The Seattle Condo Blog

Bellevue Towers, the Eastside’s most hyped (and likely to be one of the region’s few condo successes) is hosting an open house of three newly completed model homes. The model homes, which range in size from 800 sf to over 1,600 sf, showcase three distinct interior designs with budgets from $20,000 up to $100,000.

When: Sunday, September 14th from 12:30 pm to 4:30pm

Where: Start in the lobby of the Key Bank Building, 10655 NE 4th Street

Since Bellevue Towers is still under construction, the following event safety rules apply:

• Close-toed, flat shoes are required to enter the construction site (i.e. no high heels or sandals will be permitted).
• Please meet in the lobby of the Key Bank building to sign your release waiver prior to entering the construction site.
• Children under 18 are not permitted on the construction site.

www.BellevueTowers.com

Queen Anne

The Newbury Etruscan (website) is a small conversion project on the North side of Queen Anne at 49 W. Etruria. Originally built in 1968, the project features only 8 condominium homes comprised of 6 one-bedrooms about 680 sq ft in size and 2 two-bedrooms that are 860 sq ft. All 8 units are available though they’ve only released pricing for two units - a one-bedroom listed at $319,950 and a two-bedroom listed at $369,950.

The Newbury Etruscan is located near Seattle Pacific University and is only a short stroll to Fremont.

North Seattle

The 845 Condominium (website) is located in the Pinehurst area of North Seattle on 125th & Roosevelt. Of the 15 homes, only 8 one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes remain. The one-bedrooms range in size from 665 to 707 sq ft and start at $214,950. The two-bedrooms are 829 sq ft and begin at $254,950.

Bellevue

The Belcera (website) in Bellevue has been on the market for a few months and have sold more than half of the 11-units available. The two-bedroom homes are approximately 900 sq ft in size and feature slab granite countertops, travertine tiled bathrooms (floor & surround) & hardwood floors. Homes start at $315,000.

Currently, the developer is offering buyers paid HOA dues for 12 months and no mortgage payments for 3 months.

Redmond

Redmond View (website) is another small project that offers 9 two-bedroom homes that range in size from 990 to 1,022 sq ft. Home features include bamboo flooring, slab granite countertops, cherry cabinets and travertine tiled bathroom floors. These homes are priced from $369,950.

Currently, the developer is offering buyers paid HOA dues for 12 months and no mortgage payments for 3 months.

A reader, Phoenix, sent me the following email about the new projects lacking innovative architectural design. I think I have to agree with him.

I have a question that anyone who has any interest in the Seattle/Bellevue condo boom might find interesting.

I have a huge interest in architecture and what a city’s skyline say’s about a city and what I have noticed about the skyline in Seattle and Bellevue is that all the buildings are all boxed shaped. It looks boring and doesn’t have anything really unique except the Smith building, Escala and a few others. Look at the skyline of Atlanta,Georgia for example, they aren’t afraid to think outside the box. The city has unique buildings i.e. smaller versions of the Empire State building in New York City and it looks great.

I just think Seattle is more than that and I hope a developer or an architect comes across this message and thinks about it. Are we gonna continue to build big boxes or think outside the box. You can still be somewhat conservative if that’s the issue and it doesn’t have to be too dramatic. I am so excited for Seattle and Bellevue. I want to see a highrise go up and say that is so cool!! Make it something beautiful to look at. Make a statement, be different,take a risk.

Look at the construction going on in Dubai, that is incredible. They think way outside the box and that is just an example. Do and are there limits to what a buildings can look like for example building a building that has a spire because we sure don’t have any biuldings that have that look except for the Smith building.

Even meeting somewhere in the middle. Classic and modern with an edge. I am always excited to see what developers are pulling out of their hats in the Real Estate section in the P.I./Seattle Times. The newest is Insignia that I just saw but again, the buildings are boxed shaped.

Anyone who has a positive opinion, let me know. I’m just a fan who is standing on the sidelines and is continuously watching the game but there really hasn’t been any touchdowns lately that has made me a huge fan.

The Heron Tower has the boldest design of those proposed in the downtown area. Given its sister project is called Pagoda Tower I’m hoping it will be more cylindrical and tapered in design.

Vida Condominium (website) has just released a rendering of the proposed project which will include 238 flats and loft homes. Vida is anticipating holding design preview events in early 2008 where buyers will have their first opportunity to view initial floor plans, interior finishes as well as architectural and landscaping design inspirations. The developer is currently in the permitting stage and is expecting to begin construction in 2008.

For additional information about this project, please see our previous Vida Condo post.

Update Oct 2008: Tonsing Development is proceeding on the project as an apartment rather than a condominium.

With most of Bellevue’s new condo developments focusing on the very high-end market, it’s refreshing to see a developer offering a more reasonably priced option for condo buyers. Proposed by Colorado developer Tonsing Properties, the Vida Condominium (website), located in downtown Bellevue, will offer 238 homes within its 12-story structure. Prices are expected to range from $300,000 to over $800,000, though most of the homes will be available between $350,000 and $450,000.

One way the developer is able to offer homes at these price points is by reducing the size of the units which will likely range from 400 to 850 square feet. In many ways, Vida is reminiscent of the Moda Condominium project in Belltown. Moda provided an affordable alternative with homes ranging from a very cozy 300 square feet to about 1,000 square feet. Moda was a hit with buyers and sold out within a couple of weeks.

Bellevue is realizing significant job growth, particularly with technical and professional workers with the expansion of Microsoft and Google, who will be perfect homeowner candidates for a project such as Vida.

Vida will be hosting design preview events later this fall, along with an updated website, providing prospective buyers an opportunity to view architectural designs, floor plans, views and finishes. The events will also provide buyers an opportunity to reserve a home.

Be sure to check back later as we’ll provide more information as it becomes available. Vida is expected to be completed in 2009.

View early renderings of Vida. Designs are not final and subject to change.

Developed by Schnitzer West, the Bravern Signature Residences (website) is one of several upscale high-rise condominium projects under construction that are transforming Bellevue’s skyscape.

Located in the heart of downtown Bellevue (map) , adjacent to the Meydenbauer Center, the Bravern Signature Residences will encompass two 29-story towers featuring more than 450 residential condominium homes. The homes are divided into distinct formats, similar to 1 Hotel & Residences & AVA, which include City Homes, Condominium Estates and Penthouses.

The City Homes feature open one- and two bedroom units that range in size from 625 to more than 1,200 square feet. Prices start from the $400,000s to more than $1.5 million.

The Condominium Estates feature one, two- and three-bedroom homes that range in size from 1,000 to more than 2,000 square feet. The Condominium Estates are expects to be priced from $900,000s to more than $4 million.

The Penthouses offer spacious city living with homes ranging in size from 3,000 to over 5,000 square feet.

The Bravern has received over 200 priority reservations (homes may be reserved with a $10,000 refundable deposit). Until the sales center and model homes are completed later this year, reservations holders will be able to preview floor plans, finishes, views and introductory pricing at a private Preview Gallery. Currently, the Bravern is taking reservations in the north tower known as One Bravern Court. Homes will be released for sale this coming winter.

The residential towers are expected to be completed around winter of 2009/2010 and will be part of a larger project consisting of two office towers and signature retail stores and restaurants, including Neiman Marcus. Microsoft is expected to occupy the office towers.

The next stop on our Bellevue tour is European Tower (website) located at 930 109th Ave NE. Of all the new condominium projects in Bellevue and Seattle, European Tower is destined to be the most exclusive and distinctive.

Developed by Russian-based GIS International Group, the 17-story tower will be home to only 16 chic condominium homes, just one home per floor with a two-level penthouse.

With its European heritage, the developers have created a very modern and sleek residential property. Based on renderings, the home designs are open with clean lines and include stylish imported finishes and European fittings.

Each two-bedroom home features a separate den area, 360-degree panoramic views, two decks, two elevators and two spaces in the underground mechanical garage. Residents drive into the secured car port area and the automated garage whisks the vehicle away and stores it in a space underneath the building.

Residents will also enjoy memberships at three exclusive Bellevue clubs - The Harbor Club, Pro Sports Club and the Bellevue Club.

The property is located just blocks from Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and the upcoming retail development at Bravern which will include a Neiman-Marcus store.

Homes are priced from around $2 million and higher. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about this project.

Open Living & Dining area

View from master suite

Landes Condo Tango:

I noticed the Landes disappeared from the Williams-Marketing website but knew the project was moving forward. So, I contacted the developer to get the scoop. Presently, the developer is undecided whether to market the project as apartments or condos, though they are constructing units with condo-grade finishes. A decision is expected to be made by Summer. Interesting….

The Bellevue Tour:

Loyal readers will have noticed that we skipped across Lake Washington. Bellevue has several interesting and unique projects on the way, many far more ambitious than their Seattle counterparts. In the upcoming weeks we will continue our tour of Bellevue with European Tower, The Residences at Bravern and Belle Arts.

Recycle for Shelter Pets:

Though the Seattle Animal Shelter is a city-run facility, the funds for necessary veterinarian care for homeless and uncared for pets brought to the shelter are provided through Help The Animal Fund (HTAF). Supported by donations, HTAF holds fundraising events throughout the year from bake sales to the Furry 5K Run at Seward Park.

A unique opportunity has become available through the Cash for Critters program. Cash for Critters takes in empty ink jet & laser cartridges and digital phones, and in turn, provides cash for non-profit animal organizations. The good folks at Metro Dog will be facilitating the program on behalf of the Seattle Animal Shelter. Please see the Cash for Critters website for acceptable cartridges and drop them off at Metro Dog.

The second of Bellevue’s new condo projects, Washington Square, developed Wasatch Development, is taking form on the north end of downtown Bellevue (map).

When complete, the $1.2 billion 10.5-acre super-block project will encompass four residential towers, a hotel/condo tower and an office tower making it one of the more ambitious developments in the greater Seattle area.

Currently, Washington Square is selling homes in Tower One and Tower Two (see photo). The towers feature open one-bedroom, one-bedroom, one + den, two-bedroom, two+den and three-level townhomes. The homes are priced from the $600,000s into the millions.

The 26 three-level townhomes surround the base of the towers and come with private 2-car garages, a private elevator and entertainment sized patio and decks. The townhomes are expected to be released for sale this May and will likely start at $1.2 million.

Tower One & Two amenities include: concierge, owners lounge with fully furnished kitchens, high efficiency heat pumps/air conditioning, landscaped courtyards, 8′10″ to 9′10″ ceiling heights and high-end finishes and appliances. View Tower Two’s amenities (PDF).

In the center of complex will be a 50,000 sq ft fitness and amenities center and a small dog park. Fees for the fitness center is anticipated to cost $30/mo, though residents can use the fitness room in Tower one at no charge. Homeowners dues is expected to be about $.37/sq ft, very reasonable for a project of this scale.

The complex will also include 150,000 sq ft of retail space featuring upscale grocer Zupan’s and El Gaucho Restaurant.

Though Seattle Condos And Lofts primarily report on Seattle area condos, a number of new developments have been recently completed, under construction or are planned for the Eastside. Here’s a heads-up on a few Bellevue condo projects.

One Lincoln Tower (completed)

Situated at Lincoln Square, One Lincoln Tower features 148 upscale homes (floors 20-42) in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Lincoln Square also is home to the Westin Bellevue, retail and restaurants.

Washington Square (under construction)

Washington Square is a beautifully designed two-tower complex in downtown Bellevue. The first tower is expected to be completed this year and the second in late 2008. Developed by Wasatch, Washington Square features 400 condominium homes and retail. The Platinum tower homes, available for pre-sale currently, features concealed flat panel televisions, state-of-the-art audio and media system, Viking appliances, motorized roller shades, floor-to-ceiling windows and much more.

When complete, Washington Square will be home to five residential condominium towers, a hotel and office tower. It’s sure to become a distinctive address.

Bellevue Towers (under construction)

Bellevue Towers will be comprised of two striking 42- and 43-story glass-enclosed towers. Home to 535 units, Bellevue Towers will provide residents with a eco-landscaped garden and lawn, fitness club & spa, a grand room for entertaining and media rooms. Bellevue Tower is aiming for LEED Gold certification.

The Residences at Bravern (under construction)

The Residences at Bravern is part of the Bravern complex and will feature 450 luxury condominium homes in two 35-story residential towers. Homes will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, entertainment sized terraces, premium interior finishes, pool with private cabanas, fitness center & spa, and much more.

The Bravern complex, developed by Schnitzer Northwest, will include office towers and retail stores including Neiman Marcus.

European Tower (under construction)

Located close to the Braven, European Tower is a bit unique. The tower features only 16 condominium homes…one per each floor, providing each home with 360 degree views. Each home includes 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a library, 11 foot ceilings and upscale designer finishes. Additionally, the building features an automated valet parking system and concierge staff.

Belle Arts Condominium (conversion)

Not quite in the same class as the new tower homes featured above, Belle Arts is a 5-story conversion project in downtown Bellevue featuring studios, one- and two-bedroom homes starting at $199,000. Individual homes feature hardwood-style flooring & granite countertops in kitchen, GE appliances, full-sized washer and dryer, fitness center and garden court.