505 Broadway Demolition (27. September 2006, 07:44 by Derek Young) ~ 1. 2. 3. Boom
As I got off 705 yesterday and started up Stadium Way, I noticed that the north end of 505 Broadway was looking… a bit flatter. Most of the building was still there. They’ve been prepping the building for a while and I was wondering when the significant visible changes were going to start. Well, it looks like that work starts today. A lane of Stadium Way was blocked and the fence circling the building’s getting wider. I have a suspicion the existing building won’t be around much longer.
Coming Soon! 505 Broadway Condos
Previously on Exit133
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The 505 building is encouraging to see as it will be closest market rate unit being built recently downtown on Broadway.
Broadway has been filling up with condos and its nice to see them trickle down the street to the urban core which needs all the help it can get.
Plus removing the white building will reduce the Tacoma blight index factor.
Not griping, mind you, but some observations: You bet – initial demo and abatement has been fairly quiet, but authentic construction sounds began at 7:00 a.m. sharp, so if I ever miss my alarm…. The little bit of parking lot that the Broadmoor had, along with the diagonal parking along Broadway is also taken up by construction fence and heavy machinery. Jody Miller’s job shack is on site – first of several, I’m sure. The Bella apartments eliminated the view of some places like the Wilsonian, USA of Yesterday, and the Walker. Now it looks like 505 will take care of much of Bella’s temporary views. 505’s views should be safe for a while(?). Available parking in the area was nice while it lasted. Time will tell, but I do have a concern about the future of affordable apartments as we become the City of Density.
2 | Posted by Dave L. | Sep 27, 08:45 AM
Umm… my previous comment didn’t seem that negative when I previewed it, but it does now – I didn’t mean to come across that way. Like Eric, I am especially happy it will bring some more vitality down the hill. Good news – especially for the brave souls who are hanging on and running some nice businesses, yet without enough customers always seem painfully empty when I vist. Another observation, though about 505: I know very well that there’s not much one can do to make these buildings have some more individual identity, given code issues, construction methods and materials, optimizing square footage, but to me these buildings all start to look the same. I wonder how they will stand the test of time, architecturally-speaking.
3 | Posted by Dave L. | Sep 27, 09:35 AM
I wonder how they will stand the test of time, architecturally-speaking.
I ask myself this everytime I see new construction! Most of it will look dated in about 10 years, tired in about 20, and worn by 30.
As for design: there is a move by some in Tacoma to encourage design review of new construction. Might not be a bad thing. What would be better though is for something more codified and less reliant on case by case review. I’m not saying we should have something silly like Leavenworth’s German design, but I think there is a happy medium in there.
4 | Posted by morgan | Sep 27, 09:56 AM
As for design: there is a move by some in Tacoma to encourage design review of new construction. Might not be a bad thing.
I think there is some talk of that and it could be accomplished without being an undo burden on developers.
Also, I am concerned about some of the larger condos not having retail on the first floor. I am not sure which areas have this requirement and which do not.
Although condos can bring some people into the area, they can create their own dead zones without something on the first floor.
I think Tacoma is starting to get to the point where views aren’t the most important thing when buying. It is more about being downtown and in an urban environment. Views are great, I love the small one I have, but I know when it gets to the point the a 90’ building is built across the street my neighborhood will be “there”. That brings more value to me than a view.
And is Mike Cohen involved in this project? The building looks like his projects (all of them) and like the Metropolitan Apartments, and Bella. Blah Blah Blah.
6 | Posted by Jake | Sep 27, 10:28 AM
“I am concerned about some of the larger condos not having retail on the first floor.”
If you look closely, this building actually does have both retail and office space—albeit not very much retail and office space. FYI-it’s on the 4th floor on the floorplans page.
I agree though, about the lack of design review. The reason most of these buildings are five stories is because five stories is about the limit for (less-expensive) wood frame construction. Despite many buildings in the neighborhood looking alike, I would argue that that is simply another sign of a urban neighborhood experiencing somewhat of a building boom.
Most major cities that have experienced rapid development have neighborhoods that were erected rapidly and exhibit only one type of building material or style. I don’t see New Yorkers complaining about the monotony of their Brownstone-dominated neighborhoods or Baltimoreans whining about having too many rowhouses. I certainly don’t see people up in arms about too many Craftsman bungalows here in Tacoma—but don’t get me started on that!
If building with bricks were more affordable to developers, I think many would use it. In my opinion, that is the only true timeless building material.
7 | Posted by drizell | Sep 27, 11:25 AM
If you look closely, this building actually does have both retail and office space
Well…I’m sure Erik means real retail spaces that invite foot-traffic. Like other cities have, or even like down at Thea’s Landing. And it looks like that little corner they call retail up on the Broadway level will be the “upscale restaurant/bistro for the residents and public to enjoy and to enjoy.†And that office looks like… just their office.
8 | Posted by Dave L. | Sep 27, 12:22 PM
...I don’t see New Yorkers complaining about the monotony of their Brownstone-dominated neighborhoods or Baltimoreans whining about having too many rowhouses.
Whoa whoa whoa! I would kill for Tacoma to have Brownstones and rowhouses! I think we can and should expect more from today’s developers (you’re not off the hook either, architects!).
One of my favorite examples of an interesting new design and use of building materials is the Counterbalance Lofts (the drawing doesn’t do it justice) building on lower Queen Anne in Seattle. At first glance, it doesn’t appear remarkable. But after a closer look, details start to emerge and it takes on a more timeless quality.
This is what is missing with most modern construction: the quality of timelessness
Christopher Alexander wrote the book, The Timeless Way of Building, and I urge everyone to explore it. Very thoughtful and inspiring.
Also see the Living Neighborhoods site
9 | Posted by morgan | Sep 27, 12:50 PM
I recently moved to a small condo off of Broadway from Seattle and there is lots of development going on up near my place. (Including a rather large multi-story building sellling for 2 mill a pop well one of the construction guys tell me)
There was alot of excitement and promise in the area which helped me in convincing myself to move out here (from Belltown). I remain optimistic and look forward to the progress.
10 | Posted by Jino | Sep 27, 04:18 PM
Jino, I am curious if people in Seattle get excited about buildings going in as much as we do here? With so many in Seattle I would think that people think “oh just another condo” ,thats if they even know whats going on. Here we or atleast I get excited with every new developement that comes to town.
12 | Posted by Jake | Sep 27, 09:22 PM
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