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When you take breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and match that with easy access to Seattle’s world-class cuisine, exciting nightlife and rich culture, you get a unique urban lifestyle you just can’t replicate outside of the city. Seattle brings anew level of this urban experience with new high-rise living options across its many diverse downtown neighborhoods.
 

 
For those looking to call downtown home, now is the perfect time to buy a high-rise condo in Seattle. Interest rates remain at historical lows and high-end inventory is fast coming online, infusing the market with rare opportunities to own luxury residences in the Emerald City. Indeed, real estate moves fast here, with half of all homes listed receiving an offer in just nine days, so the time to act is now.
From sprawling penthouses to exciting new luxury towers, here are 10 of the most beautiful downtown Seattle condos that sold last year in downtown Seattle.

 

10. MARKETPLACE TOWER, 2033 1st Ave APT 3, Seattle, WA 98121
 
Sold at more than $9 million, this four bedroom, four-point-one bath property is one of seven condos in the Market Place Tower. With over 4,500 square feet of living space over two levels, this four-bedroom, five-bath home is positioned at the epicenter of it all, offering views of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, as well as a 300-square-foot landscaped patio. This penthouse comes with private lobby access and a 24-hour live-in concierge.

 

9. LOEWS HOTEL CONDO, 1000 1st Ave UNIT 2400, Seattle, WA 98104
 
Sold for nearly $5 million in November of 2019, this 1st Avenue penthouse sits atop the Loews Hotel 1000, a beautiful staple of the Seattle skyline. With all the services and amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel, this abode stretches over three thousand square feet with two bedrooms and two-and-a-quarter bathrooms. With views of Puget Sound and Downtown Seattle from the open living spaces, four view decks bring you even closer to Seattle’s sights and sounds. Additionally, the hotel’s concierge, room service, valet parking, housekeeping and other services are all at your disposal.

 

8. FOUR SEASONS CONDO, 99 Union St UNIT 1201, Seattle, WA 98101
 
Sold at exactly $4 million in January of this year, this 2,000-square-foot, two-bedroom and three-bath Four Seasons condo was a resale opportunity offering stone and wood finishes — and beautiful waterfront views. With the full support of the Four Seasons staff, this luxury Seattle condo comes with a 24-hour concierge, valet, security, room service, fitness center, housekeeping and an outdoor pool and spa.

 

7. MILLENNIUM TOWER, 715 2nd Ave APT 1804, Seattle, WA 98104
 
Listed in November, this unit was sold in December of 2019. Featured in Architectural Digest, this $2.9 million “Transparent Loft” sits as a testament to modern and minimalist luxury. Designed by architect Jim Olson, FAIA of Olson Kundig, this elemental and unpretentious condo features a mix of gorgeous materials, including terrazzo countertops, milestone floors and a glass-enclosed kitchen and master bath. Additionally, Italian Pedini cabinets and a Mcintosh entertainment system bring a dash of culture and elegance. Outside, a terrace equipped with an infrared grill provides seating for 10.

 

6. ESCALA, 1920 4th Ave APT 3102, Seattle, WA 98101
 
Sold in downtown Seattle, this spectacular top floor penthouse will run you a cool $9.9 million for three bedrooms and four baths in 4,522 square feet. A rare offering built in 2010, this penthouse has some of the best views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains in downtown Seattle. With custom finishes and features, this unit comes with 5 parking spaces and an unmatched level of luxury. The amenities don’t stop short there, this location also includes a 24-hour concierge, private spa, lap pool, gym, yoga studio, theater, and a catering kitchen.

 

5. MILLENNIUM TOWER: 801 2nd Ave N APT 401, Seattle, WA 98109
 
Another condominium sold at Millennium Tower, this meticulously designed condo sold for just under $2.5 million for two bedrooms and four baths in 2,700 square feet. Situated in the heart of downtown, this entertainer’s delight features 10′ ceilings, wall-to-wall windows and a timeless, Pacific Northwest-inspired design comprised of wood, stone, steel and glass. Surrounded by both old and new architecture and just blocks from the water, this residence provides privacy, comfort and security – all just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

 

4. FIFTEEN TWENTY_ONE: 1521 2nd Ave APT 1100, Seattle, WA 98101
 
Listed at $2.45 million, this unit sold just under $2.3 million in February 2020. This two-bedroom, two-bath loft is on the northwest corner home at the FIFTEEN TWENTY-ONE building. Located just blocks from waterfront park, offers views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, and directly overlooks Pike Place Market. With a master bedroom spa, open floor plan and a gourmet kitchen, this residence boasts a glass solarium complete with fireplace for those chilly Pacific nights.

 

3. LUMA, 1321 Seneca St #1407, Seattle, WA 98101
 
Sold in December 2019, this $1.1 million loft offers easy access to several restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and more. Nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill, this unit also comes equipped with one parking space and a utility storage. With over 1100 square feet, this plan is perfect for entertaining with a spacious kitchen including stainless steel appliances, gas stove and marble countertops. Luma offers many amenities including 24 hour concierge service, dog run, and secure access parking.

 

2. INSIGNIA CONDOS: 588 Bell St APT 3603, Seattle, WA 98101
 
Sold in January of 2020 for just over $1.3 million, this corner loft provides views of Lake Union, downtown and Puget Sound. With two bedrooms and two baths, this property features an open floor plan with a large great room. The tranquil views from the unit also come with some impressive amenities like a roof top sky lounge and plenty of storage.

 

1. THE EMERALD: 121 Stewart Street APT 3605, Seattle, WA 98101
 
Sold last July for nearly $4 million The Emerald began selling properties unlike any other starting with this 1600 square foot unit. Featuring 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and an open floor plan where you can see picturesque views of the city from anywhere in the unit. Amenities here simply don’t fall short, The Emerald offers rooftop retreats and outdoor spaces that transform home into an experience. Utilize unmatched amenities such as the resident media room, catering kitchen, resident guest suite, fitness center, outdoor pet run and on demand luxury electric vehicle car share for the convenience of everyday living. As one of the newest and most impressive additions to the Seattle skyline, The Emerald is Seattle’s defining address. Situated at the coveted location on 2ndnd Avenue and Stewart Street, The Emerald is perfectly positioned in downtown Seattle with expansive views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the Space Needle, Mt. Rainier, and more.

 

With 4 tiers of luxury lofts available at The Emerald, you are sure to find an ideal home to suit your needs and wants. Starting with the City Collection on floors 4-16, offering styled and smart homes with refined finishes and open floor plans. Then the Panoramic Collection which occupies the middle and upper floors of the tower, floors 17-38, are filled with incredible views that look across the entire city. From Puget Sound to the islands, and mountain ranges beyond. The next exclusive set features the Penthouse Collection, floors 34-37, which are The Emerald’s most elevated and luxurious homes. The top floors of the building have been reserved for these spacious residences which offer the largest floor plans, upgraded finishes and appliances, as well as the most breathtaking and uninterrupted views of Seattle. Lastly, the Premier Penthouse Collection, boasts two exclusive units that offer the most spacious and dramatic views The Emerald has to offer. Both with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms at well over 3500 square feet, this collection is the picture of elegance and tranquility.

 

All just one block from Pike Place Market and the Seattle waterfront. You can own an iconic piece of Seattle’s skyline in a brand new, modern building that’s perfectly set for the future yet grounded in the here and now. At 40 stories, The Emerald towers over the surrounding buildings, giving you great views and vantage points of all downtown Seattle. The Emerald, unlike other properties, truly brings the concept of “downtown Seattle living” to life.

The market is still moving! With a fast-growing tech sector and new employment opportunities in the pipeline – plus tight inventory, Seattle tops the list of cities where real estate remains strong. The Wall Street Journal features our market with notable highlights. Click here to read the full story.
 

 
For more information on The Emerald, please visit https://theemeraldseattle.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @theemeraldseattle.

LUXURY CONDOS ARE WORTH CHECKING OUT
Through the rain and crisp ocean air, Seattle is a bright city full of creative energy and tech-savvy potential. Its housing market reflects much of the City’s personality with new and upcoming housing that brings modern, luxurious flare to life in Seattle. Few things can beat the lively culture of Downtown Seattle, and living in the middle of it has never been more comfortable.
 

If you’re curious about what makes Downtown Seattle luxury condos worth looking at, we’ve compiled our top reasons why Seattle is one of the best places to live.
 

 
 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Prime location is everything when it comes to truly luxurious condos. Many people crave the time they could save by living closer to where they work: if you shaved off 30 minutes commuting to work every day, that’s roughly 250 hours of time saved every year.
 
One of the best parts of having a downtown Seattle home is being able to easily commute to where you work, especially since many large companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Apple, and Nordstrom are all in the area. Downtown residents enjoy walking to work, cycling or hopping on the bus to get to the office instead of dealing with cars or traffic at all.
 
Another great aspect of a downtown Seattle location is simply being closer to the cultural heart of the city. Downtown is where the vast majority of festivals like “Seafair Torchligh Parade” and “PrideFest” happen, so the less you have to fight traffic to be part of the celebration, the easier it is to participate with friends and family. Being close to the action can help you weave your way into new social circles, whether you favor Belltown’s bars, restaurants, and music venues, paddleboarding around Lake Union, or appreciating art at one of the many different galleries in Pioneer Square and beyond.
 
Quality of life can also improve when you live close to the things you enjoy. Downtown Seattle features a wide array of great food, including celebrity chef restaurants and artisanal fare that you can only find in Seattle. Consider checking out The Pink Door for fresh Italian and Seafood in Pike Place and end your night out with a stop at The Nest at Thompson Hotel for rooftop cocktails and dessert. There’s also no shortage of Seattle’s famous coffeeshops where you can find great coffee and treats, including the original Starbuck’s or Storyville Coffee at Pike’s Place, while you enjoy conversation or some quiet time to recharge your battery. With vintage theaters like The Moore and The Showbox, as well as museums including the Seattle Museum of Modern Art, parks such as the famed Sculpture Art Museum on the waterfront and the lively Pike Place Market across the street from The Emerald, you’ll never be hurting for something fun and engaging to do.
 

 
 

TRULY LUXURIOUS LIVING
What sets luxury condominiums apart from your average living space? The view, for one. The Emerald’s condos are just two blocks from the waterfront and overlook the Puget Sound for a daily view of the shimmering bay and the Olympic Mountains beyond. The high rise residences at The Emerald feature stunning views of Downtown Seattle, Lake Union and the Space Needle, and that’s only half of it. On clear days, southern homes can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Rainier. Rather than always looking to go out for something new and interesting to see, you’ll be able to take in spectacular views from home and enjoy the quiet moments you spend at home.
 
The Emerald offers exclusive resident-only amenities that give all residents access to incredible views, open air and the sky beyond on a 40th floor rooftop deck and club lounge with multiple outdoor and indoor seating areas for al fresco dining, taking in the views over a fire pit – and most importantly – provide 360 degree views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Cascades Mountains and the Harbor. You’ll be able to enjoy our yoga studio, fitness center and open-air terrace, or kick back and relax in a fully equipped resident media room. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces at the Emerald are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, featuring a full-floor indoor/outdoor lounge on the 40th story, replete with outdoor firepits, grills, and al fresco dining.  

 
One thing you can often expect from Downtown Seattle luxury condos is modern, comfortable living. At The Emerald, each home is built to be a reflection of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, creating open spaces that celebrate the open sky and glittering water of the Puget Sound. Custom wood cabinetry with integrated lighting, quartz countertop and backsplashes, and stainless steel kitchen appliances are the kitchen norm in The Emerald’s condominium homes. You can also expect the bath suites to share similarly beautiful designs, featuring chrome fixtures and a white alcove bathtub. Living spaces have floor-to-ceiling windows and European White Oak hardwood flooring to truly make the space feel luxurious.
 
Ultimately, luxury condos have the technology and services in place to keep you, your family and your possessions safe. You can live every day with peace of mind when you are away from home thanks to the integration of smart security systems. The Emerald features Latch keyless entry systems for personal residences and facilities so access across the building is both secure and convenient. The Emerald also offers valet parking, exclusive dining and cocktail perks for residents only, and discounts on accommodation for their guests’ next stay through the Thompson Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel just next door. If you’ve ever been curious about luxury electric cars, The Emerald also includes two on-demand carshare vehicles – a Tesla Model X and Model S – through Envoy so you can enjoy a ride around town that’s both luxurious and supportive of clean energy.
 
 

LIFE IN A GREEN CITY
Being a part of Seattle means having nature at your doorstep. The city is full of beautifully manicured parks and surrounded by gorgeous natural reserves that you’ll be able to visit whenever it suits you. We have plenty of activities within walking distance, including a short ½ mile trek to the Olympic Sculpture Park or walking down to the soon-to-be reimagined Waterfront Park where the Alaskan Way Viaduct highway used to sit. The Emerald offers exclusive amenities like their Rooftop Lounge and outdoor spaces that provide 360 degree views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Cascades Mountains and the Harbor.
 
Soak in nature from the 40th floor rooftop of The Emerald without ever leaving your home or take a break from city life by exploring the outdoors to enjoy a day hike at any one of the region’s popular tourist destinations.
 

 
Bainbridge Island is just one ferry-ride away from Downtown Seattle and features Bloedel Reserve, a beautiful forest garden. There’s even more expansive state parks and outdoor recreational areas to enjoy there (not to mention the ocean life you can spot along the bay, which includes the occasional orca), and that’s only one of many famous destinations. Mt. Rainier National Park, Snoqualmie Falls and the whole of the Olympic Peninsula will be yours to explore.
 
In tandem with its natural landscape, Seattle is also known for its commitment to green practices, including recycling and care for the environment. There are lots of opportunities to get involved with the community, whether you’re creatively, politically or economically minded.
 
 

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DOWNTOWN SEATTLE LUXURY CONDOS
As the largest city in Washington, Seattle has a vast variety of housing options to choose from. If you’re interested in a building with modern, nature-inspired designs, inspiring views, high-rise rooftop amenities and prompt concierge service, The Emerald is well-suited to your tastes. You’ll be able to enjoy our yoga studio, fitness center and open-air terrace, or kick back and relax in a fully equipped resident media room. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces at the Emerald are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, featuring a full-floor indoor/outdoor lounge on the 40th story, replete with outdoor firepits, grills, and al fresco dining.
 
If you’d like to know more about luxury life at the Emerald, feel free to visit us online or contact us today.

With iconic imagery all around, and the best that modern cuisine and culture have to offer, downtown Seattle real estate has exploded in desirability in recent years.  This is due to its incredible summers, walkable size, strong tech presence and quickly appreciating property values. It’s also an iconic musical and arts city — its history heavily intertwined with seminal music trends, such as jazz between 1920 and 1950 and the grunge movement of the nineties — and is the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix, Brandi Carlile, Macklemore and the Foo Fighters, to name a few.
 
As the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is home to almost four million people, but only a select few live in the center of it all. While outlying suburbs allow for large homes on acreage for the most part, downtown Seattle lofts, if you manage to find one for sale, are unique and inspiring.  In addition, the market is starting to open up a bit after years of low inventory.  Prices are also moving, so it’s a good time to get into the market. The Emerald is the first high-rise to jump into this growing market full-force, as we have move-ins starting in July of 2020. But if you’re not yet convinced, here’s why downtown Seattle is where you should be looking to make your next big luxury loft purchase.
 

Attractions

Home to the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market and, more recently, the Seattle Great Wheel, which opened in 2012, Seattle has countless attractions to entice, inspire and titillate, complete with a breathtaking skyline that is always flanked by Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay and the Port of Seattle on Puget Sound. Lesser known Seattle staples such as the Seattle Center Monorail, Olympic Sculpture Park and the Central Public Library by architect Rem Koolhaas are all worthy destinations in their own right, and there’s always the Seattle Aquarium and the Washington State Ferries for when the water calls.  The development along the waterfront is also coming along, and this is going to bring the Bay back to the people, so to speak.  A new Seattle Aquarium is being built as part of this massive project, and there will be green space for families to enjoy.  That’s quite a step up from what used to be an area solely for vehicles.
 

 

Climate

We’re all familiar with the idea that it rains a lot in Seattle, but we’re not talking about something out of the ordinary. In fact, Seattle gets about 38 inches of rain per year, which is equal to the U.S. average, and less than New York City or Chicago. Furthermore, Seattle gets about 150 days of sun a year, so it’s not as if every day is a gloomy experience. Also, because the cool Pacific keeps the Emerald City temperate, a July high around 76 degrees Fahrenheit and a January low around 37 means you’ll spend most of the year in comfortable, cool weather, not burning up or freezing like you would in countless other major cities across the U.S. Seattle summers – for those who have the pleasure of experiencing them – are considered the best in the country; sun, cool air, no humidity – all framed by endless water (the Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington) and epic mountain ranges (Rainier to the south, Cascades to the east, Olympics to the west).   There’s really nothing like day after day of warm sun, when it’s not too hot and the views are truly spectacular as far as the eye can see.  Seattle residents and visitors make the most of this time of year because it’s a glorious time to be outside.
 

 

Professional Sports

Seattle is also a huge sports town, home to the championship Seattle Seahawks NFL team, where (super)fans are routinely called the 12th man — a reference to the NFL rule that allows only 11 members of each team on the field at any time. The Seattle Mariners, who play at T-Mobile Park, also call this city home. Even ice hockey is coming to Seattle for the 2021-22 NHL season. If that weren’t enough, there’s also the Seattle Sounders FC (MLS), Seattle Dragons (XFL), Seattle Storm (WNBA), Seattle Reign FC (NWSL) and the Seattle Seawolves (MLR) — enough to keep any sports fan engaged all year round.  You don’t even have to be a fan to know that a game is happening on a particular day.  You’ll see Sounders fans marching to the pitch, Seahawks fans reveling near the stadium in their jerseys and an entire community coming together to root for their team.  It’s as if the entire town becomes a giant tailgate party.
 

 

Industry and Big Tech

In 2010, Seattle’s gross metropolitan product was over $230 billion, making it the 11th largest metro economy in the U.S. Before moving their operations to Chicago, Boeing was, for many years, the largest company headquartered in Seattle. Today, behemoths such as Amazon, Starbucks and Nordstrom are run from Seattle. Other companies such as Costco, REI, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, T-Mobile US and Expedia are headquartered in nearby areas. Google and Facebook are also putting roots down here, and several other companies including Expedia are either already or soon to call the area home.  This has led to a constant pull of highly educated workers from elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally to become Seattleites, further bolstering the local economy and driving Seattle’s real estate.
 

Walkability / Connectivity

Unlike many sprawling metropolises that struggle to efficiently transport their populations on aging or expensive public transport systems, straining resources with an overreliance on cars and other inefficient forms of transportation, Seattle’s a big city that you can actually get around by walking. Indeed, most of Seattle’s streets are laid out in optimized grids that primarily run in cardinal directions, meaning that you’re never more than a few blocks from essential amenities, no matter where you are in the city proper. And because of the efficient road system, Seattle’s buses are actually effective, and the Link light rail system picks up the rest of the slack, improving traffic congestion and commute times for all.  The rail system investment was approved by voters in 2016, and it’s coming along nicely.  See here for updates, but it’s going to help with some of those walks downtown that can be hilly for some.  For others, electric assist bicycles are nearly ubiquitous and a less challenging form of transportation than walking up inclines.
 

Culture

Seattle’s long-standing cultural traditions are evident across the city and include the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet, and various chamber music festivals. There’s also the 5th Avenue Theater, the Paramount Theatre and the Romanesque Revival Town Hall, which hold numerous performances and cultural events. Furthermore, there’s the musical history of Jackson Street, which was home to dozens of jazz clubs that helped nurture the early careers of luminaries such as Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. And who can forget the whirlwind of grunge in the nineties that saw the ascendance of Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, among others, who would go on to export the “Seattle sound” worldwide.
 

Property Values

Since 2015, Seattle-area property values, which usually peak in the summer, have outpaced the national average. By about mid-2018, prices were 50 percent higher than June 2014, and today they sit somewhere between 40 and 50 percent. And while it’s true that Seattle home prices have fallen in 2019 compared to 2018, the same is true for San Francisco, San Diego and other desirable West Coast cities that have experienced large booms over the last decade. But most experts agree that recent growth was unsustainable, and the slight pullback this year is more of a market correction than an indictment of Seattle real estate. That said, this temporary depression in prices means it’s a great time to buy, especially on the higher end of the market.
 

The Emerald

While most downtown Seattle lofts for sale are few and far between, every once in a blue moon an opportunity to snatch up prime real estate in Seattle’s urban center presents itself. With The Emerald, that time is now. Boasting 40 stories of luxury condos and 262 signature residences on the coveted corner of Second and Stewart, The Emerald is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the iconic Seattle skyline. Complete with views of the Olympic Mountains, the iconic Space Needle and the famous Pike Place Market, these modern high-rise condos are sure to go quick. Call or click to schedule a tour of what many are calling the most desirable building in Seattle.

 

 
When shopping for luxury in any market, real estate included, there’s a world of difference between knowing the monetary value of something and truly understanding it, which helps explain why some will happily spend whatever’s needed for true luxury while others stand idly by. But real estate is unique in the world of luxury expenditures for the simple fact that it’s also the number one way to build wealth. What better way to do so than to own an iconic piece of the Seattle skyline in the form of a luxury condo.
 

For the most part, true luxury doesn’t have much to do with finishes, decor or the materials that make up a residence. Those can all be changed, and often are with each new owner. But while these elements can’t be entirely written off by an astute buyer, true value is qualified by things that can’t be changed — things like location, building architecture, light availability, views, and even things like square footage and ceiling height.
 

So how do you find the right luxury condo in Seattle for you while avoiding all the fluff and inventory that’s just going to waste your time?
 

LOCALS

While you’d most certainly never want to make a multi-million-dollar decision on the word of an acquaintance or business partner, a good first place to start on your quest for the perfect Seattle luxury condo is with people that actually live here. You may know them already through business relationships and various degrees of separation, but this bit of knowledge can help inform where you’d like to make your next investment, including what buildings have the best views, the most seamless amenities and that are located in the best areas on the best streets. That said, just because you’ve located the perfect building doesn’t mean you’ll luck out with availability or view.
 

 

 

 

A LOCAL REALTOR

Which brings us to your local realtor. With years of experience, local brokers also know the prime locations in the city. Just be sure to hire someone that works the top of the market and has their ear to the ground for any new developments and upcoming availability or you may still miss out. If you’re honest and forthcoming with exactly what you’re looking for and you don’t accept anything less than perfection, together, you should eventually be able to find something that fits your budget and need.
 

LISTING WEBSITES

In recent years, listing websites such as Zillow and Redfin are revolutionizing the buying and selling of homes by empowering both buyers and sellers with information that they never would have had years ago. It’s a great thing to be able to see all listings in a certain area for a certain price, and to interact directly with owners or their agents, but the sticker price and the photos rarely tell the whole story. A better photographer or agent can make a worse property seem more enticing than it actually is, which means it’s hard to trust those online profiles beyond informing your initial search. But if you don’t know the area or building, you could waste days or weeks of your valuable time on tours of luxury condos or buildings in downtown Seattle that you have no interest in. Furthermore, online clearinghouses don’t list everything, including new construction, so you may miss out on the best opportunities when you stick with an online search.
 

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

If you’re already a Seattle resident and work, live or play in the city, it’s easy to see new buildings go up in real-time. After a flurry of construction, it’s hard to miss these iconic constructions and their distinctive architectural statements. But in dense urban areas, large buildings don’t go up every day, or even every year, and that big construction project is just as likely to house workers and businesses as it is to provide luxury residences. Additionally, it’s hard to know when the right time to buy is. Some buildings only contain a few residences and go quickly. Others may have already sold the majority of homes during development, meaning that by the time the building’s done, the best prices and views have been spoken for. But like in every other part of life, timing is everything, and every once in a while, the stars will align and that desirable building will have a few homes left for you to quickly pounce on.
 

 

 

 

THE EMERALD

That once-in-a-lifetime availability of luxury condos in downtown Seattle is just what’s happening right now with The Emerald, a new development at the coveted Second and Stewart location, just blocks away from the waterfront and with gorgeous panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Off in the distance, there’s also the iconic Space Needle.
 

Combining the best of modern living with a striking architectural statement, The Emerald rises 40 stories into the Seattle sky — much higher than most older buildings — giving you unobstructed views and access to the best that downtown Seattle has to offer. With only 262 signature residences, you’ll enjoy exclusive rights to the building’s modern amenities, and when you leave, you’re in the heart of it all in a truly walkable neighborhood that will have you fall in love with Seattle over and over again.
 

The best part is that it’s not too late to snatch up your slice of luxury living in Seattle at The Emerald, which is fast becoming Seattle’s premier luxury residence. Unlike residences in older buildings that may have changed hands dozens of times over the years, The Emerald allows you to start fresh in a residence that is truly and only yours. Call or click to find out how you can reserve your spot in this desirable building today.

Like many cites on the West Coast, Seattle real estate has in recent years enjoyed a surge in its energetic downtown and urban center. But due to hills to the north and east, Elliott Bay to the west and tidal flats to the South, the available geographic area afforded to Seattle’s downtown is significantly smaller than most large metropolitan cities. For Seattleites, however, their city’s smaller footprint is actually a good thing, and it helps make Seattle one of Washington’s, and even America’s, most walkable large cities. Key to this is the design of Seattle’s roads, which mostly run in cardinal directions with a grid-like pattern, which reduces the distances between locations and optimizes traffic and public transportation — mostly buses — within city limits.

If you’re looking for luxury condos in downtown Seattle, this means that your search covers a relatively small geographic area, unlike New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. This can help make your search easier, but it’s a double-edged sword — fewer listings mean less opportunities to buy, and it’s not unheard of to wait years for the right piece of luxury real estate to surface in the city’s hottest areas. In addition to being the city’s finance and commercial hub, downtown Seattle is the epicenter of the region’s shopping, dining and nightlife, which is also connected to the Seattle Center, an active civic, arts and cultural gathering place to the northwest of the downtown center, by way of a charming monorail.

Belltown

As one of Seattle’s most densely populated neighborhoods, Belltown’s history as an industrial arts district rife with low-rent housing is even more impressive considering its more recent rebirth as a trendy neighborhood with plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries and, yes, luxury living in the form of numerous residential towers. Northwest of Pike Place Market and the rest of downtown, Belltown is quickly establishing itself as a premier destination for culture and living in the downtown Seattle area. But the best Belltown asset may be its walkability, which means you don’t have to bring the car around or worry about parking when you’re out and about.

First Hill

Traveling east from downtown Seattle will bring you upon First Hill, a neighborhood named for its literal position as the first hill adjacent to the downtown area. First rising in popularity in the late 19th century, First Hill was favored by wealthy Seattleites that appreciated its proximity to downtown but valued its distance from the bustling city. However, these were the days before modern-day high-rises, and one could hardly achieve the urban-solace balance that is so easily attained in one of Seattle’s many luxury towers. Physically and metaphorically separated from West downtown by the heavily trafficked Interstate 5, First Hill is similar but at the same time worlds away from the life of more centrally located living — but those looking for a slightly less urban lifestyle may want to consider setting up roots in First Hill.

Capitol Hill

Take a 15- minute walk down Pike or Pine and you’ll arrive in one of the most beautiful and fun areas of Seattle: Capitol Hill. If you’re looking for something delicious to eat, this is the part of town that’s known for its cuisine. If you’re looking for something new to wear, the shopping in Capitol Hill is something that people come from far and wide to enjoy. You can also take in some culture at the Asian Art Museum as well as some history, as Lake View Cemetery in Capitol Hill is where Bruce Lee is buried. You’ll also find the burial spots for the founders of Seattle.

International District

Also known as the Chinatown-International District or CID, Seattle’s International District is a U.S. Historic district and includes the neighborhoods of Chinatown, Japantown and Little Saigon, which are largely made up of strong migrant communities from China, Japan and Vietnam, respectively. Featuring a wealth of culture and interesting sights and sounds, CID seamlessly integrates businesses with residences to create a bustling energy unique to the area. Located southeast of central downtown, CID offers a unique view of rich traditions and history that have over the years spread and influenced the rest of downtown Seattle. While luxury living is limited in CID, at least one new development is planned for the area.

Pioneer Square

To the west of CID and south of central downtown, Pioneer Square was at one time Seattle’s original settlement, and history of the neighborhood stretches back to as early as 1852. In the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, most of the neighborhood’s wooden buildings were destroyed, and within the next year many brick and stone buildings were erected as more permanent replacements. Even today, many of these Richardsonian Romanesque-style buildings still stand, and still influence developments in the area. Taking its name from a small plaza at First and Yesler that was originally dubbed Pioneer Place.

Pioneer Square, like CID, is registered as a U.S. Historic District, and is rich both in architecture and culture over its long history. While some newer developments have gone up in recent years, true luxury living is limited in the area, though there are many art galleries, cafes and nightclubs that dominate the neighborhood, making it an intriguing destination.

Downtown

At the heart of it all is downtown Seattle, which is technically called the Central Business District. With Belltown to the north, First Hill to the east, and Pioneer Square to the south, Downtown Seattle is Seattle’s financial and commercial hub, but it also features plenty of opportunities to shop, eat and drink with countless boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs and bars. Following the Great Seattle Fire, which destroyed much of Seattle’s existing business district, then located in Pioneer Square, businesses moved north to take advantage of a massive regrading project that greatly expanded the size of Seattle’s downtown area. But, since the 1960s, it was the boom of Seattle’s developers that drastically changed the Seattle skyline into what we see today, and many of Seattle’s luxury condos are located in this district.

Pike Market

The smallest and most desirable neighborhood of all in downtown Seattle is the Pike-Market Corridor, which sits halfway between Belltown and the Central Business District on Elliott Bay, yet is made up of just a few square city blocks. Named after the famous Pike Place Market that sits at the neighborhood’s center and opened in 1907, the Market is America’s longest running open air public market, and contains many shops, craftsmen and merchants. Because of its iconic marketplace and rich culture, the neighborhood is a hotbed of tourism, and is by far Seattle’s most popular tourist destination. Furthermore, the area’s small size means that real estate is severely limited in this highly desirable area, and only a select few Seattleites are lucky enough to call Pike-Market home. Take a look at this video for another look at this unique place.

The Emerald

Lucky for you, there is currently a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a slice of the exclusive Pike-Market neighborhood. The Emerald, a new development on the edge of Pike-Market at Second and Stewart is now selling luxury condos at Seattle’s defining address. With 262 signature residences across 40 stories, The Emerald brings a level of elegance and grace to this culturally rich and historic area, and it allows for true, walkable urban living that puts you and your loved ones right where all the action is. Just a few minutes from Pike Place Market and with countless producers, boutiques, fine dining and other experiences at your disposal, The Emerald is truly the pinnacle of luxury living in downtown Seattle.