With the current rapid pace of development on Capitol Hill, some projects go from design review to construction in the blink of an eye. But every now and then, a project drifts in from the past on a slower, more winding course. At Harvard and Thomas, neighbors are seeing one of these ghost projects materialize in the space of a former parking lot.
The Westside Project at 801 E Thomas suddenly sprang back to life last month starting what could be its final path to existence after a more than six year journey that saw its plans for a seven-story mixed-use apartment building approved way back in winter 2007.
Planned by developers WRP Associates as a seven-story affordable housing building featuring office space for its commercial component, not retail, The Westside was approved for the city’s affordable multifamily housing tax exemption program in summer 2009. And then it sat on the shelf and waited.
Time didn’t leave the plans untouched. This winter, the developer was approved for its proposal to cut a level of parking from its scheme leaving the project with around 25 stalls.
The 0.16 acre property and development permits had been listed for sale for $2.95 million but we do not yet know if the renewed activity is related to a completed sale or if the project’s original backers have decided to carry it forward on their own. Here’s the listing if you’re in the market:
Building permits have been issued for this highly sought after site located within 2 blocks of the Sound Transit`s Cap Hill Station (under construction). This project includes designs for a 45 unit apt building with 2,357 Sf of ground floor com and below-grade parking garage. The Floor Area Ratio as established by the permit is 4.84 allowing for 34,797 Sf of above ground building. This project qualifies for a partial property tax exemption w/ an estimated value of $550,000 (details upon request) 801 was designed to provide well-located quality work force housing that would be affordable to those who earn the county`s median income or less. This site can be purchased in conjunction w/ adjacent property at 302 Harvard Ave E which consists of 70 units plus 2,165 Sf of ground floor com space.
You can read more about the Harvard Flats project referenced in the listing here. There is no record of a sale at that address, yet, either.
Just once when I read “affordable housing”, I’d like to see actual numbers.
How much will a studio/one bedroom/ two bedroom cost per month?
It’s the same for every project so get out of habit of referencing
http://www.seattle.gov/housing/incentives/mfte.htm
Oh man, I remember writing about this guy soooo long ago :) Glad its back on the list, although I’ll really miss that dilapidated parking lot.
Love the ground floor office. CH seriously needs more office opportunities.
“This project qualifies for a partial property tax exemption w/ an estimated value of $550,000 (details upon request) …”
With all the corporate welfare Seattle city government hands out I’m beginning to think the city is operating as if it were Seattle, TX rather than Seattle, WA.
Are you kidding me. Without that “corporate welfare” people wouldn’t have jobs to pay for the real welfare I’m sure you’re also so against.
This is the perfect location for office buildings. A block from the new light station (when its done), across from the post office (while its available) and right in the middle of all the restaurants on broadway and pike/pine to draw in more business during lunch time.
I’m very glad to hear that this long-pending project is finally going ahead. That lot was a litter-infested wasteland, often with homeless campers, and now it will be put to a much better use. And I am also glad to read that some parking will be included…25 spots for 45 units is just about right.
much appreciated. Thanks.
Plenty of signs of life in this area; none of it is coming from here.
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