23rd & Union Project: Rezone Approved

By scott
(2 votes) (report abuse)

It's been a long time coming.  Today the full city council approved the rezone of the vacant property at 23rd & Union from a maximum height of 40 feet up to 65 feet.   This was the final step in the process and means that Jim Mueller's six story building on that property can proceed to construction.

The full vote was 7-0 (Drago & Conlin were out today).   The most notable comments were made by Councilmember Rasmussen who had declined to vote when the measure came up in committee a few weeks ago.  Since then he has reviewed all of the written and oral comments and made note of the high level of community support for the rezone as justification for his vote, saying that the project "will be a trendsetter for this part of the neighborhood, so it's important that we get this part right."

According to our previous discussions with Mr. Mueller, approval of the rezone will allow them to proceed with routine building permits, and construction crews should start digging the basement parking garage once the weather dries out early next summer.

To see the whole history of the project, click here:  http://www.centraldistrictnews.com/stories?tag=23rd+Union

To see the video of the city council meeting, click below and forward the player to 26 minutes in:   http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=2020838

tags: 23rd & Union + add tags
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location: Central DistrictSeattle, Washington
posted on Mon, Sep 08, 2008 09:01 PM
last updated on Mon, Sep 08, 2008 09:04 PM
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Scott is an excellent editor bydarth September 09, 2008 (5 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
He takes out all opinions that he doesnt agree with. Whats next the thought police? Being so biased to your own opinion will surely grow this site into something fabulous like the state newspaper of Russia, what was it called Pravda? Keep up the good work!
RE: Scott is an excellent editor bydave September 09, 2008 (2 votes) (report abuse)
Oh c'mon -- Scott has done an excellent job of reporting on this project, including all of the various opinions.
RE: Scott is an excellent editor byElvis September 09, 2008 (1 votes) (report abuse)
the irony is that even your asinine opinion has a home here. the even greater irony is that you didn't state your opinion on the topic at hand.

cheese with your whine?
RE: Scott is an excellent editor byscott September 09, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse)
FYI - I deleted a comment that did nothing but attack/make-fun-of another member of the site. This isn't the slog, and we don't want it to be. Opposing opinions will never be deleted, and in this particular case I actually disagree with the member that was the subject of the deleted comment.

Here's why: unlike other comment sites on Internet, neighborhood blogs usually contain discussions amongst people that live right near each other. Therefore comments whose only purpose is to be nasty can make people feel like they're not welcome in the place they live. It's like if you walked out of your house and random people on the street started yelling "You suck!". That doesn't make for a nice neighborhood and it doesn't make for an engaging environment in a neighborhood blog.
23rd and union byjoanna September 09, 2008 (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Council member Rasmussen noted that it is important that the project honor the design as presented, especially in ensuring that the townhouses shown on 22nd Avenue continue to be included to honor the single family housing there, along with ensuring a high quality facade.

During the process and again yesterday Sally Clark obseved that this is not spot rezoning of the area but is only a project rezone.
23rd and Union bygood for us September 09, 2008 (3 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I strongly beleive that this project is a good step for our sometimes troubled neighborhood. I am an architect that has to compete with Mithun regularly, and it will be an honor for me to see one of there thoughtful projects in our area. They are A-list talent, and have a deep interest in their legacy here in Seattle. Also, knowing how hard it is to make a project of this type work even on a "good" (or easy) sight, which in my opinion this is not, I am glad that Mueller had the patience to see it through. This rezone, in my opinion, is not a "rolling over" to development, it is recognizing a good opportunity for healthy, quality growth. With all of that said, I do believe it is now up to us to be vigilant and hold the development team to its promises.
RE: 23rd and Union byElvis September 09, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse)
can i ask what you see as the flaws in the site? very interested in your view.
The saga moves forward byJohn September 09, 2008 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
It'll be good to see something happening on that site, for certain. I look forward to some street-level activity and presence that we haven't had for many years.
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