Update On Proposed Retirement Home Near Metropolitan Market

Recently, the Northeast Design Review Board, held a public meeting to present plans for a proposed assisted living facility to be constructed at 4020 NE 55th Street, where the Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital is currently located, across the street from Metropolitan Market.

The proposal, Permit #3025827, includes 3 stories of approximately 74 units with 3,100 square feet of commercial space and parking for approximately 28 vehicles located below grade. The existing structure would be demolished.

The architect has proposed 3 different alternatives which can be seen here.

The owner of the property lists Blake Property Acquisitions, associated with Empress Senior Living.

A resident who attended the meeting sent the Laurelhurst Blog this summary:

The proposal is for assisted living and a memory care program with a bistro open to the public which is combined with the residents dining room.

The biggest concern was parking and dangerous congestion on a street that people frequently speed down. There are only 28 underground parking spaces proposed for a three story building with 74 units. 

There is only one driveway proposed on the east side, no circular driveway. This single driveway includes a loading dock for deliveries.

This makes it difficult and dangerous for fire and first aid vehicles to access the building at any given time.

Factor in added cars that need to be parked for staff, residents who can drive and their family and friends who visit and you have a parking fiasco.

There will be another public meeting held in a few weeks (date to be announced). I encourage people from our community to attend these important meetings so their voices can be heard with recommendations and concerns.  

Email comments on the project to prc@seattle.gov including the Permit number.