The Decatur Condominiums
Mid-century elegance is the most apt description of the Decatur Condominiums on Seattle’s historic First Hill neighborhood.
Designed by the famed Space Needle architect John Graham Jr. in 1950, the Decatur is being restored and converted to condominium homes by the Wysong Group (e.g. Tobira, The Press).
The 13-story building at 1105 Spring Street (corner of Boren Ave) features 146 one- and two-bedroom homes. (map)
All homes include the following features:
- Brazilian cherry wood floors in the entry & kitchen
- Plush carpeting in the living and bedrooms
- Slab granite countertops (dark or light) in the kitchen
- Stainless steel electric appliances
- Pedestal sinks and custom subway tiling in the bath
- Octagonal rosette-patterned tile floor in the bath
There are four floor plans to choose from:
The Dean – one-bedroom units ranging from 520 to 560 sq ft
2-7th floor, $219,950 to $279,950
8-13th floor, $254,950 to $314,950
The Taylor – one-bedroom units ranging from 590-650 sq ft
2-7th floor, $229,950 to $289,950
8-13th floor, $264,950 to $324,950
The Monroe – one-bedroom units ranging from 680-700 sq ft
2-7th floor, $249,950 to $274,950
8-13th floor, $279,950 to $304,950
The Kelly – two-bedroom units ranging from 780-800 sq ft
2-7th floor, $334,950 to $359,950
8-13th floor, $364,950 to $389,950
Overall, the Decatur conversion exudes sophistication and elegance, from the rich entry lobby to the beautifully designed interiors. Its location is central to the financial district, Capitol Hill’s eccentricities and Madison Avenue’s business establishments.
Though, there are some peculiarities which may not appeal to all buyers.
- While the kitchen includes quality appliances and cabinets, it’s a narrow galley design. It would be nearly impossible for two average sized people to be in the kitchen at the same time. If you open the oven door, you must stand to the side as there’s not enough room to stand in front of the oven with its door open.
- None of the units come with a washer or dryer. Each floor will be equipped with two washer/dryers off the hallway (free usage) and there is a laundry room in garage.
- Closet/storage space in the units is minimal.
- There are only 63 parking spaces available on a first come basis with a $35,000 price tag.
The Decatur will not appeal to everyone. But, if you’re a true urbanite who live, work and play in the city, and you don’t have a car, this may be a very good option.
View available Decatur Condos for sale
Be sure to get clarification on the rooftop deck from the sales staff before you purchase, and get the clarification in writing. Several promised amenities including a rooftop deck and a rooftop garden on top of the garage have not been started. Several executives from the developer came out to a meeting of homeowners, and gave use a story of financial woes. Supposedly, some employees who were fired made promises such as the rooftop garden and they shouldn’t have been made. The fired employees worked for the developer and the owners expect these promises to be fulfilled. It is also obvious that the planning for the renovation didn’t take these amenities into account, as we were told that it is hard to add them on now. I really like the unit I purchased, but I’d like it a lot better if the developer was making a better attempt to finish off what we were promised.
Eric – Sorry to hear of the issues you’ve faced. I know the developer had filed for bankruptcy but supposedly received additional funding to avert the bankruptcy proceedings. I would be frustrated too if they don’t fulfill their promises. However, I’m glad that you’re enjoying your condo.
There are a lot of false rumors about the Decatur I can dismiss. The bankruptcy comment is not substantiated. And construction on the rooftop is underway. I’m the Sales Team Manager at the Decatur, my contact information is below and I’m more than happy to give you a private showing and answer your questions. Please write me at karenbalkin@pnwrealty.com; karenbalkin.com
The Decatur is a lovely building and over 60% sold. I recently attended a party for the owners and they love the building and their individual homes because of the roomy and sunny layouts, views, location, GE appliances, gorgeous fixtures, etc. It is a building that has a friendly community in place that loves its pets.
The Decatur tastefully delivers vintage style with contemporary details. It is completely renovated inside and out and has a stunning marble foyer. Come and compare for yourself. There are many units still available. Prices start at $245,000. It is a gem and a rare find with great prices.
I purchased my one bedroom unit at the Decatur almost one year ago to the day, and am extremely pleased with my decision. I’ve owned 10+ properties, in three states (WA, NY, FL), and can honestly say that when considering location, unit finishes, and dollar per square foot there wasn’t/isn’t a better choice on First Hill/Capitol Hill (I previewed 25+ units before purchasing & have continued to look just for fun). The kitchens have been completed with wood floors, thick slab granite countertops, and “higher end” GE stainless steel appliances — not simply the cheapest model Frigidaire ones you find in most other new/converted buildings. While the kitchens are, in some units, a bit narrow — the appliances are full size which makes life much easier for someone like myself who cooks at home 5-6 nights per week. True, the units do not come equipped with washers & dryers, however, each floor has 2 washers/2 dryers conveniently located. There is also a very large laundry room in the basement. Best of all — the washers/dryers are FREE! We have an onsite management company who quickly responds to owners needs. Our roof deck has been completed, and sports some of the best views in Seattle. I personally love having the gas grill up there! I know I’m not the only one who appreciates the deck as I’ve often run into my neighbors enjoying wine & cheese while watching the sunset. While it’s true there were a few “issues” early on with the developer, after several meetings with the homeowners, Wysong has definitely come to the table and held up to their promises. The building is truly walking distance to anything Downtown, on Capitol Hill, or First Hill. And, when somewhere is too far to walk, there’s buses, or Zipcar within steps. I love my purchase, and would be more than willing to speak with any prospective buyers.
I can be reached at rdacunhajr@yahoo.com.
I too am a homeowner at Decatur, and I love it! I have been there for a little over a year now, and I am very pleased with my home. The ability to walk to downtown and to the heart of capital hill within 10 minutes, but without being in the hustle and noise is great. I have never had problems sharing the washer and dryer units on the floor. The onsite property manager is very helpful and friendly. This is a great condo with friendly neighbors, awesome interior finishes, and an incredible location. And of course the rooftop deck is amazing! The best views around- great for a glass of wine at sunset, or an afternoon BBQ.
(I am a real estate development professional and feel like the developer is making a strong effort with the project especially given the current obstacles of our marketplace.)
I’m also pleased with my purchase at the Decatur. I posted the original comment on this post, and I can say things have changed for the better since January. Earlier this year, a new manager came on, and she is proactive. The developers have made a renewed effort to be communicative with the owners too. Given the challenges of the local real estate market, I do feel that Wysong is doing what they can to make the situation right.
I purchased in the Decatur as well and have loved it. I have met wonderful people in the building and am enjoying the 1st Hill neighborhood.
As with any new project, conversion or home built, there have been issues but I can say without hesitation, Wysong (developer) has come through on fixing or making a true effort to correct. It might not always have been as speedy as some would have liked but considering the current economy and difficulties of running a business, they have done a good job.
You can’t please everyone, 100% of the time. I have heard numerous friends in other developments from various developers experiencing like problems with some seeing results to correct and others not being as fortunate.
If you like the neighborhood and enjoy downtown living, I would recommend the Decatur.
As a realtor, I am glad to hear that there are many happy owners at the Decatur. As an owner, especially on blogs, you can taint your own building and undermine it overall value. Of course legitimate concerns should be aired and hopefully resolved. But this is an unusual time in a market that has caught even the most experienced developers off gaurd.
I am looking to put in an offer on one of the units at The Decatur and have heard differing stories as the current state of the building. I wanted to know if the information that I’ve received about the developer going under and the building is possibly going to be seized by the bank to eventually auction off the remaining unsold units.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I’m a Realtor with a listing in the building. My understanding is that the holder of the construction loan has taken back the unsold units and is going to sell them. They haven’t decided when or how. They could list them or they could auction them. I assume it will be this summer. There are no outstanding loans against the building.
Make sure you talk to the seller agent about their almost $1 million dollar roof assessment. They didn’t mention that in the listing which I thought they should have.
Hi Sam,
Thank for you comment about the roof. I take it you were looking at one of the resale properties. While the seller may not need to disclose that particular piece of the information in the online marketing remarks (limited to 500 characters), it does need to be disclosed through other sources, mainly the Resale Certificate, Seller Disclosure Statement and Homeowner documents, which is provided to the buyer during their due diligence review period. However, it would certainly be beneficial for all parties if they provide this information upfront. Your agent should also be able to inform you of any outstanding assessments.
I noticed two other listings at the building where they did disclose it up front…in those cases, the seller paid off the assessment rather than transferring it to the new owner.
– Ben
Just moved into a one-bedroom unit on the top (thirteenth) floor and so far love it. I thought I’d provide an update since the last post here was 2014.
Our unit does have a narrow galley kitchen. As half of a home-cooking couple, we do have to maneuver a bit, but the appliances are quite nice and the seller installed high-end cabinets in the kitchen. We have plenty of counter space. We have no stove hood or fan; we plan to install a downdraft.
The floorplans are mostly rectangular, with one long side of the rectangle filled with windows, so we get a lot of natural light.
The (in)famous rooftop deck: It’s small, and looks a bit comical, to be honest, with a wood trail (like what you would see in the Carkeek Park wetlands) leading from the door to a picnic bench. As we understand it, this was the best they could do given the type of roof on the building. It’s still quite enjoyable. The views are amazing.
Situated between two big hospitals, we do hear sirens occasionally, but we are used to urban noise so we don’t mind.
On-site manager is great–friendly and responsive.
The HOA dues are typical for Seattle. Ours is currently $557/month. I’d rather have fairly substantial HOA dues than have likelier big assessments in the future. It feels like insurance. And it all goes to protecting our investment in the building.
Our unit came with a parking space (not all of them do). Since we don’t own a car, we will be able to rent out the space for $250/month!
We have been here only ten days but so far love it. And with a walk score of 96, the neighborhood is great for urbanites like us.