Seattle Housing Buzz

Vulcan announced the opening of its third apartment complex, The Borealis, in the South Lake Union district. The development is the result of a land purchase deal with the city back in 2001 that’ll provide 53 workforce units available to individuals and families earning less than 80% of the King County median household income.

As defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2008 median incomes for 80 percent are $43,050 or less for a one-person household and $61,500 or less for a four-person household. Rents at Borealis Apartments will start at $875 for a studio, $1,052 for a one-bedroom and $1,244 for a two-bedroom unit.

Borealis features studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes ranging in size from 400 to 850 square feet. The project incorporated green built features such low flow fixtures, Energy Star appliances, low VOC finishes, green screens and bike lockers.

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Tags: Borealis Apartments, Seattle Apartments, South Lake Union, Vulcan

The past couple of years Ballard has been a buzz with new condominium and townhome developments as well as witnessing the loss of apartments to condo conversions. Over the next two years the Ballard landscape will continue to evolve with the return of new apartment developments in this once sleepy enclave.

Here’s what’s on tap for the new Ballard:

Broadstone Ballard

Address: 1139 NW Market Street
Developer: Alliance Residential
No. Units: 163
Comment: Two 6-story buildings with retail along Market. Construction to begin later this year with a 2010 completion.

Ballard on the Park

Address: 24th Ave NW & NW 57th (QFC site)
Developer: Security Properties
No. Units: 268
Comment: Six-stories with a 45,000 sq ft QFC market on the ground level. A 2009 completion date is anticipated.

Alexan Ballard

Address: Market between NW 15th & 17th
Developer: Ballard Apartments / Trammell Crow Residential
No. Units: 260
Comment: Designed by GGLO who also designed the Hjarta on the north end of the Market. Two buildings, 6- & 8-stories, with commercial/retail on Market. Completion slated for 2009.

Additionally, the new owner of the Sunset Bowl is a major apartment developer and management company with 13 properties in Seattle and the Eastside.

Tags: Alexan Ballard, Ballard, Ballard on the Park, Broadstone Ballard, Seattle Apartments