At Large In Ballard by Peggy Sturdivant

Three years ago plans emerged for a developer to build a six-story condominium project on the southeast corner of Northwest 24 and 65th. The city zoning allows for commercial buildings up to 65 feet in height at that corner, and if a developer could manage to fit in six stories they were within their legal rights - even though the zoning on the north side of 65th only allows for buildings to be 40 feet high.

The proposed project didn't sit well with the community. Is there anyone who doesn't remember the Shrink the Condo signs and the banner on the fence along 65th? The Shrink the Condo group attended planning meetings all wearing their t-shirts of the same name, "Thank you Shrink the Condo Group. You won."

It should not be a surprise, especially since the 2004 "Notice of Proposed Land Use" sign is still affixed to the front, that development is coming to the corner where B & J Auto Rebuild sits now. The auto body shop has weathered a three-year project limbo while capping a single story block that includes The Viking Tavern, Two and A Half Happy Barbers and a house. Now a proposed development is back in the formal planning stages, but make no mistake, this is not the same project.

Every once in a while a new building or development takes shape in a way that is respectful of the neighbors, the past and the future, and creates a place for community that becomes a source of pride. Look at the new Ballard Library. If a good thing should happen on the southeast corner of 24th and 65th, all of Seattle will owe a debt to the group that fought against the planned development back in 2004 but there is still time for the public to shape a happier ending to the story of this corner.

I noticed a public meeting sign last week and since then I've visited the infamous corner several times. I've had lunch at The Viking. I've spoken with the developer, the architect and the city planner. I've spoken with everyone but the actual neighbors, but according to the new design team they have been meeting with them since late last fall. The man who owns and plans to develop the property is named Bill Parks and he's a fifth generation Seattleite who grew up in Wallingford. Nobody is ignoring the fact that "it got pretty ugly" when Khauri Development announced plans in 2004 to build a six-story mixed use retail/condominium. Bill Parks would like to start over and do it right this time.

The current design team recognizes that when neighbors organized to fight the planned six-story condo that it actually created a new community. Bill Parks sees a certain irony because the goal is now to create a building to serve the community that was created in opposing the former plans.

My sense is that most of us in Ballard are tired of yet another condominium built without taking into account the character of the neighborhood, or parking and transportation deficits. It's hard let down our guard and believe that someone like a Bill Parks truly wants to create a project that will bring affordable housing to the neighborhood, enhance the community and become a source of pride, a "keeper."

Almost despite myself I believe in their good intentions. First of all, this group is approachable. The architect Alison Walker Brems and I talked for over half an hour this week. Along with my notes, I jotted, "could she be this wonderful?" Walker Brems works with Johnston Architects and has been involved since last fall. Just part of their approach is to visit neighbor's homes and backyards, photograph their views and conduct sun and shadow studies. She described some of what gets built in attempts to maximize density as schlocky. The definition is cheap, trashy, of low quality. According to her, "Bill Parks doesn't do anything schlocky which is why he's so great to work with." When she told me that she shares many of the same concerns about traffic and parking in her neighborhood, I believed her, and I found myself wanting to believe that this project is going to be one of the special ones.

The developer himself earns points for just returning my telephone call. He admits that he sat on this project while things cooled down and he had a chance to ponder what would be best. His stated mission on this project is to create the most aesthetic, affordable housing in Ballard. The new drawings already remove the sixth floor and stagger the top two floors from the street. Except on NW 24th, the building lines will be set back from the lot lines. He intends for 50 percent of the units to market for under $300,000 and there will be lofts with fourteen feet ceilings on the top floor.

The City of Seattle Design Review Board on this project will be Monday, June 25th at 6:30 p.m. at the Ballard High School; the drawings will be available for viewing. If you walk, drive, bus or drive through that intersection (not to mention living or working near there) you should plan to attend the meeting. There is still the opportunity to be heard about what will make this project an asset. We owe it to the Shrink the Condo group to participate in the planning process for the new project. As one attendee at an earlier meeting told the architect, this time she'd be willing to have everyone don t-shirts to show their support instead of opposition. This story is to be continued, but the public is invited to work towards a happy ending.

Public meeting on this project is scheduled for Monday, June 25th at 6:30 p.m. Ballard High School. If you cannot attend but want to receive written records please contact City Planner Scott Ringgold at scott.ringgold@seattle.gov and reference File No. 3007108.