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Gallery = Crap Shack?

By Matt Goyer August 27, 2008

Jason is a co-worker of mine. He’s a rather quiet unassuming guy and one day I stumbled upon his blog and was surprised, though I shouldn’t have been, to discover he’s not just a pretty good photographer but also someone with a serious passion for real estate and architecture.

The other Friday he blogged about Gallery in a post titled 2nd ave crap shack [architecture friday]:

I know it’s not done yet. I know. That makes it worse. The architects have had a chance to see boring condo buildings just like this one all over town for years and years, and yet they make another one. It’s like they’re just in it for the money or something.

He asks some other good questions. Good check out his post.

Bonus tidbit: BoConcept 25-40% clearance sale ends August 31st.

I own and manage Urban Living, a boutique Seattle and Bellevue real estate brokerage. I love lofts, floating homes, new construction, and mid-century moderns, but I will help you buy or sell just about anything!

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14 responses to “Gallery = Crap Shack?”

Mike says:

August 28, 2008 at 3:17 am

Mithun is the architectural firm behind Gallery. I don’t think it’s that bad really. The 7th floor terrace is pretty sweet.

The amazing thing is though, that Mithun also designed Mosler Lofts, which seemingly everyone loves. I know I do. At least at Gallery had some units I could potentially afford, though of course they had no view and were only 600 sqft.
Mike says:

August 27, 2008 at 7:17 pm

Mithun is the architectural firm behind Gallery. I don’t think it’s that bad really. The 7th floor terrace is pretty sweet.

The amazing thing is though, that Mithun also designed Mosler Lofts, which seemingly everyone loves. I know I do. At least at Gallery had some units I could potentially afford, though of course they had no view and were only 600 sqft.
brian says:

August 28, 2008 at 2:31 pm

blaming architects is too simple. you have to blame the real estate machine. start with the developers and then dole out smaller slices of blame pie thereafter.

very rarely is multi-family housing ever going to turn into a signature project for an architect. some are better than others and it’s pretty well based on the developer’s pocket$. exception would be calatrava’s spire in chicago, for example.
brian says:

August 28, 2008 at 6:31 am

blaming architects is too simple. you have to blame the real estate machine. start with the developers and then dole out smaller slices of blame pie thereafter.

very rarely is multi-family housing ever going to turn into a signature project for an architect. some are better than others and it’s pretty well based on the developer’s pocket$. exception would be calatrava’s spire in chicago, for example.
sdata says:

August 29, 2008 at 6:44 pm

This building reminds me of Mosler, so I’m not suprised there’s a connection. I just don’t understand why this building gets such bad reviews when you have places like Lumen and Moda to pick on.
sdata says:

August 29, 2008 at 10:44 am

This building reminds me of Mosler, so I’m not suprised there’s a connection. I just don’t understand why this building gets such bad reviews when you have places like Lumen and Moda to pick on.
mark w says:

August 29, 2008 at 10:11 pm

OK, admitting my bias up front (a Gallery buyer), I’m really liking how the building is shaping up.

Mithun’s design of Mosler is what made me think Gallery would turn out well – and I definitely see the family resemblance. (Now, fingers crossed, it’ll be ready before Xmas).
mark w says:

August 29, 2008 at 2:11 pm

OK, admitting my bias up front (a Gallery buyer), I’m really liking how the building is shaping up.

Mithun’s design of Mosler is what made me think Gallery would turn out well – and I definitely see the family resemblance. (Now, fingers crossed, it’ll be ready before Xmas).
Chris says:

September 2, 2008 at 5:01 pm

I think this building looks great – the proportions are a bit odd – large floorplates to 13 stories or whatever, but that’s a product of the zoning code.. On the positive side, Schnitzer put serious money into the building skin, tried to minimize the sense that the building is almost an entire block long by breaking up the facade, and created some nice setbacks, especially along Broad, that will improve the the public domain.

Relative to real losers like the Parc, Trio, Moda, etc. ….this one’s a beauty.

Let’s have a post about Trio – the building that hugs Denny so as to squeeze out every last sellable square foot, placing a window within five feet of a street light, overhanging the sidewalk, and metal siding everywhere….blehhh.
Chris says:

September 2, 2008 at 9:01 am

I think this building looks great – the proportions are a bit odd – large floorplates to 13 stories or whatever, but that’s a product of the zoning code.. On the positive side, Schnitzer put serious money into the building skin, tried to minimize the sense that the building is almost an entire block long by breaking up the facade, and created some nice setbacks, especially along Broad, that will improve the the public domain.

Relative to real losers like the Parc, Trio, Moda, etc. ….this one’s a beauty.

Let’s have a post about Trio – the building that hugs Denny so as to squeeze out every last sellable square foot, placing a window within five feet of a street light, overhanging the sidewalk, and metal siding everywhere….blehhh.
Regan says:

September 4, 2008 at 6:18 am

I’m a Gallery homeowner & I recently did my first walkthrough. I’ve lived in a few new construction condos & a townhome & have done my share of walk throughs. I have to say this was my most pleasant & efficient one to date. Gallery contracted an outsde company to coordinate the process, including the punchlist & a web based warranty program I found quite easy to navigate. I also got a timeline of when I can expect each item to be completed, & the girls at the sales center have kept me up to date. I also thought the amenities & 7th floor terrace were quite outstanding & I like the architecture as well. It would have been more interesting had they kept it to 2 towers, but all in I’m quite happy with the project & finishes.
Regan says:

September 3, 2008 at 10:18 pm

I’m a Gallery homeowner & I recently did my first walkthrough. I’ve lived in a few new construction condos & a townhome & have done my share of walk throughs. I have to say this was my most pleasant & efficient one to date. Gallery contracted an outsde company to coordinate the process, including the punchlist & a web based warranty program I found quite easy to navigate. I also got a timeline of when I can expect each item to be completed, & the girls at the sales center have kept me up to date. I also thought the amenities & 7th floor terrace were quite outstanding & I like the architecture as well. It would have been more interesting had they kept it to 2 towers, but all in I’m quite happy with the project & finishes.
menace2200 says:

September 10, 2008 at 11:53 pm

Some of the finishes are disapointing such as the almond colored baseboard heaters with the simple little thermostat dials from the 1970’s? Who builds with baseboard heat anymore?
menace2200 says:

September 10, 2008 at 3:53 pm

Some of the finishes are disapointing such as the almond colored baseboard heaters with the simple little thermostat dials from the 1970’s? Who builds with baseboard heat anymore?

Gallery = Crap Shack?

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