Why did the architects choose something that opposes, that works against, that almost undoes the modernistic sleekness of the tower? Most of 5th and Madison appears to be rational (the best type of architecture—or ecotecture), and this considerable confusion of tiles appears to be so whimsical. It’s not entirely bad, just remarkably odd.
Mr. Clise believes that the strong job growth outlook for the Seattle area and the 5% vacancy rate for top-quality Class A office space are good reasons to sell now. The WSJ does point out, however, that Mr. Clise may have "missed his window" as interest rates last week rose to nearly 5.25%. The Clise family states that they will hold out for their desired selling price (something in the hundreds of millions)."[Alfred M.] Clise says he is looking for a comprehensive, cohesive plan with world-class design. 'I envision something akin to Rockefeller Center,' he says. "Mr. Clise says the family has no specific requirements, and the investor with the proposal that impresses them the most will likely get the land. Office condominium and hotel towers are probably a given, but he is open to additional features, such as
green space, museums or performing-arts facilities."
Model above is the original proposal for 550', 46 story hotel/condo tower at 1903 5th Ave. Changes detailed and more photos below. I told you previously that the proposal for 1903 5th Ave was something to get excited about, and it is, not just because it would dwarfs Escala and the Westin towers and everything around it. Its thoroughly modern looks would be unlike most all of them.
Downtown: 600 3rd Ave (entire block)
Now the question is, what's going to fill in the area above? Please say it's stripes!
Seattle Plans wasn't sure, and so asked a trusted opinionator. The first word out was "hideous," followed by, "Is that for real?" Yes. It is real.
If you were walking around Downtown today, you might have noticed what's going to cover the south side of the 5th & Madison condo building.For those without subscriptions, choice quotes from the article:
And:“It's an interesting little emerging neighborhood,” said Blaine Weber, a principal with Weber + Thompson, which is designing Ava. He said the new residents and hotel guests should fuel restaurants, art galleries and other retail. “I think you have a recipe for a fabulous, vibrant neighborhood.”
The planned project is in an area that is seeing an influx of housing. Houston-based Hanover Co. is building a 27-story, 224-unit upscale apartment complex at Eighth Avenue and Olive Way and R.C. Hedreen Co. is constructing the 39-story Olive 8 hotel/condo project, also at that intersection. Vancouver, B.C.,-based Executive Group and Fana Capital Corp. of Seattle plan the high rise Ava hotel/condo development at Eighth and Pine adjacent to the Camlin Hotel.
2. "Mix-up Allowed Demolition before Landmark Review" [$ DJC, May 7] 
A demolition permit for the 1928 Pande Cameron building, on the SW corner of Pine St and Ninth Ave and known for it's "extensively detailed" terra cotta work, was issued the same day it was applied for early last year, even though it should have been reviewed by the city's Historic Preservation Office. (If they had determined it eligible for landmark status, it then would have gone before the city's Landmarks Preservation Board for decision.) However, it was doubtful that the building would be declared a landmark due to "integrity issues." (Too many modifications over the years.) The fallout?
