Pop-Up Neighborhood: Update

A number of updates regarding the East Denny Triangle area:
(Previous post here)

1. "Security Properties Plans 37-Story Residential Tower" [$ DJC, May 7]
The 37-story, 310 unit apartment tower would be at the SW corner of Pine St & Ninth Ave, former site of the Pande Cameron Building (see next item). It took me so long to get last week's East Denny Triangle "Pop-up Neighborhood?" [May 9] post up that it looks like I ripped off this DJC article! (Confession: I only just found out because I'm so far behind on my DJC reading.)

For those without subscriptions, choice quotes from the article:

“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.”

And:

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?

• Alan Justad, DPD spokesman: “There's no other way to put it: It's unfortunate.”
• Christine Palmer, Historic Seattle: “It was very ornate, very beautifully done. It's a lost art. Nobody's building with [terra cotta] anymore.”
• Brad Andonian, Owner: "Saying it was historic because of the terra cotta is 'like saying a building has old brick so it should be important.'”
• The terra cotta pieces: Saved. "The terra cotta was removed by a private party after the building was vacated."

(Thanks to David for bringing this to my immediate attention.)

3. "Children's Hospital eyes South Lake Union site" [PSBJ, May 11]
The site is a full city block bordered by Stewart, Terry, Boren and Virginia streets; that's actually in the Eastern half of Denny Triangle. (Didn't I say this area had identity issues?) There's potential for a 1 million square foot office or lab space development. (Didn't I tell you this was going to be a diverse neighborhood? [Sorry.]) "'It's just another great story on what is going on between downtown Seattle and South Lake Union,' said [Kip] Spencer [of OfficeSpace.com]." (Didn't I say something about extraordinary? [Ok, really sorry now.])


I'll keep you posted. Send your tips to seattleplans@gmail.com