December 9, 2024

A bit more detail about Onni's redo for north Seattle Times block … including future offices

Photo via loyal DJC reader [enlarge]

Looking south, the apartments are to go on the west (Boren) side of the block, at right. Offices may eventually rise within the preserved Times facade, at left.

As the DJC first reported in October, Onni Group's large stalled office project at 1120 John St. — the north of two former Seattle Times blocks — is being rethought. (The south block apartments and hotel, on Denny Way, are done.) The parking garage pit for the north block is substantially done; excavation began in 2022. Two tower cranes remain in place.

New architect Perkins Eastman is gradually adding more detail to the proposals, initially described as 14- and 49-story apartment towers, with about 814 units. No design review is required.

Plans now show the block will be split above the pit into two components: the west apartments on Boren Avenue North, and future east offices along Fairview Avenue North. A new address will likely emerge there.

Numbers for the west apartments are all about the same, with some 700,000 square feet above grade (and no retail). The lobby and high-rise component would face north to Thomas Street. Its 14-story podium would extend south to John. The whole thing would have an L-shape in profile.

Rendering by Perkins&Will [enlarge]

This old design could be modified, but would still preserve the landmark Seattle Times facade.

The west apartments look to be Phase I for the block, and the east offices Phase II. No details or schedule are forthcoming there, but that component would occupy about 60% of the block, preserving the landmarked and braced old Seattle Times facade. If and when the office market recovers, we may see a modified office design from Perkins&Will. A height of 11 stories is now indicated.

The west apartment team now also includes KPFF, civil engineer; Glotman Simpson, structural engineer; LOCI, landscape architect; Delta E Consulting, mechanical, electrical and lighting; Jensen Hughes, code consultant; and A3 Acoustics.

Rooftop amenity areas and a pool are also mentioned.