Talaris Development Update

The Laurelhurst Blog has received numerous email asking about the status of the Talaris redevelopment.

The Laurehurst Community Club (LCC) recently told the Laurelhurst Blog that Talaris, managed by Pistol Creek is still in the SDCI permitting process, which has been going on for over a year now, as well as the Historic Landmark Preservation approval process. 

LCC added "Nothing has changed from last year as of yet, except for the recent big clean up which was long overdue." Very tall weeds covered one of the roads making undrivable. Recently the main road used for years to enter the property has been closed and the secondary one that was covered in weeds is open during the day.

The large grassy area on Mary Gates Drive was also finally mowed.

LCC said they have not heard anything specific from the owners, except they received approval for removing about 11 dead trees that fell over in mid August, 2021.

LCC's published this information in their September newsletter:

The 18 acre Talaris campus  has been unoccupied since October of 2019 when Quadrant Homes unexpectedly  pulled out of an contingent deal with site's owner to buy and develop the property.

For the past two years the site has not had any active use and the landscaping has been neglected with fallen trees, and  with  grass overgrown to a fire hazard level. In addition, an additional cyclone style temporary "security " fence was installed in violation of the historic landscape requirements. 

On August 11th, LCC noted the arrival of numerous chipper trucks on the site, and contacted the owner for information. The response was that the site was undergoing a big clean up as a good faith gesture to the neighborhood, and in preparation for potential lease/sale opportunities.  The dead trees were removed, the interior of the site was cleaned out, the perimeter along NE 41st Street was mowed, and the pond that had dried out was cleared out, and scraped down to the pond's clay bottom. The intent in future plans is to re-fill with water this fall after it was cleaned of debris. 

The temporary galvanized fence was finally removed on August 18th, leaving the black one that was installed on  September 12, 2013, the day before the site and buildings were designated by the City as historic landmarks. 

LCC continues to meet with the site's owners about potential development plans, as well as participate in the public comment processes of the City's land use and its historic preservation board.

LCC's July/August LCC newsletter said:

Talaris Update

On June 16, the owner of the landmarked Talaris site requested approval from the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board for a 12- or six-month extension on their current permit for development. The Board approved only six months, with several members expressing concern about the current conditions on the site and the need for more frequent updates. The owner also is pressing the Board to approve more temporary fencing, which is not part of the original site design. 

In September 2020, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection (SDCI) determined that the owner’s proposed plans warranted an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement), requiring the study of the potential impacts from implementation of various development alternatives. Historic preservation, retention of exceptional trees, water, waste, and traffic impacts are examples of impacts that must be evaluated before any permit is issued. The EIS is in process.

 

The property was designated with landmark status in November 2013, which dictates that specific controls define certain features of the landmark to be preserved and a Certificate of Approval process is needed for changes to those features. Some incentives and controls included in the City's ruling are zoning variances, building code exceptions, and financial incentives, which are protected, as stated on the City's Landmark and Designation website.

The site, built in 1967, was originally owned by Battelle Memorial Institute. In 1997 Era Care Communities purchased the property for $6,125,000 and it was developed into Talaris Institute which focused on infant and early learning research of the brain. In 2000, Bruce Mc Caw under the name 4000 Property LLC of Bellevue, purchased the property for $15,630,000. The county has assessed the property at $14 million and sold in 2000 for $15.6 million.

The property, when sold several decades ago, included an underlying Settlement Agreement in which Battelle Neighbors and the Laurelhurst Community Club (LCC) are partnered together with the land owners of the parcel. The Settlement Agreement specifically states that major institutions can't operate within this property (no hospitals, colleges, etc). And the Settlement Agreement has specific restrictions attached which specifies the use of the property to protect the quality of life in the adjacent neighborhood.

For decades, neighbors were free to stroll the grounds, until 2013, when Talaris suddenly put up "No Trespassing" signs and installed a four feet chain link fencing in 2013, as well putting up a main driveway barricade, fence on northwest side and a surveillance camera. 

Neighbors were no longer allowed to use the large grassy meadow area where generations of kids practiced soccer and the past few years the grounds facing NE 41st Street are often neglected and grass not consistently mowed. 

The Laurelhurst Community Club, has been involved with the site for over 30 years, working to ensure the property is well integrated with the neighborhood by closely monitoring proposed development. LCC has also worked with current owners in lobbying for better property maintenance. 

The Laurelhurst Blog posted about the owners of Talaris violating the landmarks agreement with the City, by installing a chain link fence last month at the 7.8 acre Talaris campus (4000 NE 41st Street).  Shortly after, the Landmarks Preservation Board listed on their meeting agenda for Talaris: "proposed perimeter fencing- retroactive."

In 2018, Talaris removed a large oak tree with proper approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board and asked for retroactive Certificate of Approval from the City, violating the Landmarks agreement.

And in April 2016, Talaris again cut down trees without proper approval from the City Landmarks Board and after the trees were cut down, then requested a retroactive Certificate of Approval from the City.

And again, in November 2013, Talaris also cut down another tree with approval from the Landmarks Board and then suddenly got a retroactive certificate in place after the trees were cut down.  

In February of this year, neighbors reported a homeless man living on the property. The site manager, living on the property had to use pepper spray to provide some distance between himself and the male,  It was reported that the male left when Seattle Police asked him to leave or be under arrest. Neighbors have reported he is still on the property from time to time leaving traces of needles.  

Affordable Talaris, made up of individuals, want to turn the large property into affordable housing, which would require an upzone of the Talaris property.. Their most recent update says: "We have expanded the scope of our efforts to advocate for a new urban village in the area around the Talaris parcel in the next Comprehensive Plan update."

It has been reported that the group has never reached out to the Laurelhurst Community Club, though they put LCC on their documents, which was not authorized.  It is also reported that they won't  respond to LCC.

Neighbors believe that is not a good fit for the property.  One neighbor commented that it's private property, not City, so can't be deemed as affordable and it's also not near to Transit usually where affordable housing is usually located.  And the massive development at Blakely is all have affordable housing that was required. 

It has been reported that several groups have come forward interested in buying the property. However, nothing has moved forward.  Several are Jeff Granville, with a non-profit called Mindful Presents , who expressed interest in developing the site as wellness center.   Another group, Harmony Hill, that work with cancer survival patients were interested. 

The once beautiful campus is now covered in overgrown weeds, enormous blackberry bushes, trees fallen across once were roads around the campus, most of the buildings in disrepair, the beautiful pond is filled with brown water and the grass on the entire campus is overgrown and very tall.  

In August the Business Journal published this information:

Quadrant's plan for Battelle/Talaris campus heads into city SEPA review

Rendering by Bassenian Lagoni 

The basic plan is for 65 houses on the 18-acre campus in Laurelhurst. Two of the original nine landmarked buildings would be removed.

 

A nearby neighbor said:

This is a precious piece of land and to destroy it due to greed would be a travesty. It is said that the owners deserve a return on their money but not at the expense of a natural resource which is irreplaceable.  And they maybe should have done due diligence BEFORE buying.

Details on the proposed land use action, EIS scoping, and public meeting can be found in this notice issued by SDCI.  

Nearby Building Under Consideration For Landmark Status

 

A neighbor would like to share that a University District building is under consideration for Landmark status.

Historic Seattle  wrote in a recent newsletter:

A Gem of a Bank Building in the U District

The former University National Bank building (most recently a Wells Fargo Bank), prominently situated at the northeast corner of University Way NE and NE 45th Street in the heart of the University District, will be considered for landmark nomination at the LPB’s May 19 meeting. The property is also being considered for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  Notable for its white terra cotta-cladding, Neoclassical Revival style, and curved corner, the building was completed in 1913 and designed by the Beezer Brothers. We fully support the nomination and encourage you to do so as well. This architectural gem in the U District deserves formal recognition and protection. Learn more about its history and design in Larry Johnson’s landmark nomination report. Send public comments to Erin Doherty by May 17 (erin.doherty@seattle.gov).

Aegis Living Update To Be Located At Five Corners At Old Baskin-Robbins Site

Demolition is complete at the future Aegis Living triangular site (3200 NE 45th Street) at Five Corners. 

The design proposal, submitted in July 2016, includes 135 units in a six story building (55-70 feet) with 53 parking stalls and 2500 square feet of retail on the first floor proposed to house a salon and cafe.  First residents are scheduled to move in around spring of 2023 according to the Aegis website. 

In July of last year, the building in which China Village resided for over 30 years was demolished. The Wong family have owned the restaurant since 1987. In 2016 Amy, and her brother, Lee Wong bought out another family member and changed the name from "China Village" to Uncle Lee's and remodeled the restaurant. It is now located at Sandpoint Village (5408 Sand Point Way).

Amy told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff at the time: "We started off as “China Village” and now we will continue our family business and passion as 'Uncle Lee’s'!"

Also demolished was the building where Benton Jewelers used to be, which was most recently a brokerage firm.

Before demolition, the landmark Benton clock, which since 1986 stood in front of the old Benton Jewelers location, was removed and put into storage at a cost of $30,000. The new clock location will be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Board and Department of Neighborhoods. 

Also demolished was the building, in which for over four decades, Baskin-Robbins was located.  In September 2015 it was forced to close, even though the building was not demolished until 4 years later. 

The manager of Baskin-Robbins who owned that franchise for 15 years, told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff at the time that "unfortunately, we were unable to reach an agreement regarding a lease on the site with the Broderick Group, a real-estate brokerage company, so Baskin-Robbins is forced to close." 

He added that the new landlord "wanted to raise the rent by more than 50% with all costs included." 

Other buildings demolished housed well-know long-time businesses at one time or another, including Select Hair Salon which had rented their building for over 20 years and was originally located in the north side of the current Varlamos Pizzeria (3617 NE 45th Street) before it expanded.  

Jennifer, Aegis, Director of Marketing, told the Laurelhurst Blog:

The construction site was temporarily placed on hold June 1.  The site will remain quiet for some time, unless we elect to do some early utility connections.  All demolition and the current status of the site follow the requirements of the City, for example, the slab on grade being left in order to comply with the state erosion requirements. 

Aegis Living had planned to break ground in May. Construction activity will still occur as previously conveyed and which is dependent on City of Seattle approvals which have pushed the start of major construction tentatively to February 1. 

We received a Phase 1 permit on 8/28/20 which allows us to begin construction up to the ground floor, including street enhancements, public and private space, tie ins and utilities into the street, once we complete financing. 

The banks drive their financing and we do not have an exact date for that process to come to a conclusion, it is likely the first few months of 2021. 

We are currently working toward our Phase 2 permit which would allow for work on all of the exterior. There have been numerous delays in receiving permits due to City of Seattle rounds of review and due to the slowdowns from Covid 19. 

Aegis will continue to paint over any graffiti on an ongoing basis.

After demolition, the site appeared to be unmaintained for a number of months and began to be covered with graffiti and weeds.

The Laurelhurst Blog contacted Aegis, several months ago, and asked if covering could be put on the fence surrounding the property since construction will not start for many months to help cover and secure the property at such a well-travelled intersection and entry point into many neighborhoods.

The site also consistently has graffiti , which the City requires to be covered within 10 days. 

Aegis responded to the Laurelhurst Blog saying:

We are working with site maintenance team to improve the site’s appearance. 

We will be installing a blue mesh cover around the entire fence, as well as having the construction contractor work to better secure the fencing around the site. And we plan on continually maintaining the vegetation on site. 

Additionally, our team is working with development and our designers to create  new signage for the fencing, which will blend attractive imagery and Aegis marketing, will enhance the look of the site and will block any view of the interior.  It should be installed soon.   

In addition, the project manager and our service partner will make sure the site is cleared of trash, graffiti is covered, the fencing is standing and stays connected.  

Recently, a contractor painted the adjacent wall, which is not our property, to match the adjoining business and will keep it painted throughout the project. We will continue to follow the city ordinances to manage any graffiti, with assistance from our maintenance contractor. 

Our project manager will do regular site visits to ensure site security and maintenance. 

The City of Seattle told the Laurelhurst Blog about the site:

The City provides regulations and standards for Safeguards During Construction under the Seattle Building Code and for Protection of Adjoining Properties under the Seattle Residential Code. As inspectors are on site to monitor permit conditions, they also look for safety concerns. Once the building is demolished, we require erosion control measures such as silt fences and drain covers. 

Code compliance staff also take complaints about violations at private properties. In addition to stabilizing slopes and retaining walls on construction sites, the owner must also keep it free of debris and trash should be stored in an orderly fashion. Potential fall hazards must be secured with fencing or guardrails. If utility connections are installed, they must be secured from unauthorized access. 

The same vegetation requirements apply to all private properties; owners are responsible for ensuring nothing grows into streets or sidewalks that might impact the path of travel. Private properties are required to maintain the same standards on vegetation during construction. To file a complaint regarding vegetation overgrowth, please file it online here or via phone at 615-0808. 

Any observed graffiti should be directed to the Graffiti hotline managed by SPU. They will follow up with the property owner to have it removed. 

To file a complaint about dumping or trespassing at an inactive construction site, call 206-615-0808 or go here.  The State Department of Labor & Industry monitors active construction sites for workplace safety.

The City recently sent an Inspector to the site regarding the issue of vegetation along the sidewalk who followed up with this information to the Laurelhurst Blog:

Vegetation along the sidewalk is an element we enforce through the complaint process. Based on your inquiry, we had an inspector drive by and evaluate the conditions of the vegetation. We will create a complaint about the vegetation and follow up with the owner to have them cut back along the sidewalk.

The "Aegis Laurelhurst" website says:

Offering 111 stylishly designed assisted living apartments for seniors and 24 memory care apartments for your family member needing specially trained dementia care. Aegis at Laurelhurst is designed to be the center of social activities. With a large plaza at the main entry, families can play, connect, and relax. Don’t miss the top floor sky lounge with views of the UW campus, Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline.

Another retirement home, Empress Senior Living (4020 NE 55th Street), is currently under construction, on the former Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital site, across from Metropolitan Market. The proposal, Permit #3025827, includes 3 stories of approximately 74 units with a restaurant at street level and parking for approximately 30 vehicles above and below grade.

Comment Now On Talaris Re-Development

The deadline for public comment for the Talaris Redevelopment Scoping /EIS is on Thursday at 4:45pm. 

Send your comments to prc@seattle.gov and include project #3030811-LU and your address in the comment letter for future notices.

LCC recently published this information:

Talaris Redevelopment Scoping /EIS Up Next 

In March 2020, permit application #3030811-LU was posted for public comment ,and many of you and other interested members of the public submitted over 70 comment letters to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection (SDCI). 

As part of examining the appropriateness and viability of this proposal, the SDCI has issued a Determination of Significance. This requires a SEPA review – an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 

The applicant is required to prepare a thorough analysis of three options:

1. Leave property as is. No development.
2. The proposed plan with the 67 parcels: 62 single-family homes, seven tracts, two historic buildings demolished, altering the landscape, restoring the wetland, and changing the use of several buildings.
3. A third plan that includes at least one meaningful preservation option that retains the seven buildings and much of the landscape, which would have significantly fewer adverse impacts on the site

Scoping determines what will be included in the EIS. Examples might include:

• the preservation impacts on the buildings and landscaping
• transportation impacts (how many more trips will be generated) and lack of Metro transit, the nearby intersection capacities
• the soils and critical slope regarding potential slides and erosion,
• construction impact, including habitat disturbances and displacement, tree canopy reduction
• nearby public school capacity,
• changing uses that may not be compatible with surrounding homes. 

Note that this site has underlying zoning of single-family homes on a  5,000 foot lot or use as an Institute for Advance Studies (as it is today).

In May, LCC published this information in their newsletter:
:

Talaris Redevelopment Still in Play 

The Talaris property is once again under review of the Seattle Department of Constructions & Inspections (SDCI) under project #3030811-LU. This proposal is for 67 new single-family homes and seven separate land tracts; however, now the applicant is the Pistol Creek group from Bellevue, not Quadrant Homes. 

Many neighbors sent in comments about the project, which has not yet been approved by the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board (SLPB) nor SDCI. LCC and its consultants have expressed concern to the City about the process of submitting a project for Master Use Plan permitting approval without the prior approval of the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board. SDCI reviews cover many aspects to determine impacts on zoning, transportation, wetlands, drainage, steep slope erosion, biological/wildlife, cultural resources, landmark status, and more. Major projects with such proposed drastic site changes trigger a SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) review and, most often, an EIS (Environmental Impact Study). These tools systematically identify the impacts and require alternatives and mitigation options to be included as prescribed by local, state and federal regulations. 

LCC and other entities have expressed concerns to the City about the recent process being “out of order,” arguing that SLPB should have vetted the plans before they were submitted to the SDCI, Notable historic preservation organizations, including LCC’s preservation consultant, delineated the conflict the proposed intense development had with the Department of Interiors’ National Standards for Historic Preservation, which the City of Seattle has adopted. It would be a more efficient use of City resources to have the plans approved or altered by SLPB and then proceed through the complex SDCI permitting process.  

SLPB has not yet set a date to evaluate Pistol Creek’s plans. In the meantime, SDCI is allowing the developer to push the plans along in their system under the pretense of its SLPB approval. This could just be an attempt to establish a false valuation for the owner for a project that may never achieve approval. 

LCC, the Seattle Audubon, and many tree advocate professionals also submitted comments objecting to the proposed drastic plans to remove 271 of the 455 healthy trees on the site in order to construct 67 new home sites. Of most concern the plan removes 289 trees that are “exceptional” or part of an exceptional grove. According to the developer’s arborist report, only 79 of the exceptional trees would be retained (27 percent). Unlike rebuilding a demolished structure, mature and exceptional trees take 40+ years to replace their functions, including cleansing pollutants from the air, preventing soil erosion, and providing appropriate habitat for urban wildlife. 

The severe tree removal would also cause an increase in land temperatures due to lack of shading as recently evidenced in Seward Park. The City of Seattle has stated its explicit goal to increase its tree canopy to 30 percent. Allowing such massive tree removal on a landmarked landscape is cannot be mitigated and would change the ecosystem of the entire neighborhood, as well as undermine the City’s tree canopy and Climate Change goals. Since the project is not approved yet by the City, there is a always a possibility of an alternative site plan that would be compatible with the landmark preservation national standards. 

The owner is entitled to a reasonable return on investment, and any plan will have to meet that criteria as well. LCC continues to work cooperatively on any viable option, from any entity. Please contact us (with your millions) to discuss a connection to the owner.

LCC told the Laurelhurst Blog that Bruce McCaw's company, Pistol Creek, managed by Greg Vik, the President, is using the original Quadrant team of consultants to move the project forward.

LCC added:

The Pistol Creek people are not developers who build these suburban type home subdivisions. Thus, it would appear that Pistol Creek, is going through the City of Seattle's SDCI process to achieve approval for its plans. If that would occur, then it likely  (not certain)  it would be re-sold to another home builder/development operator. 

It is not known if, and who,  that entity would be, but the entitlement approvals from the City of Seattle would allow the property to be flipped again. 

The important issue is that moving these plans through the SDCI system without FIRST being approved by the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board, is "out of order". and creating a false economic value for something that may never be able to be compatible with its landmark status.  It is utilizing taxpayers' scarce resources at SDCI on something that may never be approved. The City would be more efficient to require and receive the SLPB approval, then submit an acceptable plan to SDCI for any approval and issuing a MUP (Master Use Plan).

A neighbor recently contacted the Landmarks Preservation Board about how the  landmarked buildings can be demolished, saying "I thought that’s why there are landmarked so that they are preserved. I understand the change of use on 5 of them but how can they be demolished? Please explain. This does not seem proper. "

The Land Use Planning Supervisor responded to the neighbor saying:

Yes, there is landmark protection on the site. The applicant has applied for a Certificate of Approval from the Landmarks Board (administered by the Department of Neighborhoods - DON) to demolish some of the structures as part of their bigger project.  Evidently, the Certificate of Approval can be approved for demolition in certain circumstances but DON would need to provide any further information about that.  

SDCI is reviewing the development proposal and is generally not allowed to issue a demolition permit for a landmarked structure unless the Certificate of Approval is granted.  This is a complex project with many regulatory issues for the applicant to resolve.  

As part of the review by SDCI, we ask for comments about anticipated impacts of the proposal.  You can also comment on whether the proposal meets the criteria of approval for the decisions that need to be made by SDCI.  If an appeal of an SDCI decision is received, the final decision, along with the decision on the actual full subdivision, will be made by the City Hearing Examiner.  Quite a bit of review still needs to be completed prior to any decisions being made.

The property was designated with landmark status in November 2013, which dictates that specific controls define certain features of the landmark to be preserved and a Certificate of Approval process is needed for changes to those features. Some incentives and controls included in the City's ruling are zoning variances, building code exceptions, and financial incentives, which are protected, as stated on the City's Landmark and Designation website.

The site, built in 1967, was originally owned by Battelle Memorial Institute. In 1997 Era Care Communities purchased the property for $6,125,000 and it was developed into Talaris Institute which focused on infant and early learning research of the brain. In 2000, Bruce Mc Caw under the name 4000 Property LLC of Bellevue, purchased the property for $15,630,000. The county has assessed the property at $14 million and sold in 2000 for $15.6 million.

The property, when sold several decades ago, included an underlying Settlement Agreement in which Battelle Neighbors and the Laurelhurst Community Club (LCC) are partnered together with the land owners of the parcel. The Settlement Agreement specifically states that major institutions can't operate within this property (no hospitals, colleges, etc). And the Settlement Agreement has specific restrictions attached which specifies the use of the property to protect the quality of life in the adjacent neighborhood.

For decades, neighbors were free to stroll the grounds, until 2013, when Talaris suddenly put up "No Trespassing" signs and installed a four feet chain link fencing in 2013, as well putting up a main driveway barricade, fence on northwest side and a surveillance camera. 

Neighbors were no longer allowed to use the large grassy meadow area where generations of kids practiced soccer and the past few years the grounds facing NE 41st Street are often neglected and grass not consistently mowed. 

The Laurelhurst Community Club, has been involved with the site for over 30 years, working to ensure the property is well integrated with the neighborhood by closely monitoring proposed development. LCC has also worked with current owners in lobbying for better property maintenance. 

The Laurelhurst Blog has posted about the owners of Talaris violating the landmarks agreement with the City, by installing a chain link fence last month at the 7.8 acre Talaris campus (4000 NE 41st Street).

Shortly after, the Landmarks Preservation Board listed on their meeting agenda for Talaris: "proposed perimeter fencing- retroactive."

The Laurelhurst Blog contacted the Landmarks Preservation coordinator about this agenda item and they said:

The owner’s representative attended the meeting on December 13. They were asked by Board members to look at a more comprehensive security plan for the campus, in addition to, or in lieu of the new 6’ fence. 

To be responsive to this request, the owner requested to table the item, so it was not considered by the Landmarks Board at their meeting on December 18th. 

When work is done without approval we assess the situation and attempt to remedy the issue. In this case, we’ve asked the applicant to seek approval, so they have started that process.  

The code does not address numbers of retroactive applications.  I cannot speculate on the property owner’s motivations.  

We are enforcing the code by requiring the property owner to acquire a Certificate of Approval from the Landmarks Board.  Had the owner not started the application process they would have received a Notice of Violation from Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.

Neighbors are wondering why there needs to be two fences. One neighbor said "Talaris acts like neighbors are criminals and had to install two fences around the property in addition to the already existing fence. We have never seen such a thing." 

On September 2nd, Talaris attended the Landmarks Preservation Board meeting and the agenda item said: "Proposed perimeter fencing; retroactive" with these Application materials/presentation package.

In 2018, Talaris removed a large oak tree with proper approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board and asked for retroactive Certificate of Approval from the City, violating the Landmarks agreement.

And in April 2016, Talaris again cut down trees without proper approval from the City Landmarks Board and after the trees were cut down, then requested a retroactive Certificate of Approval from the City.

And again, in November 2013, Talaris also cut down another tree with approval from the Landmarks Board and then suddenly got a retroactive certificate in place after the trees were cut down.  

The once beautiful campus is now covered in overgrown weeds, enormous blackberry bushes, trees fallen across once were roads around the campus, most of the buildings in disrepair, the beautiful pond is filled with brown water and the grass on the entire campus is overgrown and very tall.  


Recently, Historic Seattle published this information on their website:

Opportunity for Public Engagement for Landmarked Battelle/Talaris Site Over the years, we've shared news and updates on plans for the Battelle/Talaris property in Laurelhurst. This 18-acre modernist Seattle Landmark comprises of a significant designed landscape (Rich Haag & Associates) and multiple buildings (NBBJ Architects) that were originally built for Battelle Research. In more recent times, Talaris Conference Center operated from the campus. The buildings and site have been vacant since late 2019. Historic Seattle worked closely with the Friends of Battelle/Talaris to successfully nominate the property as a Landmark back in 2013. The Laurelhurst Community Club has been instrumental in advocating for the property's protection for decades. Various redevelopment plans have been proposed to the Landmarks Preservation Board, but none have moved forward. Historic Seattle has been communicating with ownership to discuss a pro-preservation alternative for the property. A current land use application for the property has triggered the environmental review process. In response to the application, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has issued a SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) Determination of Significance for the proposed project and is seeking comments on the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This is an opportunity for the public to comment on what the EIS should cover. SDCI has identified historic preservation as an important area of significant adverse impact. We agree. The proposal calls for the subdivision of the site into "67 parcels and 7 tracts of land, construction of 62 houses and change of use of five existing landmark structures to 3 single family residences, 29,000 sq. ft. of office and 3,200 sq. ft. of restaurant on a landmarked site (Battelle Research/Talaris Conference Center). Project includes demolition of 2 structures and a shed, alteration of landscape features, and restoration of a wetland all on a landmarked site." Historic Seattle will be submitting comments and encourages you to do so as well. The message to convey to SDCI is that the buildings, landscape, and entire site are significant. The proposed land use action will destroy much of the landscape and two buildings. The EIS must include at least one meaningful preservation alternative or option that would have significantly less adverse impact on the site. Historic Seattle is inquiring whether this deadline can be extended.    Details on the proposed land use action, EIS scoping, and public meeting may be found in this notice issued by SDCI.

Aegis Construction Update Going In At Five Corners

Jennifer, Director of Marketing, with Aegis Living Assisted Living facility, recently provided another update on the upcoming demolition and construction of the facility which will include 135 units in a six story building (55-70 feet) with 53 parking stalls and 2500 square feet of retail on the first floor which would house a salon and cafe, according to the design proposal submitted in July 2016.

The assemblage of parcels includes 3200 and 3232 NE 45th Street and 3215 NE 45th Place. There are two buildings, but three parcels. The 30’ city right of way between the curb and the property line will be landscape and enhanced for public use, including the little pedestrian bulb at the intersections of 45th and 45th. This Aegis Senior Community will be designed to either the City’s Living Building Challenge or Mandatory Housing Affordability standards.

Businesses that had to move out are: Baskin-Robbins, Diane’s Alterations, Lakeview Vision Clinic, Edward Jones, Farmers Insurance, Uncle Lee's (China Village), University Tutoring, Felipa’s Consignment and Rules Salon.

The billboard was removed in January.

Jennifer told the Laurelhurst Blog that demolition of the buildings above grade is proceeding this month.  The rest of the updates she previously provided remain the same - overall building construction still remains on hold and a re-evaluation of  the project start date sometime in late summer/early fall.  Currently the estimated opening date is Winter 2022.

The demolition of the five buildings will take about one month.  Recently a salvage/recyclable truck has been at the site removing items in each buildings, removing items to be diverted from landfills with separate waste streams by the demolition contractor.

The demo permits are: 3200 NE 45^th Street – #6645902, 3232 NE 45^th Street – #6645903 and 3215 NE 45^th Place – #6645904.  Jennifer said that all Tenants have vacated their spaces.  Demolition trucks and equipment will stage on private property and traffic disruptions should be minimal.

Last month, the landmark Benton clock was removed that stood in front of Benton Jewelers since 1986 which then became Edward Jones (3615 NE 45th Street) next to the location where China Village used to be, was recently taken down and put into storage. The cost to move and store the clock is $30,000.   

Jennifer told the Laurelhurst Blog:

The clock was removed over 3 days in late May by a professional clock restoration service, Tick Tock Tony.  The clock was not currently in working condition, although the good news is it has all of its parts.  The clock will be restored to working order and retrofitted with LED backlighting (it was not working when it was taken down), stored for the duration of construction, and replaced in a prominent position visible to the 5 corners intersection upon building opening, when building construction is complete.  

The new location will be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Board. Options include placing it on the corner of Ne Street and NE 45th Place, or in the large new courtyard which will face NE 45th Street. 

The street clock, associated with Benton Jeweler’s, originally stood at the first jeweler's locations on University Way from 1911 to 1986. It was then moved to its current location when Benton moved to that new location. Benton’s Jeweler’s closed in 2008 just short of their 100th anniversary. 

Aegis bought the clock from the Benton family. The clock is one of only nine street clocks left in the City of Seattle, and all are designated as City landmarks. At one time Seattle had over 50 such clocks.  

Prior to removing the clock, Aegis received approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board.  The clock was transported and will be stored by Artech, which is licensed and bonded to transport and store large art pieces and specialty objects.
Aegis also told the Laurelhurst Blog:

As part of the new building project, a community green space will be constructed along NE 45th Street. The existing street trees were unfortunately planted too close to the travel lanes, and they are of a variety that spreads horizontally causing conflicts with passing vehicles, thus those trees will need to be removed.  

The tree limbs of this particular species tend to grow “out” rather than “up.” Further, SDOT arborist noted that this particular species has not thrived along this corridor. New maple trees (approved by SDOT) will be installed in a larger landscape area placed further from the travel lane. The variety of maple will blend with the existing character but be a better fit for the local environment. We are also providing a larger planter area and will place the trees further from the curb. 

No lane obstructions are anticipated during demolition, however there will be some disconnects of existing utilities and installation of new upgraded utility infrastructure for the project and area that will occur in the right of way and are being scheduled around heavy traffic times and in some cases overnight. Flaggers will be present during construction phases that require lane obstruction. This will be intermittent throughout construction. 

The Laurelhurst Community Club (LCC) recently published this information in their newsletter:

Aegis Senior Living Project Ready to Go 

On December 26, 2019, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections issued a permit for demolition of the old “Baskin Robbins” triangular site at the five-corners intersection. Existing businesses were closed in 2019, and the old billboard was removed January 24. 

LCC supports the new facility as it will be close to neighborhood families as their physical and mental needs change over time. The facility will be six stories with 136 rooms and 63 underground parking spaces. 

Project construction and transportation circulation will be difficult in such a high-traffic intersection. When completed, the facility is estimated to generate 230 additional daily vehicle trips through this already busy area. The City allowed less setback than normal at the base of the 72-foot structure, which will obscure visibility for cars entering the five-way intersection. 

Because of erosion and drainage issues posed by the property’s steep slope, the City is requiring on-site structural engineer observations to ensure slope protection and structural integrity.The owners are required to pay into the MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability) fund at a rate of $14.46 a square foot, which will used to build affordable housing units elsewhere.  

The Design Review process recommended, and the developers have included, a lounge view of the Burke Gilman Trail for residents and that open space frontage along NE 45th St. be an outdoor plaza for residents and families.With the recent removal of the billboard and permit in hand, site construction appears imminent.

 Another retirement home, Empress Senior Living, has broken ground across at 4020 NE 55th Street, where the Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital was currently located and since been demolished, across the street from Metropolitan Market. The proposal, Permit #3025827, includes 3 stories of approximately 74 units with a restaurant at street level and parking for approximately 30 vehicles above and below grade.

Benton Clock being removed