South Seattle: Think Globally, Build Locally
The built green home I listed in last week’s open houses is one of three that have been recently installed on a Columbia City hillside just west of Rainier Avenue. Only two were open for viewing this past weekend and I believe the third is off the market and already occupied, so I checked out the green house and its larger counterpart next door.
Since they share a number of traits I’m reviewing them together rather than redundantly listing those pros and cons in separate posts. I expect these light and airy buildings, armed with ample storage and Dwell-worthy interiors, indicate a trend away from the “craftsman” style town homes currently dotting the landscape and we’ll soon see similar developments sprouting up with considerably less environmental consciousness. For now these houses are set apart by their eco-details as well as their smaller production scale. This set of homes was slickly designed by Case Design & Project Management with a mind to saving the planet in style. The territorial and mountain views are terrific from every level of the structures and their flyers promise a glimpse of Mt Rainier as well. Driving on 34th Avenue S is a bit of a tight squeeze and there’s only enough precarious street parking space for one car per home. There’s about the same amount of space on the sturdier alley side of the homes and at the open house I was told the designers intended this as the parking for residents.
It Is Easy Being Green
Curbside & Alley Views
This 1,920 sq. ft. green home is smack in the middle of the eco-trio. I have to note there are actually 2.5 baths, not the online and flyer listing of 3, as there’s only a powder room on the top floor. The master bath doesn’t have a tub, just a huge open shower, so those who are less concerned with water conservation have to head down to hall to luxuriate in a long soak. Both bedrooms are on the lower level and the upper floor is dedicated to the public spaces. You’ll find dark bamboo floors upstairs and radiant heat concrete floors downstairs. I have to say I thought the gas fireplace installed in a corner of the main living room area looked like an afterthought but I’m sure it will be cozy in the winter. I think the online listing pics were taken in the occupied home as there are a couple of details (the fireplace location for one) that don’t jive with what I saw at the open house. They’ll give you the gist, though.
$549,000
Beds: 2
Lot Sq. Ft.: 3,000
$/Sq. Ft.: $286
Last Sale Price: N/A
Built Grey in Columbia City
Curbside & Alley Views
Of the two homes I preferred this one although it actually has less square footage. It’s larger lot (and additional $100K price tag) allowed the aesthetic to veer a little more toward custom home design rather than duplicating the two neighboring homes. I really liked the kitchen for both size and layout. A huge island with a brushed metal top provides a ton of extra storage and has enough overhang for an eating counter on one side. The rest of the countertops looked like laminate to me but perhaps they’re made from recycled plastic. I think there are better options available, however. Very light bamboo floors and stairs with open risers lend a great sense of spaciousness, as do the slatted wood walls lining the staircase. To my memory the one room in the basement doesn’t have a closet but it does have an adjacent full bath. A peek inside a utility closet on this level revealed the house’s intricate and well-organized plumbing and heating arrangements. The two top floor bedrooms share a cool patio garden with a nifty river rock drain run off. Access to the main entrance is off a public footpath rather than requiring a sky bridge from 34th. I particularly admired this building’s finishing touches which include attractive trim on the eaves and a thoughtful frosted glass window in the basement room to provide visual privacy from the path leading to the back entrance of the home next door.
$649,000
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,880
Lot Sq. Ft.: 4,600
$/Sq. Ft.: $345
Last Sale Price: N/A
