After the Design Review Board showed a design that would include a 58,000 square foot market, a residential unit and a separate commercial building, community members voiced their concerns and the board requested to see more alternative designs.

The three different design options presented last Thursday night were not distinctive enough for community members or the board. The first only included the expanded grocery store, while the second added additional commercial space to the north end of the lot along California Avenue and the third, the architects' favorite, added residential units on the south end along 42nd Avenue. In each of the designs the market was nearly the same size and was located on the same section of the lot.

By not providing three distinctive alternatives, the design team was not allowing for community input, local resident Kathryn Armstrong said.

"It really needs to be explored more to help the Design Review Board consider different alternatives," Armstrong said.

Some design challenges include two L-shaped allies on the property that would require the permission to build by the Seattle Department of Transportation.

The proposed design keeps the Safeway store at nearly the same location as it is today.

Community members debated over whether a residential unit should be included in the design. Jolene Kraushar, a neighbor to the project, said that she feels the area along 42nd Avenue would better serve the community as retail space to provide services for existing residents.

Others felt the design of the residential buildings was insufficient.

"Here's a chance to provide many smaller units and create some affordable housing," said David Foster, a member of the Southwest Design Review Board.

There was also debate over where the mass of the complex should be located. In the presented design the height of the new Safeway store, and additional retail space along California Avenue, would not exceed 40 feet. The design team claimed it would maintain the current height characteristics of the neighborhood. Meanwhile residential units, measuring two and four stories high, would be located on 42nd Avenue.

Some neighbors appreciated the bulk of the building being pushed back from California Avenue. Still, others suggested that the majority of the building's mass should be located in the busiest area, along California Avenue.

There were many aesthetic elements to the design that the community appreciated. For one, instead of Safeway's blank walls that currently faces California Avenue and Lander, the new market will have glazed glass so that pedestrians can see into the store.

The design was also created to be pedestrian friendly, and includes large walkways, outdoor seating and public plazas.

The design also includes parking for 227 cars on Safeway's roof and at the street level.

Community members argued that the proposed design does not include features found in many new, urban grocery sites in Seattle.

"It seems like Admiral's getting the short end of the stick," local resident Mark Wainwright said.

Some members of the Design Review Board seemed to agree.

"There could be so much more for this site," said Deb Barker, a member of the board, but member Christie Coxley emphasized the talent of Fuller Sears Architects, and suggested that Safeway might be constraining the design team.

The date for a second Early Design Guidance session has not yet been determined.

Rose Egge can be reached at 932.0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com.