At last, a change from all the cookie-cutter townhouses I’ve been seeing lately.
This four-unit live/work building went for the super-trendy Dwell look, with dark cabinetry, bamboo floors, glass tile, spa-worthy fixtures, and industrial styling. While the luxe finishes are lovely, I have my doubts about some of the other design choices.
First, there’s no half bath on the middle floor, where the kitchen and living are. Second, they chose to lay a pebble finish on the master bath floor. Looks great, but when I took my shoes off and walked across, I found the unevenness uncomfortable.
Furthermore, the laundry hook-ups are in the master closet; installing them is going to cut your hanging space dramatically. Finally, there’s no fireplace and only one narrow wall of windows for the units that don’t face the street.
Despite all that, I could see these places getting snatched up fast. They’re different and, being in a commercial zone, will appeal to people who need that designation for their home-based business. The developers planned the first floor for just that scenario. The bottom level of all the units is an open space with nearly 9-foot ceilings and separate entrance. The trade-off is that, unlike the cookie cutters, this design eliminates the garage space; you park your car in an uncovered space at the front of the parcel.
STATS:
Neighborhood: Ballard
Asking: $399,950
Address: 1504 NW 52nd St., Seattle, WA 98107
Living square footage: 1296 (KCR). Lot size: 715 sq. ft. (KCR)
Bedrooms: 1 Baths: 1.5
Last sale price: new construction
MLS#: 27026037
Click here for detailed listing.
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