Austin Bell in Belltown
2324 1st Ave

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Austin Bell is a unique condominium building in Belltown because of its original historical brick façade that was maintained from the original construction back in 1909 but has updated interiors that were constructed new in 1998 when the building was built as condominiums.  Currently, with the future removal of the Battery Street tunnel, there is some future improvement likely coming for the area immediately in front of the condo building at the south portal of the current battery street tunnel (see information in a previous post).

The stats:

  • 44 residential units & 5 commercial units – studios, one and two bedrooms ranging in size from 333 to 1,417 square feet
  • Built in 1998 – façade from 1909
  • All units have at least 1 parking space
  • Most units have storage lockers, but a few do not
  • 2 units have sold in the last 6 months ranging in price from $190,000 to $289,000; at the time of this post there are no pending units and there are 3 units active that are priced from $255,000 to $645,000
  • HOA dues include: garbage, water, sewer, building maintenance, professional property management, earthquake insurance
  • Amenities: Courtyard and rooftop terrace

The pros:

  • The location is great – in the heart of Belltown, close to Downtown, Lower Queen Anne, Myrtle Edwards Park, Sculpture Park and public transportation to areas all over the city
  • The building façade is beautiful
  • There are many 2 story loft style units
  • The current Battery Street tunnel is set to be removed and the city of Seattle
    Parks Department is rumored to be the benefactor of the area that will be left behind after the tunnel if filled – so a potential park space might be coming right across the street from the building
  • Many of the west facing units have views to the west of the water and mountains
  • Upper floor east units have views of the Space Needle

The cons:

  • The interiors, though updated in 1998, are not unique and might feel a bit too standard or dated for some people  (although some units have been updated and are quite amazing)
  • Some of the lofted units have small, and oddly shaped living room/dining areas
  • Most the units do not have their own decks or terraces
  • East facing lower units face the alley and lack light

 

By Marco Kronen with Seattle Condo Review: A guide to Seattle downtown condos.