Developments on former Vitamilk, Albertsons sites done by summer 2009
Considered staples of the Green Lake neighborhood for more than 50 years, Albertsons grocery and Vitamilk Dairy have long since closed their doors, making way for a new look to the Seattle neighborhood.
While both businesses added a unique flavor to the community, two separate developers are hoping to take advantage of the prime real estate now unused in downtown Green Lake.
DRIVING DEVELOPMENT
Vitamilk's once-industrious three blocks are now empty space, where developer Lorig Associates has plans to erect a five-story apartment/retail center complete with underground parking.
Upon its estimated completion in summer 2009, the development will contain approximately 280 apartments, 400 parking stalls and a first level full of retail shops, including plans for a grocery store.
Finalizing the development of the Vitamilk site was the product of much correspondence and work between the community and the developer, said the Green Lake Community Council's Ref Lindmark.
"We ended up crafting an agreement that will drive development," he said. "The project reflects the work with the community."
With almost two years spent planning to rezone the property with the city while accommodating the local residents, Lorig Associates added a few defining characteristics to the development.
Included are pedestrian walkways, as well as what planners call a "distinct openness and transparency" to the project to help the five-story building avoid any major obstruction in view.
"We wanted to find something that is a win for the community," said Lorig Associates partner Stephen Holt. "It needs to be an improvement."
Holt and Lorig Associates are also working to avoid any damage construction could cause to Green Lake and the surrounding environments.
"We are starting fresh, with a clean site that contains no hazardous materials," Holt said. "There is no indication of hazardous migration off-site, and we will be testing the water daily."
PAYING HOMAGE
Green Lake's face-lift continues on the lot of one of the neighborhood's most popular grocery stores in the heart of the neighborhood.
"The Albertsons property is much more visible being right across from the park," Lindmark said.
Green Lake Block L.L.C., a subsidiary of national developer Trammell Crow Residential, will develop the Albertsons property into a similar mixed-use property as Lorig Associates has already planned, containing residential and retail space.
As many as 16,000 square feet will be devoted to retail, with approximately 205 apartments and a two-story underground parking garage, said Sean Hyatt, a local managing director for Trammell Crow.
With the demolition of the old Albertsons building just 40 days ago, Hyatt expects construction to begin in earnest in the next 10 to 14 days, with a completion date targeted for summer 2009.
"We are positioned to be the focal point of the neighborhood," Hyatt said. "The building pays homage to the character of [the neighborhood]."
While Hyatt said Trammell Crow has worked with the city and been open with development plans, "People have been a little disappointed with the project," Lindmark said. "We are hoping the developer would work more with the community."
MORE CHANGE COMING
Both developers are working hard to avoid any disruption to the neighborhood's residents as construction moves through the next year on both projects.
"Residents have always been leery of change, but more change is coming," Lindmark said. "If there is growth in this area, this is the area it is supposed to happen."
Lindmark is hopeful both projects will be managed well and eventually be high-quality additions to the neighborhood.[[In-content Ad]]
