September 13, 2016

Small units for small site in Belltown

Image courtesy d/Arch [enlarge]

Encore Apartments in Belltown illustrates how even small, challenging downtown parcels are drawing interest from developers.

The project at 3010 First. Ave. is going through its second round of design review.

The 5,900-square-foot triangular site is on the block bounded by Warren Place, Denny Way, and First and Second avenues. There is a north-south alley on one side of the site and a teardown building on the south.

Encore Apartments LLC bought the land last year for $1.9 million.

The six-story building would total about 40,000 square feet, with a roof deck and 48 “small apartment units” — mostly studios, according to plans filed with the city. Retail would fill about 1,600 square feet at ground level. Mini-storage lockers would occupy about 16,000 square feet on three basement levels. No parking is planned or required.

Encore Apartments LLC is led by Eric Sun, who also developed a new project on the University District site where the old Tubs building once stood. Tubs became a graffiti magnet during its long recession-caused delay.

Sun's team for Encore Apartments includes architect d/Arch, landscape architect Fazio, and engineer Sitewise.

The 1948 Felix Building on the Encore site today would be demolished. It was named for the late attorney Jennings Felix, and once had a nautical theme: smokestacks on top, portholes on the side and a lighthouse at its northeast corner. No demolition permit has been issued by the city.