January 23, 2017

Texas-based firm plans condos on Rainier

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Two buildings would face each other across a newly built alley.

Austin, Texas-based developer PSW Real Estate will present plans this week for a 168-unit condominium complex that is intended to serve as a “gateway” to Seattle's Columbia City and Hillman City neighborhoods.

The mid-block site is at 5246 Rainier Ave. S. and 5217 42nd Ave. S., just north of what is an unofficial boundary between Columbia City and Hillman City in Rainier Valley.

(Editor's note: This story has been changed to say the units will be condominiums.)

Johnston Architects is the designer.

PSW Real Estate acquired the 0.9-acre property from Quadrant Corp. last year for $3.85 million. A house and some commercial buildings would be demolished.

The proposal is for a six-story, 81-unit building with 6,000 square feet of street-level retail and 66 underground parking spaces. Just to the east would be a five-story, 87-unit building with underground parking for 36 vehicles.

In a document filed with the city, the architects say that the project will “create (a) vibrant Rainier Avenue South streetscape (and) enhance and express the nature of the community.”

The buildings would face each other across a newly built alley. The west building, on Rainier, would have a ground-floor walkway that allows residents of the east building to cut through and enter their building from a courtyard off the interior alley.

East building residents would also be able to enter from 42nd Avenue South, a residential side street.

Garage access would be available from an alley on the north side of the complex, and from the alley between the buildings.

A set of early design guidance meetings with the city is scheduled for 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rainier Arts Center, at 3515 S. Alaska St.

PSW Real Estate is a relative newcomer to the Seattle market. The residential developer has several projects in the works, including a 39-unit townhouse project called Pinehurst Townhomes at 12510 15th Ave. N.E. in North Seattle, and a 19-house development called Clear Creek at 12342 93rd Lane N.E. in Kirkland. It's also planning 16 townhouses in Ravenna, according to its website.