A few months ago I drove to Queen Anne High School to check out the neighborhood in the evening, the night view was magnificent. Going back to the school again during the day, it is still undeniably one of the most breathtaking historical buildings in Seattle.
Before the priority presale event last month, they sold 16 out of 137 units to existing tenants, alumni and developer’s sales. Most of their view units are already sold. There are mainly the south facing units which has view of the city, Queen Anne neighborhood ,and the Puget Sound.
The main part of the school was built in 1909 and there were a few additions afterwards. In the 1920s , there was an addition of the west wing classroom which is now mainly one bedroom. In 1950s, the industrial arts building was added which are now converted to town houses and studios. Finally in the 1980s, there was another addition to the 1920s west wing classroom . The 1950s and 1980s additions do not have the character of the main building. Remodeling work is still going on in most of the units as well as the common areas. The main part of the school is scheduled for move in from September to December this year and the west wing and the industrial arts building are scheduled to be completed Jan to April 2007. As of yesterday, they have sold 36 out of 137 units. Their grand opening is this Saturday from 11.00am-6.00pm.
Prices
• Studios from the low $300,000s
• Lofts from the mid $300,000s
• One bedrooms from the high $300,000s
• One bedroom + den from the high $400,000s
• Two bedrooms from the high $500,000s
• Town homes from the mid $700,000s
Finishes/feature
• Cherry Cabinets or the white cabinets option, kitchen island in some units
• Stainless steel appliances, slab countertops, farm style sinks, full height kitchen back splash
• Some units come with original hardwood floors, units that don’t come with hardwood floors will have carpet with hardwood floor border
• Less than 20 units have chalkboard in the unit.
Pluses
• A unique, one of a kind condo
• Tall ceilings, oversized windows and beautiful architectural design
• Feels like a safe neighborhood
Minuses
• An older building
• All the good view units were taken
• Single pane windows in the main building
Main building (based on what’s left)
Exterior Very good
Interior Good
Location Good
View Good
Amenities Average
Value Average
Overall Good
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I had pretty much the same reaction during the preview event – the units I would have been interested in were long gone, yet it was worth the visit just to see what they’d done with the place.
I was *very* impressed with the updating of some of the units, especially the open one bedroom model home.
totally agree. the old building’s model unit is gorgeous. sadly, it seems like all the units that are available are either pricey, have no view, or are in the new building which lacks the charm of the old building. also, the amount of dust in that place is almost insufferable and the hallways still look dark and dated — they probably should have gotten a bit more spit and polish before opening it up for tours. perhaps they didn’t want to risk the market cooling off. net, net. too pricey for me.
Hi Wendy! I’ve enjoyed reading your very informative and helpful reviews. Are you aware of any condos for rent in the Queen Anne High School development?
Thank you for your help.
I’m not aware of any. You may want to check with Ron the onsite manager. (206-838-1000) If someone is renting it out, he’ll probably know.
Wendy,
I’m in the process of moving to Seattle from the Midwest and I’m very interested in this building. I have 2 units in mind, but I’m concerned about the lack of AC. New here so I don’t know how big of an issue this is in the summer? The units I like are eastern facing, which is a plus. Any thoughts or is anyone on this blog familiar enough with the QA HS to offer any insight?
Thanks,
Steve
Steve, thanks for the email. I’ve replied to your questions. Hope it helps!
Is a studio here still a good buy as a city-pad or as a rental investment?
Jacob
I’ve always been a fan of 1BR or 2BR’s over studios since the types of folks looking for studios won’t be able to afford them any more whereas 2BR’s (e.g. you professional dual income couples) seem to have more spending power per square foot.
Jacob, if you are not in for the long term, studio will probably be a better buy as a city-pad.