Tag: Seattle

Experience Spring in Seattle

Spring is a lovely time in Seattle with vibrant colors from lush green parks to trees bursting cherry blossoms, and colorful bulbs lining walkways to the deep jewel colors of the Puget Sound with skies to match.  The Emerald’s premiere location at Second and Stewart places you in the center of downtown Seattle with Elliott Bay just steps away from your front door. It’s the perfect spot to begin any spring adventure. Whether you are looking to watch the blossoms unfold or celebrate them at an annual festival, take in some stunning views on the water or peddle along the Elliot Bay Trail enjoying the cool breeze of the Puget Sound, we’ve gathered a few springtime activities to enjoy moments from home.

 

 

Stroll through the Cherry Blossoms
The first Sakura trees arrived at the Port of Seattle from Japan in the early 20th century. Now they can be seen in many locations throughout the city showing off their fabulous bloom from late March through early April. Take it all in at the Seattle Center Cherry Blossom Festival  with Taiko drumming, live dances and performances, arts and crafts, food, and more! Or make your way to Seward Park where the very first three Cherry Trees were planted in 1929, which were then followed by 3,500 more throughout Seattle in 1930. Visit Washington Park Arboretum’s Azalea Way to enjoy cherry trees blossoming along Azalea Way and explore 230 acres of gardens, including a Japanese Garden. The first pink buds appear on the trees in early March. By mid-March, the earliest varieties start blooming along the city streets. The peak bloom lasts for about two weeks from late March to early April. Then flowers fade, and green leaves begin to unfold. Probably the most spectacular flower display takes place on the campus of the University of Washington (Quad). Hundreds of blooming trees line pathways and complement strict gothic buildings, which makes the campus especially beautiful. There’s even a half marathon dedicated to the blossoms.

 

Make it a Daffodil Day at Pike Place Market
Celebrate the first day of spring on March 20 with small businesses, vendors and farmers at Pike Place Market. For the last 25 years, Pike Place Market has celebrated the arrival of spring with daffodils. This year, stop by the Market to pick up your free small bundle of daffodils to brighten your day and join in the celebration.

 

The Seattle Waterfront Calls for Whale Watching
Kicking off in April, spend a day with orcas, humpback, minke whales and an expert naturalist as you cruise through the waters of the Salish Sea aboard our high-speed San Juan Clipper vessel on a San Juans whale watching adventure. Cruise under historic Deception Pass Bridge and enjoy a stopover in charming Friday Harbor on San Juan Island following your time spotting whales. With the waterfront at your doorstep, it’d convenient to hop on a ferry, water taxi or embark on an adventure like this. The best time of the year for whale watching starts in spring, so don’t miss out!

 

Dine Out During Seattle Restaurant Week
The perfect way to sample some neighborhood flavor, Seattle Restaurant Week returns April 3-16 offering prix fixe dining opportunities that support the greater Seattle area’s culinary community while highlighting its craft, diversity, resilience, and great food. Neighborhood restaurants such as IL Bistro, Conversation, Maximilien and more provide creative meals for one, two, or for a group to share. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to support local restaurants during Seattle’s largest dining celebration.

 

Get Rolling: May is Bike Month
Seattle consistently makes it into the top tier of Bicycling magazine’s list of the Best Bike Cities in America. Looking for a 2.5-mile loop through the Washington Park Arboretum? Maybe a peddle along the Elliot Bay Trail? Explore these great bike rides for people of all skill sets, whether you want to cruise through a park or all the way to a different city.

 

The Flower Festival Blooms at Pike Place
Over 40 tents will line Pike Place featuring flower farmers from King, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties on May 7-8 with bouquets bursting with tulips, daffodils, irises, and the season’s favorite peonies. This annual tradition celebrates the amazing flowers that grow abundantly right here in the Pacific Northwest. Double the fun and bring Mom to the market for a fun-filled pre-day celebration on May 7 with live music, kids’ activities, pop-up murals, crafty sightings, craft demonstrations and more.

 

Raise a Glass at Seattle Beer Week

Join the greatest celebration of all things beer in Seattle as the Seattle Beer Week returns from May 13-21 for eleven days filled with craft beer events of all kinds. The festival is filled with exciting events including the Annual SBW Fun Run—a non-competitive mostly down-hill race through downtown. Fun prizes await participants at the finish with tasty Stout beers on draft at each stop of the race.

 

Watch it all Bloom at Washington Park Arboretum
The largest park in the Seattle area offers an amazing place to wander and watch spring in bloom. Walk the waterline trail, enjoy the plant life and make sure to stop by the 3.5 acre urban sanctuary, the Seattle Japanese Garden. Winding paths and benches invite you to view the garden slowly and mindfully, in all of its detail – stones, water, lanterns, bridges, buildings, plants and animals. Seasonal changes are constant, and every visit is refreshingly unique.

 

You Can Ferry There
Venturing out along the water is easy from our iconic downtown address. Hop on a ferry today and start exploring. Enjoy a ferry ride across Elliott Bay on the West Seattle Water Taxi from nearby Pier 50 and reserve your spot at Salty’s Seafood to catch a sunset with sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle city skyline. The Water Taxi docks in Seacrest Park in West Seattle with easy access to waterfront trails, Alki beach, fishing piers, restaurants, and shops along California Avenue. Another destination is Bainbridge Island. The Pacific Northwest beauty of a Bainbridge Island ferry ride from the middle of downtown Seattle is stunning, but the destination this ferry ride grants you is even better. This easy escape from the city offers up opportunity to unplug with scenic vistas, beautiful trails, ultra-local wine tasting, and outdoor adventures. From fine food to the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Photo Credit: Matt McDonald

Limited-Time Interior Design Offer with ASH at The Emerald

The Emerald’s model home design partners at ASH Staging, a division of ASH NYC were recently included in Architectural Digest’s World’s Top 100 Designers. For the fourth consecutive year, they’re the only staging service from an AD100 firm! The New York and California-based company is known for combining historically compatible disciplines under one roof—including design, development, hotels, staging and products—and The Emerald marks the company’s debut in Seattle. Now you can experience the assistance of award-winning design to style your new home at The Emerald.

 

 

From now through March, when you purchase a home at The Emerald, ASH Staging will help you create the perfect interior with a Custom Design Package. Receive a custom ASH-designed floor plan with furniture layout and placement, ASH-curated Design inspiration ‘lookbook’ and 15% discount to full interior design contract where the ASH team will source the items for your new home based on The Emerald model homes (for duplicate Panoramic Collection plans only). Several new homeowners have jumped at this chance to create their perfect space and you can too!

 

Andrew Bowen, Head of ASH Staging describes the ethos of styling residences for public viewing: “When designing the Model Residences for The Emerald, we carefully considered Seattle’s significant tech community. The property itself is located in the beating downtown heart of the city, so there’s an incredible metropolitan landscape surrounding it. However, when you enter the residences, you’re greeted by enormous floor-to-ceiling windows framing the expansive views of the Puget Sound which creates an interesting tension between the human-made and natural world. We aimed to celebrate this dichotomy in our designs by utilizing a color palette that echoed the deep blue water, dark green foliage, and soft white clouds unique to the Pacific Northwest, mixed with a selection of machine-age materials and tones. The end result, we feel, is a design that speaks to a notably contemporary — and almost futuristic — lifestyle, but also retains a sense of romanticism and a respect for the organic.”

 

When adding personal touches, the ASH Staging design team shares this suggestion for new homeowners:

 

“I would say start by keeping close your non-negotiables, and then building a story around those items to ensure they have a proper place in your new home. Perhaps there’s a family heirloom that has been passed down generations, or a handmade memento created at an earlier stage in life; by incorporating and proudly displaying these items, we connect both ourselves and our visitors to the broader spectrum of our genuine selves. So it’s best to not leave them as an afterthought, as they then might not make it into the completed picture.”

 

*The incentive amount is paid direct to ASH by Seller at closing. Custom designed floor plans will take one week to create. Furniture curation only offered for Panoramic Collection homes and for an exact replica of the model home. This offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice. The incentive promotion is valid only on contracts ratified and mutually accepted by March 31, 2022.

Milestone Moments: The Emerald Tops Market Dollars in 2021 Sales

As we move into a fresh year, we’re recapping real estate market trends and looking forward to a successful new year.

 

 

According to Polaris Pacific, West Coast leader in high-density real estate sales and marketing, median prices in West Coast markets are showing strength as we greet 2022. Extraordinarily low condo supply is driving median price levels throughout the west. Rounding out last year in December 2021, Seattle’s median sales price was $655,000 with 295 closings – up 2.4% over the previous year while months of inventory was 1.9, down over 53% from the previous year.

 

While Seattle area low-rise and mid-rise buildings both showed a negative annual price per square foot change in 2021, alternatively high-rise buildings of 13 stories or more (such as The Emerald) rose by 6.9%. Furthering sales momentum, Seattle showed less supply of unsold, new condominiums on the market (33.7 percent decrease from 2020) while demand for housing remained high. The median price in Seattle during the three months ending November 30th was $654,975, unchanged from November 2020.

 

Following record sales with a successful first-half of 2021, totaling $50M in sales in the first two quarters, The Emerald’s continued transaction velocity confirms its position as the city’s most attractive downtown residential high-rise available to buyers in today’s current market, as reported in The Registry Pacific Northwest Real Estate.

 

Indicating a strong luxury market, we’re pleased to share news that The Emerald had 2 of the top 5 highest priced Seattle condo sales in 2021, noting that these milestone sales also ranked The Emerald among properties with the highest price per square foot – upwards of $2,200. 

 

Often described as the perfect balance between convenience and luxury, between Penthouse offerings at The Emerald and continued market demand resulting in high dollar sales success, there are several key factors that set us apart from other new construction properties, which include:

 

  • A premiere address one block from Pike Place Market and Seattle’s new waterfront destination
  • Stellar architecture designed by a female-led team, Julia Nagele, Principal, Director of Design – Architecture of Seattle-based Hewitt Architects, with stunning interiors by local interior designer Susan Marinello of Susan Marinello Interiors
  • Soaring 10-foot plus ceiling heights, expansive windows and ample natural light to showcase unrivaled 360-degree vistas
  • Breathtaking panoramic and unobstructed views of the Puget Sound, the Olympics, Bainbridge Island and more

 

“The Emerald represents the very best of what Seattle has to offer,” said Dehlan Gwo, Director of Marketing and Sales for Create World Real Estate, developer of The Emerald. “Our buyers are purchasing a timeless piece of the city and are eager to plant their roots in the heart of our thriving downtown. We look forward to continue leading downtown’s revival and excited for our new owners to call Seattle’s waterfront home.”

 

The Emerald is also currently selling its exclusive 22-residence penthouse collection offering two-, three, and four-bedroom single-story residences up to ~3,948 square feet ranging from $3M to $10.9M. Located on the uppermost residential floors 34 through 38, each penthouse boasts over 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, hand-selected premium materials including natural stone slab countertops and backsplash, natural stone floors, and custom wood cabinetry with integrated lighting. Kitchens come fully equipped with appliances by Miele including a premium refrigerator with custom panelized door, gas cooktop, black and stainless-steel wall oven and top-performing dishwasher with custom panelized door. Thoughtfully designed bathroom suites feature natural stone, radiant heated flooring, and full-height natural stone showers with glass enclosures. Top-of-the-line fixtures include cutting-edge Dornbracht polished chrome bath and shower fittings alongside custom wood cabinetry and sleek Kohler soaking bathtubs.

 

 

 

*Stats sources: NWMLS, Polaris Pacific. PSF dollar amounts are for buildings built after 2004

New Entrances and Exciting News at The Emerald

On behalf of the entire team at The Emerald, we’d like to congratulate Brooke Kavieff on being named our new Sales Manager.

 

Brooke consistently brings a happy disposition and eager interest in all our interested buyers’ needs – to find each the best fit. She lifts everyone around her up with her professionalism, attention to detail, local market knowledge, and congeniality. We’re excited to have Brooke leading the sales team here at The Emerald.

 

 

We’ve also introduced a new Sales Associate at The Emerald, Kyle Weber. Kyle has called Seattle home as well as worked in the luxury high rise market for the last 5 years. Kyle is thrilled to be a part of the team at The Emerald adding to the downtown Seattle skyline just steps from its dynamic waterfront, and we’re equally thrilled to have him onboard.

 

“It’s difficult to say that there are any true direct competitors to The Emerald. Having the playground of Seattle’s Pike Place Market just steps from your front door is an experience that cannot be matched.”

 

Go behind-the-scenes with Kyle as we discuss location, views, model homes and favorite bites in the neighborhood.

 

Lavish. Crisp. Tranquil. That’s how Kyle would describe The Emerald. His favorite model home is the NE corner two-bedroom, two-bathroom home. “Featuring sweeping views from the Puget Sound to the Seattle Skyline and one of our largest living spaces, this home has versatility to attract the pickiest of buyers”, says Kyle. “The 1B-08 floorplan is also an incredible option if you work from home. Featuring a private office with wall-to-wall floor-to-ceiling glass windows, I can’t imagine a better working space while looking out toward the Iconic Smith Tower and Puget Sound.”  

 

The City View Room ranks as Kyle’s favorite view from the building: “While our unrestricted views from the Puget Sound are absolutely awe-inspiring, I must say that the sweeping downtown vista from the City View Room on our 39th floor holds my heart. There truly is a feeling of connectivity to the downtown neighborhood from a view that can best be described as a Manhattan Moment.”

 

Location matters. “The best part about The Emerald’s location is your immediate connectivity to the neighborhood, with a walk-score of 99”, Kyle says. The Emerald’s premiere location at Second and Stewart places you in the center of downtown Seattle – just one block from the iconic Pike Place Market, steps from the waterfront and surrounded by the city’s best culinary and cultural destinations.

 

Favorite Pike Place Market Finds:

“Having Pikes Place Market right outside our front door brings you face to face with the freshest ingredients in town. If you are there often enough, you’ll discover small secrets that the tourists tend to overlook. I’m definitely a huge fan of DeLaurenti’s for their fresh house made pasta to bring your at-home cooking to the next level. Of course, there’s always the incredible Pink Door if you aren’t feeling up to cooking at home. If you’re a fan of Sushi, look no further than Sushi Kashiba for arguably the freshest culinary experience in the Pacific Northwest.”

 

Your Seattle adventures begin here. The Emerald is now over 50% sold. Onsite tours of our 8 new model residences and breathtaking amenities are available for tour by appointment. With homes starting in the $400,000’s, it’s the perfect opportunity to invest in a dream location or find your full-time home. Schedule your private in-person or virtual tour by contacting our team at 206-453-6800 or info@theemeraldseattle.com.

Made for Them / Made for You – More Reasons to Sell The Emerald

The Emerald has surpassed the 50% sold milestone and it’s easy to see why. Brokers from Seattle, the Pacific Northwest and beyond call it their favorite building to sell and appreciate the seamless teamwork they receive when bringing buyers.

 

 

The team at The Emerald has made it quite a seamless process for showing the building to my clients. From high levels of communication to prompt detailed follow ups, I truly feel like The Emerald is an extension of my team – working together to make homeownership possible for my buyer candidates. ~ Brian Hopper, Global Real Estate Advisor with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

 

My buyers fell in love with several of the protected water views, one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The prices are affordable and they loved the modern finishes, but most of all they were sold on the floor-to-ceiling windows that captured breathtaking Puget sound views. ~ Olga Dyckman, Realtor, Founder of The Seattle Condo Group at Windermere Real Estate

 

My buyers ultimately chose The Emerald for the lifestyle. It provides the perfect balance between convenience and luxury – downtown urban living at its finest. Plus, it’s new construction. The Emerald is at the top of my list of buildings to show to my clients. ~ Michele Liang 梁璐璐  Residential and Commercial Real Estate Broker ABR®, CLHMS Million Dollar Guild, Realtor® Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

 

The Emerald was made for your buyers and now we’re creating something made just for you. As we move into the new year and approach new milestones, we want to say thank you to everyone who continues to make our community a success. Introducing our Broker Incentive Program offered through March 2022 – Choose Your Adventure.

 

The Emerald and our management partners at Columbia Hospitality have collaborated to create a curated getaway or night out made with you in mind. 2021/2022 Incentive Packages are available to brokers with any new sales starting December 1, 2021. Any broker who makes a sale from December 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022 is eligible* to receive their choice of one of the following four packages:

 

 

 

 

  • Release the Kraken. Two Club-level seats and onsite parking to upcoming season Kraken game of your choice at Climate Pledge Arena.

 

 

 

 

  • Self-Care at Snoqualmie Falls. The Salish Lodge Signature Package includes 1 night stay, (2) 50-minute individual spa treatments of your choice, $150 dining credit (can be used at either dining space), a four-course country breakfast for 2 in The Dining Room, and a bottle of Salish Lodge & Spa brut.

 

 

*The gift incentive is facilitated by CHI and the Seller and is purchased upon contract closing. Curated gift package is in addition to escalated commission value. The incentive promotion is valid only on contracts ratified and mutually accepted by March 31, 2022. This offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Celebrate Winter along the Seattle Waterfront

There are few places that are more memorable than the Seattle waterfront during the holidays. The Emerald’s premiere location at Second and Stewart places you in the center of downtown Seattle – just one block from the iconic Pike Place Market overlooking the Elliott Bay. A magical spot to be year-round, the Market lights up this season and is activated with festive events. Shop small, buy local and discover all the reasons to celebrate this season as the Seattle waterfront turns into a Winter Wonderland.

 

 

Can Can presents Wonderland, showing December 2- January 9. This carnival of merriment will mesmerize audiences as soon as they enter Can Can’s intimate theatre turned whimsical winter chalet, making this a holiday entertainment spectacular to remember. In the kitchen and behind the bar you’ll find a variety of food, wine, and spirit menus carefully crafted with local market-fresh winter ingredients, prepared to tantalize even the most refined palates.

 

On December 1st and 9th, Truffle Queen is hosting a Holiday Open House where they will have special pricing on Italian holiday cakes and more, plus preview tastings for wines arriving in the new year.

 

Snap a picture with Santa and Crafty on December 4th and 11th. Santa will be visiting the Market two times in December with special guest, Crafty for free holiday photos. Get all your holiday shopping done + receive a free gift when you spend $50 or more at Market businesses. The gift includes 1 eco-friendly Market wrapping paper kit. Bring your receipts to the “Special Offer Tent” to receive your free gift.

 

Order your Holiday Pike Box. This NEW Pike Box is an exciting mix of spices, honey, and nuts from the Market farmers. Registration ends December 8th.

 

Cross off everyone on your holiday list when you shop at the Holiday Night Market on December 16th as the MarketFront Pavilion is transformed into a winter wonderland of stocking stuffers, ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Shoppers can raise a glass at the Polar Bar with seasonal cocktails and live music with drink proceeds supporting the Pike Place Market Foundation.

 

Lend a helping hand and care for the needs of our neighbors at Pike Place Market this holiday season by contributing to the Giving Tree by December 20th. Send a gift using their Amazon Wish List, purchase a gift card or make a donation directly to the Market Foundation, and leave the shopping to them. Their goal is to collect and distribute over 1,000 warm winter items and holiday gifts.

 

Add in some laughs this holiday season with A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol, a holiday tradition for countless locals since 1985. Experience a new version of this old favorite each night through December 23rd, so head to the Market Theatre in Pike Place Market and have a blast creating your own Christmas classic.

 

Imagine the lights you’ll see if you dine in a gondola 200 feet above the Salish Sea. Assemble 4 people, friends or family and make reservations for the dinner experience of a lifetime at Seattle’s Great Wheel. Enjoy a spectacular 4-course dinner including prawn cocktail and grilled salmon paired with views of the Puget Sound.

 

Depart from nearby Pier 55 during December and travel on the Christmas Ship Festival, decorated with hundreds of shimmery white lights and sailing to different Puget Sound waterfront communities. Choirs on board the Christmas Ship perform to guests aboard, to follow boats, and to communities gathered on shore.

 

Deck your Halls

 

Visit these 12 Market Shops to Make Your Home Holiday Ready, from dried flower wreaths to leaf-imprinted spoon rests to Market themed posters and more!

 

‘Tis the Season to Indulge

 

Whether you’re looking for the best quick stops to hit while knocking out your holiday shopping, seeking a memorable sit-down experience with a great ambiance, or satisfying your sweet tooth, Pike Place Market has you covered! Explore the Pike Place Holiday Food Tour, including some of these gems:

 

Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream. This classically styled ice cream parlor is serving up hot cocoa with freshly whipped vanilla cream (add Irish cream for those 21+) and a seasonal “Elf Float” combining candy cane ice cream and peppermint soda.

 

Chocolate & Ice Cream Delight. Their hot chocolate bombs are back! Drop in for a selection of delightful fudge and seasonal truffle flavors. Be sure to indulge in their snickerdoodle or peppermint truffles for an extra festive kick.

 

Looking for a few unique holiday host gift inspirations? Pike Place rounded up a few:

 

Chocolate Gift Set. indi chocolate has a variety of gift sets available or you can customize your own. This shop doesn’t just sell chocolate, explore the “unexpected side of chocolate” with cacao butter body care, cacao spice rubs, cocoa nib liquor infusion kits, s’mores kits, and more!

 

Reusable Glass Straws. DrinkingStraws.Glass has seasonal designs available including an elf hat, Santa hat, evergreen tree, or a Christmas tree. Or choose from their classic straw sets for a gift that’s used through every season!

 

Handmade Cards. The Paper Feather has a perfect gift for the person who loves sending special notes with handmade cards! This package includes 13 cards designed and handmade by The Paper Feather, postage stamps, and packaged in a pink bakery box with ribbon.

 

Gift Baskets and Wine. Chukar Cherries has new Columbia Valley wine gift boxes and a charcuterie kit that features the very best delicacies of the Pacific Northwest. All of their assortments and tins of Northwest cherries, berries, and nuts now come in festive holiday sleeves.

 

If you’re still looking for gift ideas, visit 12 Pike Place Market Gifts for Kids and Teens, 5 Thoughtful Market Gifts for the Person Who Needs to Relax and 11 Pike Place Market Gifts for the Stylish Friend.

 

Be sure to book your tour of The Emerald this season before you catch the festivities. Now over 50% sold and priced from the $400,000’s, we cannot wait to show you our 8 new model residences, beautiful building amenities and a unique bird’s eye perspective looking down on Pike Place market all aglow.  Schedule your private in-person or virtual tour by contacting our team at 206-453-6800 or info@theemeraldseattle.com.

 

 

Pike Place Public Market Photo by Matt McDonald @equalmotion