A Design Review Early Design Guidance meeting for a 7-story, 75-unit apartment building with general sales and service is set for the West Seattle Senior Center for Nov. 1. The building is proposed to span from 4508 to 4514 California Ave SW.

Parking for 17 vehicles is proposed. Existing buildings will be demolished.

The project is being developed by Leon Capeloto and has already been through the first design review.

It is being designed by Caron Architecture.

MEETING INFORMATION

Date: Thursday, November 1, 2018 Time: 08:00 p.m.

Location: West Seattle Senior Center, 4217 SW Oregon Street, Hatten Hall

(An early design guidance meeting was previously held on August 2, 2018.

All meeting facilities are ADA compliant. Translators/interpreters provided upon request.

Call the Public Resource Center at prc@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8467 at least five business days prior to the meeting to request this service.

OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT

During the early design guidance (EDG) phase of review, SDCI accepts written comments through October 31, 2018 on the site planning and design issues of this project. Submit all comments and requests to be made party of record to PRC@seattle.gov or City of Seattle – SDCI – PRC, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000, PO Box 34019, Seattle, WA 98124-4019.

PROCESS

A Design Review application for future development of this site has been submitted to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). The first phase of Design Review includes the (EDG) meeting. The following occurs at the meeting:

1. Presentation by the applicant about the site, vicinity and early massing design concepts.

2. Comments by the public regarding the design of the new development.*

3. Deliberation by the Design Review Board providing design guidance and identifying significant Design Guidelines applicable to the design as it moves forward towards Master Use Permit (MUP) application.

*Please note that public comment at this meeting is limited to design considerations. (If environmental review is triggered, comments related to environmental impacts, such as traffic, parking, noise, etc. may be sent to SDCI following notice of that review.)

MORE INFORMATION: For more information regarding this application or the Design Review process, please visit the Design Review Program website at Design Review, contact the Land Use Planner listed above, or email the Public Resource Center at PRC@seattle.gov or visit the Public Resource Center at the address above. Hours: 8 am to 4 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10:30 am to 4 pm Tuesday and Thursday.

The top of this image is north.

This map is for illustrative purposes only. In the event of omissions, errors or differences, the documents in SDCI’s files will control.

From the proposal document:

DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

This proposal intends to develop a five to six level multifamily residential structure with one lodging level, commercial retail shops at grade, and one level of below grade parking. California Avenue street frontage will be comprised of ground level commercial use and a residential entrance lobby.

Services, below grade parking, loading and residential move in/out access is located off the alley. The objective is to provide new multifamily and commercial retail uses that contribute to and further activate the vibrant Junction streetscape.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The site is located one parcel south of SW Oregon Street and on the east side of California Avenue SW in the West Seattle Junction District. The site is presently occupied by three one story retail shops, West Seattle Cyclery, Lee’s Asian and Kamei Japanese Restaurant. The topographical high point along California Avenue SW is at the north border and slopes approximately 1’-1/2” north to south. The site is in an area of increasing density and is transitioning to mixed use and multifamily residential while maintaining a strong retail core within the Junction. The street frontage along California Avenue has narrow sidewalks with parallel street parking spaces. A Midblock pedestrian crosswalk is located just south of the site and is frequently used by pedestrians. The streetscape provides grade level retail access with overhead weather protection, street trees, and pole mounted flower baskets. No overhead utility wires are currently present.

ZONING ANALYSIS

The site is approximately 75 feet wide by 115 feet deep, with a 2-foot alley dedication required. This is an infill lot, enclosed by two-level structures on the north and south boundaries. Commercial retail and the residential lobby front California Avenue SW and the alley abuts the eastern facade.

The site is zoned NC3P-85, and is located within the West Seattle Junction Hub, an Urban Village designated area, and a Pedestrian “P” zone. Nominimum parking is required as the site is in a Parking Flexibility Area which allows residential structures the latitude not to provide parking.

No building setbacks are required. Amenity areas are required in an amount equal to 5 percent of the total gross floor area. Access to parking,

if provided, shall be from the alley if the lot abuts an alley. The site is presently occupied by three one story retail shops, West Seattle Cyclery, Lee’s Asian, and Kamei Japanese Restaurant.

Preferred Option 

Recessed upper facade from California Avenue provides private deck spaces facing the street, creating visual connection with the street and architectural interest

• Lower facade provides appropriate transition from the adjacent buildings and well suitable for the existing street context

• Balconies could be added on the majority of the street facing facade, providing additional private open spaces and articulation of the facade

• Recessed upper level units have private decks with higher ceilingthat could provide a more desirable massing