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12th Ave development reaches last step in design review — Plus, more micro-housing

The future of 12th Ave (Image: Gramor)

With much of the push-back against Seattle’s Living Building pilot program centered on a planned 12th Ave development, the East Design Review Board will tonight take up the final approval of a 12th Ave project the opponents can get behind — smaller than originally planned, four stories, 35 units, smack in the middle of 12th Ave buildings that already reach that height — and not a stitch of low energy, green elements and the development incentives that sometimes accompany them. Of course, the project is also proposed to be built with zero parking. Meanwhile, near the Safeway at 23rd and Madison, micro-housing — and that charming but loaded phrase “parking for 12 bicycles” — looms.


1711 12th Ave
CHS first reported on this four-story development planned to replace an existing 12th Ave office building prior to its pass through the early design guidance stage of design review back in February. It returns Wednesday night for the recommendation phase:


Project: 1711 12th ave  map

Design Proposal available (8890 KB)

Review Meeting: July 11, 6:30 PM

Seattle University Casey Building:
901 12th Ave  map
Casey Commons 500E

Review Phase: Recommendation past reviews

Project Number: 3012848 permit status | notice

Planner: Shelley Bolser

The big issue for the project was its plan to build five feet closer to its western property line than is allowed by zoning laws. The design board said it wanted to see a better justification for why such an exception should be granted. The developer — Gramor — said we’ll just build to the fifteen foot limit, then, thanks. Tonight, the developer who brought you E Madison’s Trader Joe’s will bring a smaller 12th Ave development to the table. And, for anybody who has experienced the goofiness that is Trader Joe’s Capitol Hill parking, you’ll be happy to know that there’s still no parking in the plan.

In February, the small crowd attending the review had five simple pieces of feedback, according to notes posted by DPD:

  • Proposed live-work should be retail/restaurant, to replace the true commercial use there now and strengthen the pedestrian corridor in this proximity to light rail
  • Provide a mix of unit sizes for families
  • Design should reflect context of neighborhood styles
  • Appreciation for more residences at the site, rooftop deck, and street trees
  • Nearby properties are likely to develop in the future; design should respond
  • Concerned about no parking proposed

We’re happy to report that the project — a short, lovely stroll through Cal Anderson from the streetcar stop and future light rail station at Broadway and Denny — continues to have no plans for parking. The board did, however, echo the request for strong commercial opportunities in the live/work portion of the design. You can take a look at the latest renderings and new discussion elements like finishing and materials to decide how they did.

2202 E Olive St.

The house the project will replace. The goofy graphic arrow is courtesy the architect

It was funny the first time. In June, CHS reported on the design review process for a development planned for Summit “with Parking for 12 bicycles to be provided at grade.” Now we get it.

The 2202 E Olive St. project is another area micro-housing development large enough to qualify for the design review treatment.

Design Review, Early Design Guidance application for a four story residential building containing 45 units. Parking for 12 bicycles will be provided. Existing structures to be demolished.

Project: 2202 East Olive St.  map
Review Meeting: July 11, 8:00
  Seattle University Casey Building
  901 12th Ave  map
  Casey Commons 500E
Review Phase: EDG–Early Design Guidance
Project Number: 3013256 permit status | notice
Planner: Shelley Bolser

The Bazan Architects project developed by a real estate investor who acquired the property earlier this year from another real estate investor for $605,000 is slated to replace an old home built in 1900 and recently converted to offices in the lot adjacent to the giant Safeway complex at 23rd and Madison. The requested departures for the preferred design are about making the building livable with so many units stuffed in — bay windows and off-the-street access to units for increased security.