May 16, 2024
172 Capitol Hill units on track for MUP
Real Estate Editor
Spanning nearly a half block on the east side of Capitol Hill, the long-vacant former QFC — plus a neighboring building — will be transformed into the one of the largest apartment buildings on that commercial strip. Runberg Architecture Group is designing the project at 416 15th Ave. E. The proposal now stands at six stories and 172 units; a third and final design review should be scheduled this summer. A master use permit appears well within reach.
Hunters Capital is the developer, and Exxel Pacific is the builder. The team also includes Jett Landscape Architecture + Design; Jennifer Wells, arborist; Bush, Roed & Hitchings, surveyor; Coughlin Porter Lundeen, civil and structural engineer; Riley Group, geotechnical engineer; and 4EA, envelope.
Including the parking and amenities, total project size is about 196,723 square feet. The Mandatory Housing Affordability is around $2.6 million. Construction will be Type VA wood framing over Type IA concrete. The project carries a nominal value of $60 million.
Units are to run from studios to two-bedrooms. Some will be townhouse-style apartments with lofts; those will face the east alley. Sizes are in a range from about 418 to 1,003 square feet.
Retail, commercial and restaurant space will total some 9,573 square feet, in multiple bays facing 15th. From the corner of East Republican Street, the building will extend south some 317 feet to meet its neighbor, the diminutive former Fire Station No. 7 building.
One level of underground parking, to be accessed from the east alley, will have 102 stalls. Tenants will also have 142 bike stalls.
Zoning allows construction up to 55 feet. However, via the preservation of an exceptional European Hornbeam tree, the project will reach almost 65 feet. At the last public design review, in February, Capitol Hill Seattle Blog reported some complaints about that.
A few steps north at 555 15th, Exxel Pacific is putting final touches to the five-story, 68-unit Capitol Hilltop apartments, also from Hunters Capital. Studio Meng Strazzara designed that project, which should have its temporary certificate of occupancy in coming months. (July is the new goal for opening.)
That leasing website is now offering up to eight weeks of free rent. Featured monthly rents include 400-square-foot studio that goes for $1,875. A two-bed with 1,027 square feet is listed at $4,235. A certain number of units are more affordable, under the city’s multifamily tax exemption program.
Capitol Hilltop also includes 4,716 square feet of commercial space, with Hunters’ Jill Cronauer in charge of the leasing.
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