What have they done to Broadway? (Seattle: fit in, apartments, condos)

[eskercurve]

So, my wife and I were walking down Broadway today when we came across the new apartments / condos that seem to have sprouted up out of nowhere. Maybe I just don't go there enough.

Anyway, I used to enjoy walking down there and enjoying all the funny little shops, quirky things, and restaurants. Now, there's two ENORMOUS buildings with the same "modern" architecture that is really generic and similar to every single new development in Seattle. With empty retail space on the first floor to boot.

It totally destroys the character of the city. Have the developers finally conquered that area and are hoping to make it into the next Ballard? I hope not. I like thinking of that area of Capitol Hill as the place where I, a guy, could walk down in drag and totally fit in (not that I'd ever want to, just saying). I do NOT like thinking of Capitol Hill as some modern-Euro-sleek-whatever design area.

I propose that we open up that building exterior to become a giant public art canvas for all to contribute.

Also, did the city buy up the land for the underground rail station? Or did they use eminent domain to steal the land from the rightful owners?

[sekhmet1974]

Originally Posted by eskercurve

So, my wife and I were walking down Broadway today when we came across the new apartments / condos that seem to have sprouted up out of nowhere. Maybe I just don't go there enough.

Anyway, I used to enjoy walking down there and enjoying all the funny little shops, quirky things, and restaurants. Now, there's two ENORMOUS buildings with the same "modern" architecture that is really generic and similar to every single new development in Seattle. With empty retail space on the first floor to boot.

It totally destroys the character of the city. Have the developers finally conquered that area and are hoping to make it into the next Ballard? I hope not. I like thinking of that area of Capitol Hill as the place where I, a guy, could walk down in drag and totally fit in (not that I'd ever want to, just saying). I do NOT like thinking of Capitol Hill as some modern-Euro-sleek-whatever design area.

I propose that we open up that building exterior to become a giant public art canvas for all to contribute.

Also, did the city buy up the land for the underground rail station? Or did they use eminent domain to steal the land from the rightful owners?

Man, you have obviously not been there for a LONG time. This is years old news. Transients and no police presence is what ruined the place. So new condos came in and took over. Sucks but it is what it is.

[Inkpoe]

Is it going to be an underground rail station? I saw they already have the area cordoned off... I wasn't pleased when I realize they even took the parking. Parking is already cutthroat over there.

I've been complaining about the loss of Broadway. Hopefully a new character comes in and redefines that section.

[Cascadeguy]

Originally Posted by eskercurve

Anyway, I used to enjoy walking down there and enjoying all the funny little shops, quirky things, and restaurants. Now, there's two ENORMOUS buildings with the same "modern" architecture that is really generic and similar to every single new development in Seattle. With empty retail space on the first floor to boot.

These buildings didn't replace funny little shops or quirky things. They replaced a QFC with its long ugly beige brick facade facing Broadway, a Bartell drug store, crack Taco Bell and a run down Safeway. The Brix development has Capitol Hill businesses on the ground floor including Dilettantes and Vivace cafe. The Joule apartments ground floor retail have not been filled but will be soon.

[sean98125]

You ain't seen nothin' yet.

When the streetcar line goes in over the next year or two, they are going to create a separate 10' wide bike lane on the east side of the street. They are going to reduce it from the current four lanes to two lanes. The streetcars, buses, delivery trucks and cars will all use the same travel lanes (thus eliminating any advantage that streetcars would have by avoiding traffic). Streetcars (and everyone else) will have to wait for cars that are parking or turning right. Northbound cars that are turning right will have to wait for bicyclists and pedestrians to clear, and thanks to curb bulbs they will be in the only traffic lane while waiting.

Yeah, it's going to be lovely.

[godhead]

"Also, did the city buy up the land for the underground rail station? Or did they use eminent domain to steal the land from the rightful owners?"

Eminent domain, yes.
Property paid for market value.

[sean98125]

The city didn't actually do anything about the land for the new light rail line - that was all Sound Transit.

[JesseJB]

The two massive developments replaced things like the abandoned QFC building. Trust me, no one who actually had to walk around there is missing it.
The Link station on the other hand we will have to wait and see. There's actually some cool ideas floating around.
And transients don't bring in condo developers!