Hjarta Condominiums in Ballard
1530 NW Market St

1530_nw_market_st_01 1530_nw_market_st_02

Pronounced (h-YARta) this condo building was named by the developer after the Scandinavian (old Norse) word for heart.  Maybe because it’s in the heart of Ballard!  Built in 2008, Hjarta was one of the Seattle’s first LEED Silver certified condo projects and offers energy efficient building systems.  Located on Market Street, it is very close to the activities and vibrancy of the hip and growing part of Seattle.

The stats:

  • 79 units –one and two bedrooms (and 1 three bedroom) ranging in size from 685 to 1,909 square feet
  • Built in 2008
  • 8 stories
  • All units have at least 1 parking space and most all units have a storage unit
  • 3 units have sold in the last 6 months ranging in price from $367,500 to $500,000; at the time of this post there are 2 units pending priced from $329,000 to $365,000 and there are no active units on the market
  • HOA dues include: garbage, water, sewer, central hot water, building maintenance, professional property manager, earthquake insurance
  • Amenities: Party room with terrace, gym, yoga room and a roof top deck


The pros:

  • The location is fabulous – close to the amenities on NW Market and Ballard Ave
  • This is Ballard’s only LEED Silver building so your electricity bill will be low and the dues are fairly low as well
  • It is a newer building and the finishes are still very modern
  • Concrete and steel construction makes for quieter interior spaces – it’s somewhat rare to have a mid-rise building of this height that is concrete and steel

The cons:

  • It is on NW Market street which can be a loud and busy street, especially across from the fire station and those units that face south get the frequent treat of sirens
  • The developer chose to install electric fireplaces -  not sure how many people really like those
  • Access to and from the parking garage is on market street which can make for waiting when leaving the garage at busier traffic time
  • For the amenities, they seems to be sort of an after-thought, as the gym is pretty small, and is right off the party room as is the yoga room, so if you have the party room reserved you hope no one is working out at the same time otherwise your party will have residents who are working out walking through your party or gathering

1530_nw_market_st_03 1530_nw_market_st_19
 1530_nw_market_st_21 1530_nw_market_st_28

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