Proposed 300-foot Seattle tower bugs neighbors Building would be tallest in First Hill

A project to build a 300-foot highrise with up to 330 units at 802 Seneca St. would tower above nearby buildings in First Hill. A project to build a 300-foot highrise with up to 330 units at 802 Seneca St. would tower above nearby buildings in First Hill. Photo: Laconia Development Design Proposal Via City Of Seattle Photo: Laconia Development Design Proposal Via City Of Seattle Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Proposed 300-foot Seattle tower bugs neighbors 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

Donna James moved to First Hill six years ago and loves how the neighborhood is close to downtown, but still feels "neighborhoody." The high-rises aren't too high, the density isn't too dense and a five-acre park provides nice breathing room.

But James and other residents are worried things may change with a 300-foot apartment tower in the works. If approved, it would be the tallest building in First Hill, changing the area's skyline, and the first to hit the city's maximum height limit for the neighborhood.

"It will be enormous," said James, who lives in a 12th-floor condo unit nearby. "The scale of it I think is just too big for our neighborhood."

Calif.-based developer Lanconia Development had originally planned two buildings for the large site at 802 Seneca St. It had envisioned a 25-story highrise and a shorter 9-story building. That was in 2007.

Recession and pile of rubble

Then the recession hit and the site remained a pile of rubble for years. During that time, the city revised its codes and allowed buildings in First Hill to rise to 300 feet, up from a previous limit of 240 feet.

That prompted Lanconia to propose a taller tower of 31 residential floors and drop plans for the second building. The highrise would have up to 330 apartment units and parking for 285 cars.

A 32nd level is planned for rooftop amenities and mechanical use, making the building a total of 315 feet. Those features would be exempt from the city's height limit.

Many residents understand they live in a dense, walkable neighborhood that's expected to grow with people over the years. They also know taller buildings encourage needed development and create incentives for affordable housing and open space.

But many worry that 300 feet is just too tall. They're concerned about shadows and impact on adjacent Freeway Park. And they say the large number of parking spaces - via six levels of parking - is unnecessary and will bring more cars and traffic.

But James is quick to say the project does have some positives. There will be space for much-needed retail in First Hill. And anything is better than the the site's current vacant, rubbled lot. The project (pdf) is scheduled for a design review Wednesday.

Click on the photos for more details about the project.

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