June 12, 2015

Cielo on First Hill: units 50% leased

Photo by Francis Zera Photography [enlarge]

The studios and one- and two-bedroom units rent from about $1,500 to over $4,000 a month.

Laconia Development has leased half of the 335 units in Cielo, an apartment tower at 800 Seneca St. on First Hill.

California-based Laconia opened the first 13 floors of the 31-story building in February, and the remaining floors opened in March.

“We're very pleased with the leasing, it's going very well,” said Jan Newbegin, development and marketing manager at Laconia.

Cielo has studios and one- and two-bedroom units that rent from about $1,500 to over $4,000 a month. They range in size from 500 to 1,200 square feet.

Some units are “urban one-bedroom,” which are open like a studio but have a partial wall to define the bedroom space.

The 469,000-square-foot concrete tower has orange accents. The amenities are on the first floor and the entire top floor.

Newbegin said the lobby is a large gathering area with lounge-style seating and artwork. A large plaza on the ground floor connects to Freeway Park.

The 31st floor contains a fitness room, wine bar, community kitchen with dining area, yoga studio, game room and rooftop terrace.

Parking is provided for about 300 cars in five below-grade levels.

PCL Construction Services, the general contractor, says Cielo is the first residential tower in Seattle to pass a new energy code that regulates the energy efficiency of buildings. The code requires buildings to submit to a test, but they do not need to pass it.

Cielo also is targeting LEED silver certification.

San Francisco-based Kwan Henmi was the architect. Other designers were Carrier Johnson + Culture of San Diego, interior design; DCI Engineers of Seattle, structural engineer; and Decker Consulting Engineers of Seattle, civil engineer.

Berkshire Communities is handling leasing and property management.

Newbegin said Laconia has another apartment project — 400 units in a 43-story tower at Sixth and Wall — and is seeking a master use permit for that, but no other recent projects in the area.

“We like Seattle and would love to do more,” she said.