Even though there’s been a lot of condo inventory coming from new construction projects in the Belltown and Downtown areas, many home buyers are finding themselves unable to afford the goods in the various and sundry pricey new showrooms. If you are a home buyer who has a flexible purchasing timeline and feeling that you are not getting the bang for your buck from the latest projects, the market for a condo that’s a few years old may be your next best alternative.
Let’s look at a few early 2000 condos that may not have the fanciest finishes or latest features but will probably meet most of your home criteria and allow you to experience stylish urban living.
The Vine
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| The Vine |
The Vine, located on Western Ave between Cedar and Clay St, is the winner of over 16 Regional and National Awards including the “Attached community of the year 2003.” The condo is made up of a 12 story high rise with an adjoining 6 story mid-rise with a rooftop terrace. The interior home concepts were designed by local renowned designer, Garret Cord Werner. One interesting floor plan available is their one bedroom plus den. It gives the homeowner the flexiblility to open up an interior opening from the bedroom into the living room.
More info:
Vine condos slideshow
Vine condos (currently on the market)
The Ellington
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| The Ellington |
One of many Intra-corp projects in Belltown, the Ellington has two 12 story buildings connected by an enclosed hallway. In terms of finishes, Ellington is very similar to the Vine. Some buyers complain that the windows are a bit on the small side but the location and overall quality of construction are quite attractive.
More info:
Ellington condos slideshow
Ellington condos (currently on the market)
The Klee
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| The Klee |
Named after Paul Klee, a Swiss artist of German descent, the Klee is an apartment bulding which was converted to condos in 2004. Designed by Hewitt Architects, the same firm who also designed Lumen in Queen Anne, the Klee comprises two buildings with a central courtyard. The north concrete tower contains 98 condominiums and the adjacent southern wood-framed building includes 42 units. 13 open flat lofts are located between the two buildings. The Klee is best known for its open one bedrooms. If you like a lot of privacy, this may not be an ideal floor plan for you but you can generally get a lot of bang for your buck regardless of what floor plan you end up picking.
More info:
Technorati Tags: The Vine, The Klee, The Ellington, Seattle condos, Belltown condos, Hewitt Architects, Val Thomas, Paul Klee, Seattle real estate
hi wendy- i really like this chart. the at-a-glance format is a nice way to contextualize. i also like the various condo/project reviews you’ve done. have you thought about creating a chart compiling all your review data?
Thanks. I’m glad that you found it useful. I’ll try to do more of this type of review. As for the chart, it is in my list of things to do.
for a few years old, there still pretty pricey! some appear more pricey per sq ft than new construction
Here is a good list for comparison.
http://johnlscott.com/PropertyList.aspx?GroupID=42314167
http://johnlscott.com/PropertyList.aspx?GroupID=42314145
http://johnlscott.com/PropertyList.aspx?GroupID=42313986
I prefer what can be bought in Vine and Klee to many of the new projects coming up.
I would highly recommend against the Ellington. It is a beautiful condo with very friendly concierges, however, the homeowners association is very fine-happy and will attempt to levy stiff fines for ridiculous things (based on hearsay) instead of inquiring informing you directly.
Ellington has a very good overall value in Belltown. It has all of the amenities that luxury condos should have such as 24/7 concierge sevices (only few belltown condos have) but the price is not as high as other luxury ones. Their HOA fee is very reasonable compared to others in the neighborhood. Anyone who is practical would prefer Ellington to others.
The prob w ellington is their tiny windows. makes all the units feel smaller than they are.
I own and have lived at Ellington for more than 4 years and I feel it is a very well-run building. I have never experienced fines that another reviewer indicated (And I successfully completed a modernist remodel of my unit with positive buy-in from the board). Elli is a solid, well-run building with a dedicated BOD and concierge team. The dues are also very reasonable when compared to other projects.