4448 California Ave SW

Design Review Early Design Guidance for a 7-story, 96-unit apartment building with retail. No parking proposed.

Review Meeting
July 15, 2021 5:00 PM
Meeting: https://bit.ly/Mtg3037829

Listen Line: 206-207-1700 Passcode: 187 604 2246
Comment Sign Up: https://bit.ly/Comment3037829

Review Phase
EDG--Early Design Guidance  

Project Number

3037829  View Related Records

Planner
Greg Johnson

From the early design guidance packet:

SCHEME 3: PINWHEEL (CODE COMPLIANT)

Scheme 3 (the pinwheel) is zoning code compliant and provides visual interest and movement along all facades. The overall mass of the building has been broken down into smaller pieces of the puzzle, which then subtly twist and turn to gesture towards a variety of views and uses. By twisting the forms counterclockwise, the structure is able to respond to its location close to the intersection of California and Oregon, aim views to the sound, as well as aim views towards downtown Seattle. The ground floor commercial spaces have been broken up in order to provide a streetscape compatible with the pedestrian experience along California Ave. Where the building extends towards the property lines (helping to provide an ample base for the structure), inset entries will be provided. At the northwest corner of the lot, the building is further set back in order to provide a small open space (for a potential outdoor dining area), which further breaks down the street wall and helps to create an engaging experience at the pedestrian level.

The residential lobby and commercial spaces on the ground floor open to a central passageway that connects California Ave SW and the alley, making for a cozy and secure marketplace experience for pedestrians year-round.

NO OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 96

NO OF COMMERCIAL UNITS: 3 AND COMMERCIAL PASSAGEWAY

PARKING: 0 (NONE REQUIRED)

BENEFITS:

• Steps the ground floor commercial level back from the street to enable spillover into the public realm, enhancing the pedestrian experience

• Provides a covered throughway at the ground level to create a mid-block connection that helps link pedestrians to surrounding streets and the Junction’s commercial core.

• Modulation provides visual interest on all facades, while minimizing blank walls

• Two outdoor community spaces are provided - at the roof with views to downtown and the sound, and at the second floor with opportunities for connection to the street.

• Twisting provides the opportunity for multiple balconies and decks along all facades.

CONCERNS:

• The complex form will be best served by a simpler fenestration / material patterning.