Thornton Place – Northgate
If you’ve been by Northgage Mall in North Seattle lately you’ll notice a lot of construction activity at the mall’s former south lot. No, it’s not an extension of the mall (that’s on the north side), but a massive residential, retail and entertainment development on a controversial piece of land whose tumultuous history dates back more than eight years.
Back then, there were contentious debates among local residents, conservationists and mall owners about developing the south lot and Thornton Creek which ran beneath it. In 2002 the Appeals Court overturned a lower court decision and ruled that the water running below the lot was not Thornton Creek, thus opening the door for development. But, more debate and lawsuits followed. It wasn’t until 2004 when numerous stakeholders reached an agreement that plans for development moved ahead.
Fast forward.
Today, Thornton Place, is rising like the phoenix out of the south lot asphalt ashes. When fully completed by the end of Summer 2009, Thornton Place will feature a 14 screen & IMAX theater, retail and restaurants, 266 apartments, 121 condos including 12 live/work lofts, a 143-unit senior living development by ERA Living and an uncovered Thornton Creek channel.
The Thornton Place urban village is one of only five projects in the state participating in the LEED ND (neighborhood development) pilot program which strives to create a compact, walkable and vibrant mixed-used neighborhood. Additionally, the developer, Lorig Associates, is expecting to achieve a LEED Silver certification for green building practices.
Key dates ahead:
Apartment rentals begin – April 2009
Cinema and retail open – May 2009
ERA Living’s Aljoya opens – Summer 2009
Condo sales begin.
The first structures to finish will be the condos, which began sales this past weekend. Thornton Place offers a variety of floor plans to fit most everyone’s needs, including studios, one- and two-bedroom flats, two-bedroom townhomes and live/work lofts.
One thing that struck me as I toured the units was the sheer size of the homes compared to their downtown counterparts. Even the smallest homes are huge. The studios start from 600 square feet, some with 9′ 10″ ceiling heights, and include a large sleeping alcove, walk-in closets and a defined dining area. The other floor plans range up to 1,364 square feet in size.
Home features and amenities include:
- Two color palettes to choose from
- Various ceiling heights, up to 14′ in select top floor units
- Natural Maple or Kempas microstrip hardwood floors in living area, plus porcelain tiled flooring in kitchen and bath
- Striking polished slab granite countertops in kitchen and bath, with porcelain tiled surround
- Wenge or cherry veneer cabinets
- GE appliances including stacked washer and dryer
- Large, oversized windows
- Patio or deck space for most homes
- Heat and glo gas fireplace in most homes
- Gated entry after hours, plus parking and extra storage
- Community room and lounge area, 24-hour accessed fitness facility and a business/conference center, shared with the apartments
Currently, 62 condo units are available for purchase ranging from $299,000 to $589,000. On a per square foot value, the condos are among the priciest in North Seattle. So, what’s the benefit of spending a more for a piece of Thornton Place – location. An urban village in its own right, Thornton Place is part of the larger Northgate urban village that includes various transportation options including two park-and-rides, ample retail, restaurant & entertainment choices, and numerous business and community services. Plus, Thornton Place will be home to a diverse 600 residents.
While the condos are market rate, the apartments will include both market rate and workforce housing units. The workforce housing units will be available to residents earning 80% of King County’s median income.
The condo sales center is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, enter parking garage from NE 100th Street. For more information about Thornton Place, visit:
– Thornton Place
– Thornton Place Apartments
– Aljoya (ERA Living)
images courtesy of Lorig / Thornton Place
Wow this looks big time! I really like this development, I wish they had these types of self contained living areas in Tucson AZ.
That is a pretty incredible-looking project. It sounds like a parking nightmare, though; we have a few mixed-use developments like that in Austin that combine restaurants, retail, and living space, and parking can be awful, and I wonder how bad the noise is for residents. While it’s fun to be in walking distance from theatres, stores, and eateries, these types of projects seem to pack in things very densely, and I wonder how pleasant it is to actually live in one.
Who is the developer of Thornton Place? (Specifically the homes for sale if there are multiple owners)
Marie – The developer is Lorig Associates. Other Lorig residential developments include Park 71 at Green Lake, 200 West Highland and 727 Broadway. http://www.lorig.com
I live a few blocks from this development and while I am excited about the new theater and retail I too am concerned about the parking situation. I don’t see much parking being put in for the condos and apartments. I realize the transit center is right out front, but how many people will willingly give up the freedom of their cars to take the bus five blocks to the nearest grocery store?
The project includes 850 parking stalls, located under the theater and appartment structures. There will be plenty of parking for everyone!
Please come by the project and take a look – the sales center is open daily 11AM – 6PM.
Jim Bernard, Sales Manager
Windermere Real Estate / Northwest, Inc.
I’d like to know what the starting prices will be for renting out the apartments. Also if visitors would have to pay for parking in the garage.
Hello,
My husband and I are looking to rent an apartment in this vicinity. We would like to have any information you may offer concerning floor plans, costs, and availability.
Hi Loretta,
Here’s a link to the contact info for Thornton Place: http://www.thornton-place.com/contact.html