Merry Christmas, everyone! In the end, few things really matter; and none of them involve condos, restaurants or meaningless reviews on a blog. So I hope everyone is with those they love this time of year. I wish you all a truly meaningful holiday.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas, everyone! In the end, few things really matter; and none of them involve condos, restaurants or meaningless reviews on a blog. So I hope everyone is with those they love this time of year. I wish you all a truly meaningful holiday.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Gallery Seattle
Strange to be reviewing a condo in the current market. I heard the market is not going to bottom out in the area until possibly 2010. In any case, it might be good to sit things out if you are a buyer until the panic truly sets in. With both Safeco and WaMu gone and the economy taking a dive, I'm guessing there are many sellers out there who need to unload.
I first got to know the Galley Condos as it was being planned. I remember fighting the huge crowd of real estate flippers for mini burgers at their showroom opening. Hard to believe that was less than two years ago. The building is close to completion and the sales center has moved to a first floor work loft in their northeast corner. The building sits in what is becoming a solid residential area at the north end of Belltown. The vibe is becoming more and more upper east/west side of Manhattan with this, Parc and Mosler Lofts joining other relatively new condos in the area. Sure, it's not at the center of retail or entertainment but this means it's quieter and calmer which many people, especially those with family, prefer. You are still within walking distance to most restaurants, and downtown is a short bus/taxi ride away. However, being on the northwest corner of 2nd and Broad is not the most ideal location for a view. Unlike Ellington or Concord which sit on top of a large hill on 1st, there is not much gain in elevation as you go to 2nd. I was surprised at the amount of water visible down Broad and up Denny but it is still significantly blocked by Concord. Although there is a 65 ft height limit along Denny, the rental property immediately to their west can go up to 13 floors which would completely block any views in that direction. I would recommend units that have at least some windows facing south or east to avoid being "blocked in" like Cosmopolitan.
They have a large number of floor plans from 600 sqft one level lofts starting around $350K. The lofts felt too small and dark for me considering they are long with windows at the far end. Considering the price, I would imagine they are for young, single professionals starting out. I don't think they would make a good second home considering how far it is from the downtown core. They have 2 bedroom 2 bath with or without den in the corners on the higher floors which are more interesting. I prefer the southwest corner unit which has a glassroom sticking out towards Broad. They can be large (about 1200-1450 sqft) and considering prices start right around $800k, there is value. In any case, considering the buyer's market, I would offer 10-20% below list. If your agent does not advise offering less than list even for new developments, they should be fired. ANYTHING is possible in a down market.
I was pleasantly surprised at the level of finish. The lobby is upscale and modern although obviously not as lush as the top tier condos downtown. There are solid appliances and fixtures in all units although I was worried about the base veneer cabinets. Once you get towards $1 million, the units automatically come with upgrades including top line appliances and solid wood cabinets. This is great since many top tier condos do not offer solid wood cabinets at any price. I did not like that the tub was in the second bath in most units, although this is just my preference. Also, I cannot understand why you would put only one vanity in the master bath of a two bedroom condo.
The list of amenities is pretty solid, as well. They have a decent sized fitness room, underground parking, a business center and two club rooms, one set up as a hip lounge with a view and deck on the 7th floor. They have a 24 hour doorman/concierge which many new condos lack. All this for a home owners due of around $0.50 per sqft; again, you can do a lot worse even at more pricey buildings. Considering Lampreia is moving to their retail space, I can't believe that residents would be disappointed. Yet, they are only 50% sold. What a difference two years makes. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.
Location: 20
Building/unit quality: 22
Amenities: 22
Cost: +$350k
http://www.liveatgallery.com/
I first got to know the Galley Condos as it was being planned. I remember fighting the huge crowd of real estate flippers for mini burgers at their showroom opening. Hard to believe that was less than two years ago. The building is close to completion and the sales center has moved to a first floor work loft in their northeast corner. The building sits in what is becoming a solid residential area at the north end of Belltown. The vibe is becoming more and more upper east/west side of Manhattan with this, Parc and Mosler Lofts joining other relatively new condos in the area. Sure, it's not at the center of retail or entertainment but this means it's quieter and calmer which many people, especially those with family, prefer. You are still within walking distance to most restaurants, and downtown is a short bus/taxi ride away. However, being on the northwest corner of 2nd and Broad is not the most ideal location for a view. Unlike Ellington or Concord which sit on top of a large hill on 1st, there is not much gain in elevation as you go to 2nd. I was surprised at the amount of water visible down Broad and up Denny but it is still significantly blocked by Concord. Although there is a 65 ft height limit along Denny, the rental property immediately to their west can go up to 13 floors which would completely block any views in that direction. I would recommend units that have at least some windows facing south or east to avoid being "blocked in" like Cosmopolitan.
They have a large number of floor plans from 600 sqft one level lofts starting around $350K. The lofts felt too small and dark for me considering they are long with windows at the far end. Considering the price, I would imagine they are for young, single professionals starting out. I don't think they would make a good second home considering how far it is from the downtown core. They have 2 bedroom 2 bath with or without den in the corners on the higher floors which are more interesting. I prefer the southwest corner unit which has a glassroom sticking out towards Broad. They can be large (about 1200-1450 sqft) and considering prices start right around $800k, there is value. In any case, considering the buyer's market, I would offer 10-20% below list. If your agent does not advise offering less than list even for new developments, they should be fired. ANYTHING is possible in a down market.
I was pleasantly surprised at the level of finish. The lobby is upscale and modern although obviously not as lush as the top tier condos downtown. There are solid appliances and fixtures in all units although I was worried about the base veneer cabinets. Once you get towards $1 million, the units automatically come with upgrades including top line appliances and solid wood cabinets. This is great since many top tier condos do not offer solid wood cabinets at any price. I did not like that the tub was in the second bath in most units, although this is just my preference. Also, I cannot understand why you would put only one vanity in the master bath of a two bedroom condo.
The list of amenities is pretty solid, as well. They have a decent sized fitness room, underground parking, a business center and two club rooms, one set up as a hip lounge with a view and deck on the 7th floor. They have a 24 hour doorman/concierge which many new condos lack. All this for a home owners due of around $0.50 per sqft; again, you can do a lot worse even at more pricey buildings. Considering Lampreia is moving to their retail space, I can't believe that residents would be disappointed. Yet, they are only 50% sold. What a difference two years makes. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.
Location: 20
Building/unit quality: 22
Amenities: 22
Cost: +$350k
http://www.liveatgallery.com/
Update: Lampreia did not move to Gallery but changed their name to Bisato at their old location.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Yakitori this
One of the great late night eats in the country is Angel's Share in NYC which serves all forms of japanese street food. If you're ever in the city, bar hopping and hungry at 2am, get in a cab and ask to be taken there (3rd ave and E 9th st); you can thank me later when you sober up. Just like cocoa beans go with milk and sugar, japanese street food goes great with being drunk off your ass.
I have been looking for a place like that in Seattle and one finally opened up. Kushi Bar sits in a newly renovated spot on 2nd ave. The place is shaped like an L with a long narrow room along the street that they open up when full. I think this gives it a very weird, cool vibe enhanced by the bare concrete decor. You sit at simple tables, many of them communal. Perfect, considering the whole point of going to this kind of a restaurant is to order many small dishes to share with close friends as you wind down the night with a few more drinks. It might be a little too clean for a yakitori joint, though.
Yakitori (basically food on a stick) is a very common street food in japan and probably the main reason to go here. They have the common yakitori selections, although not as varied as most. Considering they are one of the few yakitori joints in the northwest, I'm not complaining. You have to order the dark meat chicken and scallions; after that feel free to go nuts. They put a little too much sauce on the meat but seem to be improving. I always order some kind of tempura which is perfectly fried and crisp. The fried rice is also a great choice if you are still hungry. There are a few items I would stay away from. The fish cakes are overcooked and the broth is not seasoned properly. The pancake has the right flavor but cooked too large and thick. Since they just opened, I am hoping things will get better with time.
The service is great and prompt. However, since I am outgrowing my bar hopping days, I end up going here for drinks after work when they tend to be less busy. Near Bell on 2nd. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format. P.S.-Unlike Angel's Share, Kushi Bar closes at 2am.
Food: 18
Decor: 20
Service: 22
Cost: $35
http://www.kushibar.com/
206-448-2488
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