August 14, 2015

Holland wants SLU tower design to reflect industrial past, tech future

Images courtesy of Weber Thompson [enlarge]

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Holland Partner Group is looking to start construction early next year on a 40-story apartment tower at 970 Denny Way, between Westlake and Terry avenues.

The latest plans call for about 461 units, 15,100 square feet of retail, 374 stalls for parking cars and 188 stalls for bikes.

Tom Parsons, president of Holland's development arm, said the goal is to start in the first quarter. The tower will take about 32 months to build.

Weber Thompson is the architect and Holland's construction arm is building it.

A design review recommendation meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 First Ave. W.

Design review documents show the building will have amenity spaces on the first, seventh and 40th floors.

The tower will sit on a five-story podium facing Denny Way. Brick on the podium is meant to reflect the industrial history of South Lake Union, and contrast with the tower's glassy exterior, which will literally reflect the tech-fueled development boom in the area.

Parsons said city code often leads to the construction of towers that are efficient but square in their design. Parsons said Holland's tower will have an “oblique” look that creates more modulation and offers better views from more units.

Though the tower won't open until 2018, Parsons said Holland has been approached by a variety of retailers. The nearby Whole Foods Market and other established retail make this a prime spot. Parsons said Holland has heard from restaurants, service providers and other retailers.

The podium will have an “outdoor porch” with doors and windows that open onto the street, allowing retailers to have outdoor space.