October 5, 2015

Unico may combine interiors of 3 Pioneer Square buildings

Photo by Jon Silver [enlarge]

The Buttnick Building is one of three neighboring structures that Unico plans to renovate.

Unico Properties is making plans to upgrade several historic buildings in Pioneer Square that the company acquired last year.

The structures include the Grand Central, City Loan and Buttnick buildings on the east side of First Avenue South between South Washington and South Main streets.

The buildings range from three to five stories, with retail at ground level and offices above. They total 110,000 square feet and were built between 1890 and 1909.

Unico is considering three options. The first two involve combining the interiors to create a single property. Upper floors would be converted to residential use under one plan, or remain office under a second plan but with larger floor plates because the buildings would be combined. Unico would also like to build a penthouse level under either scenario.

Retail spaces could be combined to allow a grocery store of more than 10,000 square feet.

The third option is to make no major changes, except for a seismic upgrade. The first two options would also involve a seismic upgrade.

Unico presented its preliminary plans to the Pioneer Square Preservation Board in August. Akiyama Architects is the architect.

Unico said in a statement that the company is “determining and evaluating various concepts” for the buildings “and will share those plans once a final concept has been defined.”

The four-story Grand Central Building at 216 First Ave. S. is the largest of the three buildings, with nearly 85,000 square feet. It houses the Grand Central Bakery, E. Smith Mercantile, Globe Bookstore and a number of other businesses.

A representative for Unico told the Preservation Board that the design would likely retain a couple of interior historic elements, but the building has gone through extensive remodeling and changes over the years and there is not a lot left inside that is original.

Exterior-facing elements such as windows have also been altered over the years and could be replaced.

The eastern side of the three buildings face Occidental Park. Unico may seek to add windows and other openings to increase their engagement with the park.

Unico wasn't specific about its plans to combine the buildings, though a representative did say that combining the interiors could prove a challenge since the floors don't align.

The buildings have all received seismic upgrades in the past, but the new improvements would tie all three together. The Grand Central would become an anchor for the City Loan and Buttnick buildings.

Unico said it plans to work on design and permitting in 2016 and hopes to start work in the first quarter of 2017.

The firm purchased the century-old Smith Tower at 506 Second Ave. for $74 million earlier this year.