Architectural firm Weinstein AU, who are behind such Ballard buildings as the Majestic Bay, presented very early designs for the low-income housing development Compass Center Ballard to the community and Northwest Design Review Board Feb. 8.

Compass Center Ballard is being planned as a seven-story, 57,000-square-foot development with 80 units for single men and women.

Residents will pay 30 percent of their income to live in the center, which will include services for residents with substance dependencies and other disabilities.

Rumi Takahashi from Weinstein AU presented three different proposals for the shape and orientation of the building, located at 1753 N.W. 56th St.

The design preferred by Weinstein AU and the Northwest Design Review Board is a 75-foot-high building set back 10 feet from the sidewalk.

The design has notches taken out of the top five floors on the east and west sides, creating second-floor decks.

Takahashi said Compass Housing Alliance, developers of Compass Center Ballard, very much wants a green roof, such as the one on the Ballard Library, with a rooftop deck.

Parking for 12 vehicles, down from 14, would be located to the rear of the building with access off the alley.

The Design Review Board encouraged Weinstein AU to look at realigning the sidewalk on 56th to allow for trees and other plantings along the street as well as on the 10-foot setback on the building side.

The board said they want Weinstein AU to focus on the detailing on the north and south sides of the building, which are flat walls, because if surrounding lots are ever developed, the notches on the east and west sides will disappear.

The board said Weinstein AU needs to pay attention to the treatment of the alley, which is a priority for public safety.

During the public comment, the owner of the Ballard Sip & Ship, located behind the property, said the alley is important to their business, but it is currently a magnet for transients and unwanted behavior. He said he would like to see proper lighting on the alley.

Other neighbors showed support for texture and variety on the large building, the green roof and landscaping at the pedestrian level.

The owner of the Landmark Apartments, located one lot east of Compass Center Ballard, said he is concerned the development, which is 10 feet taller than his apartments, will block the view and the sun from his rooftop patio.

Takahashi said Weinstein AU can do a study to see how much sun they will be blocking, but the area allows development up to 85 feet, 10 more than the current plan for Compass Center Ballard.

Members of the public expressed dismay over the small amount of parking included in the project.

Takahashi said they are not required to provide any parking. Most of the residents will not have cars, and the 12 spots they are including will be mostly staff parking, she said.

With approval from the Northwest Design Review Board at the Feb. 8 meeting, Compass Center Ballard is moving to the next step in the design review process.

Weinstein AU's presentation, including designs for the project, can be downloaded with the link at right.

Click here for an article on some Ballard residents' concerns about the planned Compass Center Ballard.