April 20, 2018

NaturalLofts: 100 Lake City SEDUs will aim for ‘radical energy efficiency'

Rendering by Hybrid Architecture [enlarge]

Hybrid Architecture is designing the six-story structure. Some of the units will be under 250 square feet.

Twelve years after the site was assembled, and four since planning began, the 100 apartments proposed for 12320 32nd Ave. N.E. are at least closer to breaking ground.

The project has filed for a master use permit, and its second design review is Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. The first was in 2014.

Developers Donald Vale and Sean Byrne acquired the two parcels in 2006 for just over $1.1 million. The midblock site is two blocks east of Lake City Way Northeast, which is well served by transit.

The project would replace two 60-year-old four-plexes called Ranch Manor. The new building will be called NaturalLofts Lake City.

Byrne and Vale's NaturalLoft website says the building is “designed to promote urban sustainability and achieve radical building energy efficiency.”

Hybrid Architecture is designing the six-story structure. The apartments will be small: 73 small efficiency dwelling units (SEDUs) with under 250 square feet; and 23 unit with over 300 square feet.

One level of underground parking is planned for 21 vehicles, accessed from the alley to the east, plus a bike room at grade with 66 stalls. Total project size, including the parking, is about 55,154 square feet.

Two commercial bays with 2,174 square feet, on both sides of the lobby, will face 32nd. There will be a 713-square-foot roof deck on the south side of the building.

The team also includes Glenn Takagi, landscape architect; Emerald City Engineers, MEP engineer; Davido Consulting Group, civil engineer; and Swenson Say Faget, structural engineer. No general contractor is indicated.