Bowing to what they deemed economic reality, Burien lawmakers unanimously approved Aug. 20 an agreement that most likely will lead to rental apartments instead of owner-occupied condominiums being built on the vacant Town Square parcels.
The City Council approved a standstill agreement with Harbor Urban that gives the developers and city until Nov. 15 to agree on an acceptable alternative to the previously planned condos. Condominiums at the Town Square complex completed in 2009 have sold very slowly.
The city entered into an agreement with Urban Ventures in 2005 to develop the parcels. The developers chose to develop the downtown Burien properties in phases. When the developers did not begin construction on the other phases, as promised, Burien city officials in June informed the developers the city would repurchase the undeveloped parcels.
By that time, Urban Ventures had merged with Harbor Ventures to form Harbor Urban. After extensive discussion between the developers and city staff, a standstill agreement was negotiated suspending the repurchase until Nov. 15.
If an agreement is not worked out by Nov. 15 the developers have agreed to transfer the undeveloped parcels to the city or a designated developer without litigation.
City Manager Mike Martin told the lawmakers the developers believe the market currently will not support construction of owner-occupied condominiums. The alternative could be well-constructed apartments that could be converted into condos later.
Martin noted council members may have to reorient their view of what apartments are.
He said the city is not looking for the type of apartments built in Burien in the 1960s and 1970s.
“That’s not what we are talking about,” Martin added.
“In five years will condos be viable?” Martin said. “Maybe, but we have to prepare to wait until the market shifts.”
Councilmember Gerald Robison said the standstill agreement provides design guidelines but gives the developer some flexibility.
“With this tight schedule, we might get something done after all these years,’ he declared.
Robison, a real estate attorney, said there is a false fear that apartment dwellers are “all savages.”
With quality apartment management, people can’t tell the difference between apartments and condos, Robison added.
Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak said she would approve the agreement with reservations. She said she disagrees that condos are not possible at the site.
Councilmember Joan McGilton said economic circumstances have changed and the young, vibrant professionals that Burien hopes to attract cannot afford to purchase homes.
“The times have changed,” McGilton declared. “We must be forward thinking.”
Apartments are a good bet for people looking for a safe place with good transit 15 minutes away from Seattle, McGilton noted.
Mayor Brian Bennett said getting more residents into downtown Burien will have a positive effect on local businesses.
Following the vote, Harbor Urban issued a press release saying the developer will work together with the city in a planning process to develop a residential complex “that will complete the vision of a vibrant downtown Burien Town Square.”
“We are glad to have the opportunity to continue working with the city of Burien,” Harbor Urban managing director Jim Atkins said. “We are working diligently to develop plans that will enhance Burien’s downtown area and help bolster the growth of the city.”
Amy Hoffman from Harbor Urban has been involved with the Town Square project since 2007.
She said, “A successful project has always been our main focus and continues to remain so. We’re looking forward to building a quality project for Phase II with the city.”