The Madrona Company planning four-story residential building at MLK and Union

Developer The Madrona Company has set its sights on 1141 MLK Jr. Way, at the corner of Union Street. There’s long been an empty lot and a small, two-story building at the address; soon, the spot will hold four-story residential building.

According to a Land Use Information Bulletin, the plans by developer Marty Liebowitz include a proposed “4-story structure containing 50 residential units and 7,500 sq. ft. of commercial space. Parking for 25 vehicles to be provided in below grade parking garage. Existing 2-story structure to be demolished.”

Back in 2008, The Stranger gave Liebowitz the title of “coolest developer in Seattle,” for his ideas to add cheap music practice spaces for “the rock-and-roll kids” who make only 10 to 20 thousand dollars a year. It’s unclear whether that vision is still a part of the design, though, as the building’s plans have undergone changes since the post. The Madrona Company also built the Central District’s Yesler Mews and Madrona’s Bowling Green building.

The public has the opportunity to learn more at an Early Design Guidance Meeting:

February 26 at 8 PM
Seattle University
1000 E James St
Student Center – Multi-Purpose Room #210

You can also comment before the meeting in writing “to assist in the preparation of the early design guidance through February 26, 2014. You are invited to offer comments regarding important site planning and design issues, which you believe, should be addressed in the design for this project.” Email [email protected] or write to:

City of Seattle – DPD – PRC
700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000
PO Box 34019
Seattle, WA  98124-4019

For more information, check out the Notice of Design Review online.

6 thoughts on “The Madrona Company planning four-story residential building at MLK and Union

  1. The article from The Stranger is dated June 4, 2008 – nearly 5-1/2 years ago, not last summer.

  2. 50% unit/parking ratio. In reality with rents or condo costs as they are, it’ll probably be closer to 1.0 to 1.5 cars per unit. Where will those extra cars go? Crowding the surrounding neighborhood, of course. Or getting towed from Grocery Outlet.

    • Perhaps some of the people living there will not have cars because they live on two bus lines and a three block walk in either direction from three more? I think it’s a little early to start a parking panic.

  3. So how long until this building goes up for consideration as a historic landmark? Wouldn’t want all of those gentrifiers living in those units…