After listening to Conner Homes' presentation and hearing from members of the local community, the Southwest Design Review Board decided that the developers mixed-use project in the Alaska Junction will require further review before construction can begin.

On March 12 the board met for the third design review meeting to address the project planned for the corners of California Avenue Southwest, Southwest Alaska Street and 42nd Avenue Southwest.

The process is part of the city’s required Early Design Guidance and a Recommendation phase, for mixed-use projects of a certain size. Administered by the Department of Planning and Development, the board reviews private development projects in the city and make recommendations to the city regarding massing, scale and character of the projects.

While this could have been the final design review meeting for this project, a significant number of concerns from the community and a constraining time limit forced the board to request an additional meeting be held.

During the presentation Weber Thompson Architects explained that the project includes two buildings scaling seven stories high. It will include 12,745 square feet of commercial space at the ground level and 72 residential units above. Three levels of below grade parking will be provided for 307 vehicles.

The West building, on California Avenue, has been designed to set the tone for future mixed-use development in the Junction. It is structured to look like three different nesting blocks. One four-story red brick building will be at the forefront of the popular intersection measuring 85 feet in height.

Further south a single-story tan brick building along California Avenue is designed to mimic the scale and texture of existing retain on the street. Finally, a seven story neutral grey building with balconies and sun shades will stand twelve to sixteen feet back from all streets and alleyways.

The east building was designed as a portal way to the Junction from 42nd Avenue. The structure looks like a set of three building blocks, each including a different type of residential unit: one bedrooms, two bedrooms or lofts.

To accommodate community requests, the existing alley which runs parallel between California Avenue and 42nd Avenue, will be maintained and run between the two buildings. It will be redeveloped to become more active and pedestrian friendly and two new walkways will connect it mid-block to California Avenue and 42nd Avenue.

The design also includes significant loose structural plants all around the property.

According to Conner Homes' proposal, existing structures on the property would be demolished. This includes all businesses on California Avenue between Talaricos Pizzeria and Cupcake Royale.

However, the new retail spaces were designed to relate well with existing businesses in the area. Local business owners and community members complimented this factor, suggesting that the project could compliment existing retail and restaurants in the Junction and encourage other property owners to better maintain local buildings.

Despite significant changes to the project’s design since previous meetings, many community members still complained about the project’s size.

“Some consideration has been given to respond to the community,” said Nancy Driver of the Fairmount Community Association. “But my objection still stands, it’s too massive. It’s going to change the character of the Junction.”

Others were dissatisfied with the shadow studies presented, and wondered if the seven-story buildings might make their neighborhood significantly darker.

The board has requested that the next, and possible the final, design review meeting for the project take place over the next few weeks.

Some other major projects under review in West Seattle include :

April 19, 2009: 2988 S.W. Avalon Way
Project Number: 3008002

A tentative Early Design Guidance meeting is scheduled to review a proposal for a four story structure containing 16 residential units over 1,295 square feet of commercial space. Parking to be provided off-site. Existing structure to be demolished.

The public meeting will be held at the High Point Library in the Meeting Room at 6:30 p.m.

Applicant: Darcell Slovek-Walker, 883-2026
City planner: Marti Stave. 684-0239

April 9, 2009: 4532 42nd Ave. S.W.
Project Number: 3004482

The Southwest Design Review Board will hear a proposal for a six-story structure containing 3,085 square feet of commercial space at ground level and 35 residential units above. Parking for 54 vehicles will be provided within the strucuture. Existing structures to be demolished.

Meeting will be held at 8 p.m.

Applicant: David Lau, 650-3715
City planner: Shelley Bolser, 733-9067