May 22, 2015

Vote paves the way for hotel/housing high rise

Photo courtesy of The Johnson Partnership [enlarge]

Douglaston Development plans to demolish the National Cash Register Building and an adjacent building to make way for a 47-story tower.

A vote on Wednesday by the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board paves the way for a developer to raze the National Cash Register Building at 1923-27 Fifth Ave. to construct a 47-story tower.

A motion to designate the 1928 building as a city landmark failed when only four of the six board members present voted in favor. A majority-vote of the 10-member board is needed for designation, said Sarah Sodt, landmarks board coordinator.

The four absent members were sick or out of town, she said.

Sarah Shadid, Elaine Wine, Deb Barker and Matthew Sneddon voted in favor of designation, Sodt said. Nick Carter and Aaron Luoma voted against.

Robert Ketcherside, Mike Stanley, Jeffrey Murdock and Alison Walker Brems were absent.

A designated landmark cannot be altered or significantly changed without approval from the board, and may be demolished only if the owner can demonstrate that there is no reasonable economic use.

City records show New York-based Douglaston Development plans to demolish the National Cash Register Building and the adjacent (old) IBM Building to make way for a 47-story tower.

The landmarks board previously declined to nominate the IBM Building at 1929-33 Fifth Ave. as a city landmark. The 1923 building is home to the icon Grill restaurant.

Douglaston asked the board for a ruling on the buildings, which it has under contract, according to documents prepared by The Johnson Partnership.

Perkins + Will is working on the Douglaston project, which will have two floors of retail, 151 hotel rooms, 394 apartments and parking for 326 vehicles.

Douglaston previously planned for the tower to be 50 stories.

An early design guidance meeting on the project is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. July 7 in Room L280 of City Hall at 600 Fifth Ave.

Douglaston's projects in New York City include OHM apartment tower and 325 Fifth Avenue, a 250-unit condo tower.

The Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board normally has 12 members, but Sodt said two seats are vacant. The mayor appoints and the city council confirms board members.

Property owners need to get a demolition permit from the Department of Planning and Development to tear down a building.