 and I-90. The Marlborough has views of the downtown skyline, Puget Sound, the Space Needle, Queen Anne hill and First Hill.
Pioneer Property Group's goal has been to return the building to vibrant, urban life. "We fell in love with its personality," explains Ben Rankin, co-principal of the company and co-founder of the Live Historic brand of vintage condominium homes. "We have updated the mechanical, electrical and plumbing and replaced all windows. We've upgraded with modern conveniences, but what we are really after is to restore elegance, charm and security for new owners."
There are 83 homes to renovate, ranging from roomy studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans, plus two penthouses, each with its own 800-square-foot private terrace. Pioneer is adding quartz counters and stainless steel appliances for the kitchens and new bathroom and lighting fixtures. Soothing steam heat (from historic Seattle Steam) supplies refitted radiators, and structural enhancements have been made to the original terra cotta.
All of it was done, Rankin said, with one guiding principle: "To stay out of the building's way." The hardwood floors, leaded glass French doors, arched kitchen entryways, crown molding, high ceilings and solid wood front doors remain. So do the wrought iron balcony that overlooks the grand lobby and the brass-faced mailboxes next to the elevators.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- The presentation center is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily on the 27th floor of the 900 Fourth Ave. office tower at Fifth Avenue and Madison Street. Park on Level D for validated parking. Map & directions.
- Prices
- From $500,000s to more than $1 million.
- Information
- 206-624-7640 or www.5thandMadison.com
Energy efficiency, better indoor air quality, high performance and durability wrapped into an elegant design are some of the reasons many of Seattle's home buyers are choosing 5th and Madison.
Those who prefer to eat healthier, drive energy-efficient cars and demand better indoor air quality will find comfort in this elegant new condominium tower rising immediately south of the Rem Koolhaas-designed Seattle Central Library.
Some buyers from bigger cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Sydney, find that 5th and Madison is the perfect second home. Others who work in Seattle's financial district find that they are able to walk to work.
From location to architecture to interiors, buyers recognize that 5th and Madison is a good investment downtown. Cutting-edge green innovations mark this condominium tower as a model for 21st century development. It even has its own half-acre, ground-level park with a small stream that offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of downtown. Lush landscaping is watered with rain water stored in underground cisterns.
5th and Madison is designed to qualify for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a standards program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage sustainably built structures. In fact, the block where 5th and Madison is located is environmentally sensitive. The adjacent 900 Fourth Ave. office tower is undergoing its own environmentally-responsible renovation.
Leslie Williams, president of Williams Marketing (the sales and marketing firm representing the homes), says, "The intelligent design of this high-performance building makes day-to-day life at 5th and Madison healthier and creates an equally healthy investment."
With nearly floor-to-ceiling windows that are 10.5 feet tall, 5th and Madison captures as much light and sunshine as the Northwest provides. The mood-enhancing natural light can be seen in more than just the main living areas because the homes are built wide and shallow to maximize light. 5th and Madison was designed by architects Ruffcorn Mott Hinthorne Stine, who also designed the IDX Tower to the immediate west. 5th and Madison is in a stylish neighborhood that is home to Seattle's best hotels and restaurants, including the Fairmount, the W Hotel, Hotel 1000, the Metropolitan Grill and the new Purple Café and Wine Bar.
Homes range from the $500,000s to more than $1 million. Move-ins for new owners are scheduled for October.
Interior details include hardwood flooring, wool carpets in bedrooms and solid-wood entry doors and trim. Appliances include the stainless steel Bosch gas cooktop paired with a European convection electric oven and Integra 500 series dishwasher. Kitchens also feature cabinet-depth SubZero and Amana refrigerators. Bathrooms offer mud-set showers and slab stone countertops with oval undermount sinks. Buyer can select custom finishes for a limited time.
Additional amenities include a fitness center, guest suite, Wi-Fi networking, concierge service, outdoor garden terrace overlooking the half-acre plaza below, entertainment lounge with kitchen and a residential library.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View this home
- Two homes at Trace North, two others at Trace Lofts and the Buyers' Lounge are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at 1406 12th Ave., Seattle. Map & directions.
- Prices
- From the mid-$200,000s to the $600,000s.
- Developer
- 12th & Madison, LLC.
- Information
- 206-404-LOFT (5638) or www.tracelofts.com.
- Getting there
- From I-5 southbound, take Stewart Street/Exit 166 toward Denny Way. Take a soft right at Eastlake Avenue East, which becomes Howell Street. Turn left at Boren Avenue, left at Pike Street and right at 12th Avenue. Or from I-5 northbound, take Madison Street/Exit 165. Turn right at Madison Street, then left at 12th Avenue
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.
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."
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 300 N. 130th St., Seattle.
- Getting there
- From I-5, take the 130th Street Exit and follow 130th Street west to Greenwood Avenue. Veridian Cove is on the right just before the Greenwood intersection. From Highway 99, take 99 north from the city to 130th street. Take a left on 130th Street. Head west toward Greenwood. Veridian Cove is on the right just before the Greenwood intersection.
- Prices
- Starting from $189,990.
- Information
- 206-367-2823 or www.veridiancove.com.
Nestled on more than five acres of mature landscaping, Veridian Cove offers more than just an opportunity to own a home in Seattle. Homeowners will find contemporary living and private club-like amenities with a city address. Visitors who tour the homes today can enjoy a free latte from the coffee cart and learn how easy it can be to own a home. Cool coffee drinks will be available to visitors from July 20 through the end of the month.
The new FHA program now available at Veridian Cove could be the ticket to owning one of the condominium homes in the Broadview neighborhood. The program offers down payments of as little as 3 percent, and there are zero-down loans available with down payment assistance. FHA is not a credit-score-driven program, so it allows for nontraditional credit for those who consistently pay monthly bills on time. FHA loans also offer low interest rates and flexible adjustable rate mortgage programs.
Veridian Cove offers 182 one- and two-bedroom condominium homes in a tranquil, parklike setting with meandering paths, lush landscaping, mature trees and a dedicated pet area. Connected by a private pathway to Bitter Lake Park, surrounded by an established neighborhood and close to I-5 and Highway 99, Veridian Cove is a convenient choice for commuters and those who want to save money on gasoline.
Interior details include white painted millwork and full-size stacked washers and dryers. Designer-inspired color schemes are available to personalize the homes. Homeowners can choose the Earth color scheme, with accents of dark wood and natural tones, or Sand, with amber accents and light hues. Most kitchens are outfitted with granite countertops, cherry- or hazelnut-finished cabinets with translucent insets and GE Profile stainless steel appliances. Wood-burning fireplaces add a classic touch to the contemporary schemes. Some of the homes also feature lake or Cascade Mountain views, and most include an outdoor living area with an extra storage space.
"The finish level is not what you'd expect at this price point -- it's simply above par. Veridian Cove is all about delivering a high-quality product," says Tony Burwell, community sales manager with Solution Partners NW, the firm marketing the condominiums. "Our homeowners are actually referring friends and family to purchase here as well; that's how much they love their new community," notes Burwell. Veridian Cove amenities include a pool, spas, fitness center and yoga and pilates room. "Our homeowners who have already moved in have been taking full advantage of the amenities -- particularly the gym," notes Burwell.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 505 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds. Map & directions.
- Prices
- From $514,990 to $952,990.
- Developer
- Fifth Ave Development LLC.
- Information
- 425-446-1700 or www.thegregoryedmonds.com.
- Getting there
- From I-5, take Exit 177 toward Edmonds/Lake Forest Park. Take the left fork following signs to WA-104 W. Make a slight right onto WA-104 W and stay straight onto Fifth Avenue South. The Gregory will be on your right at 505 5th Ave. S.
Take a morning stroll to Olympic Beach Park, where the Edmonds-Kingston ferry glides across the water. A freshly brewed cup coffee from a local café is in your hand. End your day with an evening at a nearby bistro, famous for its vast collection of wine. Catch the last show at the nearby restored vintage theater and return home to your beautiful new home at The Gregory. It's all part of a perfect day in Edmonds — a small community located on the waterfront just north of Seattle.
Edmonds, known for its artistic community, year-round festivals and vibrant downtown village, is celebrated as one of the most beautiful areas along the Washington coastline. Growing in popularity, this city has retained much of its small-town appeal. Located in the heart of the downtown area, The Gregory — an intimate, new three-story community of 27 one-and two-bedroom condominium homes — honors the quaint feel of the area through its use of traditional building materials such as wood shingles and brick.
Now complete, the homes at The Gregory feature several expansive floor plans that range in size from 1,134 square feet for a one-bedroom-plus-den home to more than 1,915 square feet for a two-bedroom-plus-den home. Built with true functionality in mind, every plan includes two full bathrooms, as well as a separate full-size laundry room. Each home has custom detail work evident in the solid wood entry doors and the extensive baseboard and crown molding finishes. Kitchens include solid wood, Shaker-style cabinetry, plus a stainless steel gas range, electric oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.
"The homes at The Gregory bring the dream of living the low-maintenance, resort lifestyle within reach for many homebuyers," says Jenee Curran, a Williams Marketing buyer's agent for The Gregory.
Prices for one-bedroom, water view homes range from the high $500,000s to the mid-$700,000s, while two-bedroom homes range from the low $500,000s to more than $900,000.
"Whether it's a young couple looking to purchase a first home without compromising the accessibility of downtown living, or a move-down buyer looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, there is something for everyone at The Gregory," Curran says.
Located on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Edmonds, The Gregory puts the best of Edmonds within a short walking distance. To ease the commute to Seattle, residents can leave their cars behind and walk to the Sound Transit/Amtrak station, which offers daily service.
For a getaway, residents can escape to the Olympic Peninsula with help from the nearby Edmonds-Kingston Ferry. For cultural enthusiasts, the Edmonds Center for the Arts offers performances by jazz artists, dance ensembles and other entertainers. A variety of international cuisine ranging from Italian to Mexican fare is also available near The Gregory.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- Open noon to 6 p.m. Friday to Tuesday at 1501 First Ave. N., Seattle. Map & directions.
- Prices
- From $349,900.
- Developer
- Northstar Development and Associates, LLC.
- Information
- 206-282-1015 or www.counterbalancecondos.com.
Pairing vintage elegance with contemporary flair, Queen Anne's newest offering of condominium homes — First Galer — proves to be the ideal balance of yesterday and today. Located on a cobblestone street on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, the boutique community of 18 one-, one-plus-den and two-bedroom homes is nearing completion, with new homeowners expected to move in by the end of June.
"We're delighted to represent this remarkable collection of homes," says Chaun Mackey, president of MCM Group, the listing and marketing firm for First Galer. "A great deal of thought, craftsmanship and creativity went into the renovation of the building and the residences. It's clear that this was a labor of love for the developer."
Interiors were designed by the award-winning firm MNID & Associates. Playing off existing period architectural elements such as mahogany picture molding, telephone niches with pull-out writing slides, and built-in hutches, the design team added glass doorknobs and pulls, full-height tile backsplashes with vintage-style accents and black and white checkered bathroom floors. A faux fireplace front serves as a nod to the past and an artistic focal point in the living room.
In the kitchen, oak flooring was added to match the original hardwoods found throughout the rest of the home. Beadboard lower kitchen cabinet doors add a classic touch, while etched glass insets in the upper cabinets are a delightfully fresh complement. Dark slab granite countertops and sleek stainless steel appliances reflect a modern-day sensibility. And a utility closet is cleverly concealed behind a beadboard door, plumbed for new owners' washers and dryers.
"These homes just burst with charm," says Nick Jarman, sales manager for First Galer. "There are arched doorways, coved ceilings, wood-wrapped doors and windows — they even have pull-out ironing boards. The design team was meticulous in the restoration of the interior spaces. And it's not just the obvious details that catch your attention. Sometimes it's the small things that make a big difference — refrigerators flush with cabinetry and countertops, floor-to-ceiling tiled baths, carefully selected lighting packages. They pulled out all the stops."
Perched atop the hill, the majority of the homes have Olympic Mountain and Elliott Bay views. Some also have garages. For homebuyers who love the location but prefer a more modern style, First Galer has five homes separate from the heritage building. "We actually have two collections to choose from. Most of the homes at First Galer are located in the historic brick building, but there are five in our mid-century modern addition. Those homes have a more contemporary flavor," says Jarman. "We also have another collection across the street — the Marc Anna. It is also a historic brick building and has a more craftsman interior style."
It wasn't just the interiors at First Galer that received a facelift. The entire building from sidewalk to rooftop was redesigned to reflect its early grandeur. The building's brick exterior and wrought iron railings were reconditioned, a new, two-ply roof system was installed and double-hung windows were added. To accommodate today's lifestyle requirements, the electrical system was updated with Cat V wiring and cable, and a new fire alarm system and controlled-access entry doors were installed. In addition, designers added new awnings, a stylish tile entry and classic planting urns.
First Galer is located one block off of Queen Anne Avenue at the corner of First Avenue North and Galer Street. Its quiet, residential spot on the tree-lined street belies its remarkable connectivity. Adjacent to the building, steps lead down into the heart of Queen Anne with neighborhood amenities and services such as The 5 Spot Café, Café Appassionato and Trader Joe's within a couple blocks.
"This is a tremendous location. Homeowners can leave their cars at home and walk to shops, restaurants, the Seattle Center, Kerry Park and downtown Seattle, and there is easy access to I-5 and Highway 99," Mackey says. "You're connected to everything but when you get home, you're in this wonderful, traditional neighborhood that makes Queen Anne one of Seattle's most desirable addresses."
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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Normandy Place is a collection of 27 two- and three-bedroom homes in Normandy Park. These new townhomes are just minutes from Burien's revitalized urban core and only 11 minutes to downtown Seattle. Just one block away is the new Normandy Park Towne Center, which offers a fitness club, restaurants and more. Homeowners get beach rights to The Cove, an 18-acre beachfront that includes a community center, picnic tables and barbecue pits.
There are four different floor plans ranging in size from 1,513 to 1,574 square feet. Some offer the benefit of two master suites, while others have a bonus room off the main floor entry or versatile spaces like a third-floor loft or den off the living room. All homes have a deck off the living room. Some have an additional patio off the lower level bonus rooms.
Interiors feature hardwood flooring, wood-wrapped windows, maple-stained saddle cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Also included is a gas fireplace with an artisan mantle and contemporary lighting.
PricesHomes start from $379,950.
See this homeThe presentation center is open noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays at 19439 First Ave. S., Seattle. For more information, call 206-749-5000 or visit www.liveatnormandyplace.com.
Getting thereTake state Route 509 north or south to 160th Street exit and go west to First Avenue South. Take a left on First Avenue South and follow for approximately 2 miles. Normandy Place will be on the right side of the corner of First Avenue South and 196th Street.
BuilderStanton Northwest Integrated Real Estate Development.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Floor Plan of the Week contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- Two homes at Trace North, two others at Trace Lofts and the Buyers' Lounge are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekends at 1406 12th Ave., Seattle. Map & directions.
- Prices
- From the mid-$200,000s to the $600,000s.
- Developer
- 12th & Madison, LLC.
- Information
- 206-404-LOFT (5638) or www.tracelofts.com.
- Getting there
- From I-5 southbound, take Stewart Street/Exit 166 toward Denny Way. Take a soft right at Eastlake Avenue East, which becomes Howell Street. Turn left at Boren Avenue, left at Pike Street and right at 12th Avenue. Or from I-5 northbound, take Madison Street/Exit 165. Turn right at Madison Street, then left at 12th Avenue.
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."
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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This three-bedroom, two-bath floor plan is in the heart of West Seattle's Luna Park neighborhood. Architecturally designed to maximize natural light, each home is packed with substance and style. This floor plan has more than 1,400 square feet of modern amenities, plus breathtaking views of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle on every floor. The main living area on the third floor is ideal for casual daily living and entertaining against a backdrop of the Seattle skyline. Dark Brazilian Sucupira hardwoods, a contemporary "floating" heat and glow fireplace, honed granite counters, tech lighting, designer colors and custom tile detailing are showcased. The kitchen features stainless Energy Star Jenn-Air appliances and dark cherry cabinets accented with aluminum and frosted glass. The kitchen leads to the entertainment-sized great room. Space for entertaining and enjoying the view is gracefully extended outside, with an oversized deck and a professionally landscaped, fenced yard. Two well-appointed bedrooms and a master bathroom grace the second floor. This home is a Built Green/Energy Star-certified home, backed by the industry's 10-year limited warranty.
PriceFrom $399,950.
See this homeModel home is open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 3026-A S.W. Avalon Way, Seattle.
Information206-542-9096, ext. 101, or www.howlandhomes.com.
DeveloperHowland Homes.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Floor Plan of the Week contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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Patagonia Village is a new gated-entry, 49-home condominium community in Woodinville. The one- and two-bedroom homes at Patagonia Village have an open floor plan with a light, airy feeling. An entertainment bar leads to a spacious living room and dining area that opens onto a patio or balcony. Kitchens have cherry cabinetry with antique bronze hardware; stainless steel sinks with chrome faucets; and sleek track lighting. Depending upon the floor plan, homes have three-quarter to 1.5 size bathrooms with generous porcelain fixtures, elegant mirrors and a built-in medicine chest. Upgraded homes include slab granite countertops, tile bathrooms, appliances and contrasting designer paint and trim. Every home comes with electric in-wall heat, double-pane windows with window coverings, a washer and dryer, plush carpeting, wood molding, two-panel doors and plenty of closet space.
PriceFrom the $200s.
See these homesThe sales center is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
DeveloperWashington Square Condos, LLC.
InformationContact sales manager Judie Chambers at 425-330-9244.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Floor Plan of the Week contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- 5350 N.E. 16th St., Renton. Map & directions.
- Prices
- From $885,000 to $1.1 million.
- Developer
- KBS Development.
- Information
- 206-683-6572 or www.liveatwindstone.com.
- Getting there
- From Renton via I-405, take Exit 5 (Sunset Way) east about 3 miles until it becomes Renton/Issaquah Road. Turn left at 148th Avenue Southeast. Windstone is a half-mile ahead on the right. Drom Issaquah, go south on Renton/Issaquah Road about 6 miles. Turn right at 148th Avenue Southeast. Windstone is a half-mile ahead on the right. Drom Bellevue or Newcastle via I-405, take Exit 10 east to Coal Creek Parkway. Follow to Southeast May Valley Road and turn left. Turn right onto 148th Avenue Southeast. Windstone is a half-mile ahead on the right.
As if hand-chosen by Mother Nature for its arboretum-like setting, Windstone welcomes guests seeking a flair for fine living to its newest three distinctive home collections — each offering a mix of work by award-winning architects teaming with four of the Northwest's finest builders.
It's an ensemble inspired by the soul of Windstone: a statuesque Japanese maple. The botanical centerpiece is meticulously preserved and protected for its own neighborhood park, set near the confluence of Newcastle, Issaquah and Renton.
Now, with the recent release of 23 homesites, homebuyers will discover a fresh variety of four- to five-bedroom luxury designs, offering up to 5,000 square feet of living area, mixed among the three new clusters.
Kolin Taylor of KBS Development, the team behind Windstone, likens these divisions to gemstones complementing the central "jewel" at the park's maple. Each cluster, he says, showcases the "unique characteristics of greenbelt selections all backing to a creek in Division 2, ridgetop choices with mountain views in Division 3, and park-edge opportunities with wonderful views in Division 4."
Taylor adds "Windstone is not a cookie-cutter neighborhood on a pancake-level site. What sets this neighborhood apart is the amazing collection of homes on terrain with so much personality. It would be impossible for one builder to create that kind of variety. That's one of the reasons why the first 50 homes in phase one sold so quickly."
In this new phase, Taylor continues to praise the teamwork among the builders for the variety, which "takes full advantage of the terraced terrain, creating views, privacy and character.
"These builders are part of the vision of Windstone," says Taylor. "They understand what we have here: an arboretum-quality site with an artfully-crafted waterfall that looks like it's been here for ages, and a magnificent, burgundy-leafed maple tree with an awe-inspiring 50-foot branch span."
Two- and three-level homes, ranging from 3,500 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet, reflect the latest designs from American Classic Homes, Greacen Homes, Northwest Exceptional Homes and Sierra Homes.
"These builders have pulled out all the stops," Taylor says. "They're creating showcase luxury homes with artful custom finishes."
Six pre-sale buyers, already enamored with Windstone and its first phase, have purchased homes in this latest phase.
Many, says Taylor, are drawn to the "exotic woods, specialty granites and stones that are paired with state-of-the-art appliance packages and cabinetry."
Interior touches in these homes feature the finest in hardwood flooring and signature millwork. Many designs feature special touches, including master suite fireplaces and reading nooks, which make a house a home, says Taylor. Selections with bonus rooms, media rooms, dens, decks, pantries, breakfast nooks and three-car garages create personalized variety for homebuyers.
"One home even includes a paneled library nook with a baby grand piano," he adds. Outside, many builders feature covered outdoor living rooms with their own fireplace to gain maximum enjoyment of the views and surroundings. Many homes in Division 4 offer large volleyball-court-sized yards, while others beckon with "great outlooks toward Cougar Mountain."
Builders, he says, went beyond recommendations for landscaping, with twice the lush plantings, because "it was their way of carrying through with Windstone's vision."
Throughout the community, decorative lampposts that mirror the burgundy maple's coloring illuminate tree-lined lanes. Windstone rests at the confluence of two creeks, near the greenery set aside for open space, while Division 2 features a new sport court for the entire neighborhood.
Students living in the Windstone development attend Newcastle Elementary, part of the highly-sought-after Issaquah School District. The neighborhood is also minutes from business, shopping and entertainment at Bellevue Square, Issaquah's Gilman Village and Westfield Southcenter — as well as The Landing, Renton's newest cluster collection of boutiques, shops, bistros and entertainment venues. Downtown Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are a short drive away.
Away from metropolitan activity, and beyond Windstone's stately entry monument, homebuyers will discover a place of respite in the neighborhood park. "There are benches and picnic tables along the meandering path that leads to water spilling over 6-foot-high Cascade granite boulders under part of the canopy of the majestic Japanese maple," says Taylor. "This is how life is supposed to be. At Windstone, it all comes down to strength, care, inspiration — and Mother Nature."
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- Open daily, noon-6 p.m., at 8125 Willows Rd. N.E. in Redmond. Map & directions.
- Prices
- From $229,950.
- Information
- 425-883-9200 or www.thebouldersredmond.com.
May is finally here, so summer can't be far behind. And that's something to celebrate, say marketing representatives of The Boulders, a newly redesigned community of 78 one- and two-bedroom homes in Redmond.
"Our community is nearing completion and some of our homeowners have already moved into their new homes. To celebrate the season, we're offering a number of spring release specials," says Cody Seim, principal of Summit Property Group, an affiliate of The Boulders' developer, Summit Properties VIII, LLC.
A $10,000 buyer bonus is available for those who put a home under contract throughout the month of May and close within 60 days. Buyers can choose from cash at closing, interest rate buy down (see agent for details), 42-inch flat screen television, a free washer and dryer, one covered parking stall, or no Homeowners Association dues until 2009. The buyers will also be entered into a drawing for a three-day trip for two to Las Vegas or a Willows Lodge weekend package.
The Boulders opened earlier this year and has already sold 20 homes. One-bedroom homes are priced from $229,950 while two-bedrooms begin at $319,950. "We've had a tremendous amount of traffic through the homes," says Seim. "We're now seeing a flight toward quality in the market by buyers. With our location, finishes, incentives and price point, those who choose to buy now are getting an incredible value."
The Boulders was designed to reflect its Northwest location while highlighting a modern design. "This is as close to new as you can get. We completely replaced all the windows and doors with energy efficient alternatives. We also replaced all of the decks and added another level of insulation to the outer walls so that the homes stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer," says Rob Downing, Seim's partner at Summit Property Group.
The two worked with the award-winning firm PLACE Architects to contemporize the community. "We really wanted to give the market something that was new, fresh and resort quality — similar in style to Whistler Village," says Downing.
The architects used exterior elements such as stone, board and batten and cedar lap siding combined with corrugated metals to create an organic, varied aesthetic tied together through the use of rich colors. Throughout the community, landscaping was designed to give the neighborhood a "Northwest mountain" feel with elements like Aspen trees and large boulders. And to conserve energy, solar tube lights were installed along walkways.
At the social heart of The Boulders is the community lodge. The gathering spot has free wireless Internet access and includes an on-site workout facility, a library with fireplace and a media room with flat-screen television, kitchen and bar. As the weather warms, neighbors will spill out through the lodge's French doors onto the outdoor patio with built-in fire pit and barbecue grill. "We knew that because of our location, our homeowners would be a very vibrant, active group, so we wanted to give them a spot that they could connect with each other," says Downing.
Homebuyers can choose from three color palettes: Mountain, City and Sky. "The Mountain scheme is warmer with wide plank hand-scraped alder floors and loft-style cabinetry; the urban Sky scheme features white cabinetry, glass mosaic backsplashes and bamboo flooring; and the City scheme is a modern mix of the two with bamboo floors, green subway tile backsplashes and loft-style cabinets," says Seim.
Kitchens feature stainless steel appliances and countertops crafted from CaesarStone — called the "$6 Million Dollar Man of countertops" for its durability. Additional features include wood-burning fireplaces surrounded in rustic ledge stone, private decks with glass railings, extra storage and a fiber optic network.
The Boulders is perched on a hill above Willows Road. Nearby homeowners can head to Marymoor Park or the Sammamish River Trail for outdoor fun or the Redmond Town Center for some retail therapy. "This is an extremely dynamic location. Whatever your interest or schedule — rock climbing in Marymoor, a movie with friends or after-dinner drinks with coworkers — it's all right here," says Seim.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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- View these homes
- Model homes open Thursdays-Monday, noon-6 p.m., at 19102 20th Dr. S.E. in Bothell. Map & directions.
- Prices
- $299,9500-$319,950.
- Information
- 425-488-1565 or www.silvercreeklife.com.
- Getting there
- From I-405, take Exit 26 (State Route 527/Bothell-Everett Highway) and proceed north. Turn right onto 192nd. Turn left onto 20th Drive Southeast - the homes are on the left.
At Silver Creek Crossing, a collection of brand new town homes and condominiums, Phase 1 is more than 75 percent sold, with only four two-bedroom flats remaining. Phase 2 has just been launched for sale.
This intimate community of 50 two- and three-bedroom home designs includes a variety of plans, including condominium flats, two-story condominiums and three-story town homes. All homes are generously sized from 1,130 to 1,975 square feet. Phase 2 homes are all well-appointed town homes ranging in price from $312,950 to $319,950.
This new neighborhood combines a natural creek-side setting, close to local parks and trails and bordered by wetlands, with a close-in address convenient to highways, shops and services.
"Regardless of the direction of your commute, this location is especially convenient," says Chaun Mackey, president of listing firm MCM Group. "Some of our homeowners head north to Boeing, others go east to Microsoft. Plus we're just five minutes to Mill Creek Town Center, 10 minutes to Alderwood or 25 minutes into Seattle."
The newly released town homes in Phase 2 represent the two-bedroom, 2.5-bath "Dogwood" plan, which has two master suites on the third level, an open floor plan on the main living level with an expansive living room, kitchen and dining, and extra storage on the lower two-car garage level.
The interiors come in two designer color schemes, with either plank-style walnut or bamboo hardwood flooring extending from the entry to the main living space and kitchen.
Boasting ample granite countertops and plentiful custom solid alder wood cabinets, Silver Creek kitchens also offer a complete stainless appliance package with five-burner gas range cooktop and side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator with in-door water and ice. Each home also comes with a washer and dryer.
In most Phase 2 homes, the living room focuses on a cozy gas fireplace framed with ceramic tile, and large windows resulting in light-filled rooms. All master bedroom suites feature Mohawk carpeting and large closets.The master bathrooms showcase custom solid wood alder cabinetry, full-width mirrors and large showers with dual rain shower heads.
Additional distinguished home appointments include energy-efficient gas forced air, classic molding throughout and state-of-the-art wiring.
"The wiring is revolutionary," says Susan Moore, project manager for MCM Group. "It is the highest possible quality wiring available and all phone, TV and computer connections are fiber optic for faster access to online information than the speeds available with cable hookups."
All of Silver Creek's homes include private garages.
New homebuyers are increasingly drawn to the Bothell/Mill Creek area because of its calmer suburban pace, convenient to services and amenities. Mill Creek Town Center has become a destination for local residents, with an appealing combination of unique boutiques and restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby parks include Silver Creek County Park, Mays Pond Creek and North Creek Park. The wineries of Woodinville can be reached in 15 minutes and Stevens Pass is less than two hours away.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Featured New Developments contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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Trail Run, located inside the Auburn city limits and just minutes from access to Highway 167 and SuperMall shopping and eateries, provides a mix of home designs that range from traditional single-family homes and quaint cottages to low-maintenance two-story town homes. The featured floor plan, the "Cascade," is one of three available town home plans at Trail Run. The Cascade offers two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a spacious great room with large eating bar and an attached one-car garage. Aimed at the first time homebuyer, these two-story town home designs provide community-maintained grounds and exteriors. Professional interior color selection packages are available and a variety of upgrades can be selected for pre-sale purchasers. Homes with the Cascade plan are ready for spring move-ins and are available to own with no down payment or closing costs when financed with CTX Mortgage (builder branch).
PriceThe Cascade plan is priced from the $220,000s.
See this homeVisit www.centexhomes.com/seattle or call 888-509-6507.
Getting thereFrom I-405 south, take Exit 2A toward Kent/Auburn and merge onto southbound State Route 167 (Valley Freeway). Take the South 277th Street exit and turn left/east off the exit. Trail Run is less than a mile ahead on the right.
BuilderCentex Homes.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Floor Plan of the Week contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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The two-bedroom, two-bath Skye floor plan at The Martine Condominiums in Bellevue gives buyers more than 980 square feet of modern, comfortable living in the middle of one of the Eastside's most desirable residential areas. The Skye plan (shown here) features a well-appointed kitchen opening into a large living and dining room with a deck/patio just outside. Each unit has a wood-burning fireplace with mantle, new full-size washer and dryer, and ample closet space throughout. Kitchens are fitted with CaesarStone slab countertops, designer stainless steel appliances and contemporary style cabinetry. In the bathrooms you'll find matching CaesarStone counters, contemporary lighting and fixtures and Italian-style tile tub surrounds. Buyers can choose from two interior packages, each with coordinated flooring, cabinetry and a designer paint palette. Buildings will have completely remodeled exteriors and owners have access to a heated outdoor pool, updated fitness center and attractive open space. In addition to the on-site amenities, The Martine has access to a vibrant downtown Bellevue that is home to many of the area's hottest new shopping centers, restaurants and nightspots. The community has easy access to Interstate 405.
PriceFrom $276,900.
See this homeSales gallery open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at 13842 N.E. 8th St., Unit E-101 in Bellevue. For more information, call 425-614-3600 or visit www.themartine.com.
DeveloperEquity Residential.
This content has been prepared by the advertising department of The Seattle Times Company. For more information about Floor Plan of the Week contact webmaster@nwhomes.com.
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