Reimagine Waterfront Seattle, Explore Overlook Walk

Like a jewel in the downtown skyline, The Emerald represents a unique opportunity to own a coveted piece of Seattle. Steps from iconic Pike Place Market and the reimagined waterfront, the striking faceted-glass tower houses a collection of 262 signature residences offering captivating unobstructed views, expansive amenity spaces and five-star hospitality.

 

So what’s the latest on Waterfront Seattle? The City of Seattle commenced rebuilding Seattle’s central waterfront in 2019. Now that the Alaskan Way Viaduct removal is complete, the City is constructing a park promenade along the water, building a new surface street along Alaskan Way, rebuilding Pier 58 and Pier 62, constructing an elevated connection from Pike Place Market to the waterfront, and improving east-west connections between downtown and Elliott Bay.

 

 

Overlook Walk is at the center of improvements from Pier 62 up to Pike Place Market and east along to Seattle’s urban core, including Pike and Pine streets. Overlook Walk recently reached final design which will create an elevated public park and connection between the waterfront to Seattle’s urban core! Future residents of The Emerald will enjoy walks on the elevated pathway from Pike Place Market to the waterfront and expansive views of Elliott Bay, informal play areas, new public plazas and landscaping. Overlook Walk will also be integrated with Seattle Aquarium’s proposed Ocean Pavilion expansion. View the video to learn more about the design.

 

 

  • —  Public access to the waterfront with gradual slopes and a new elevator
  • —  An elevated panorama of Elliott Bay, the Olympics & Mount Rainier
  • —  Protected areas with food and beverage and seating
  • —  Slides and other play elements for families
  • —  Terraced landscaping with native plants

 

Pier 58, currently known as Waterfront Park, will be redesigned to create a public park and improve access, safety and flexibility to the pier, while offering expansive views of Elliott Bay. The new pier park is designed especially with families and young children in mind, with a new public plaza, a new children’s playground and a large lawn and trees to provide shade. The pier is also designed to improve the salmon habitat and migration corridor, supporting the sustainability features of the seawall. The future Waterfront Park will span 20 acres along Seattle’s downtown shoreline. A constellation of lush, open public spaces linked together by a pedestrian-oriented promenade, Waterfront Park welcomes and encourages the public to come together. Explore the Waterfront Park in virtual reality.

 

The first piece of Waterfront Park, Pier 62 – Seattle’s most scenic new cultural destination, is now open just a short walk from The Emerald. Since opening in September 2020, this space has hosted more than 82,000 visitors, public art murals, and exhibitions from the Future Forward: Artist In Residence. The pier has provided a fresh new space for city dwellers and tourists alike to stroll, grab a seat, and enjoy the views between City and Sound. It’s Seattle like you’ve never seen it. And it’s yours to explore by foot when you live at The Emerald.

 

Construction will continue on the rest of Waterfront Park with completion in 2024. For more details on Waterfront Park’s project delivery and construction information, visit waterfrontseattle.org.

 

Credit: Artist Renders from Seattle Design Commission, Friends of Waterfront Seattle

Patti Payne’s Cool Pads: Go inside the new Emerald condos in Seattle

 

There’s a first time for everything.  After years spotlighting everything from treehouses, floating homes, and converted barns and yachts to the most expensive estates and the most economical tiny homes, but never an entire condominium building –  Patti Payne has given The Emerald the honor of being the first highrise featured in Puget Sound Business Journal’s Cool Pads. What caught her attention? Bucking any urban flight trend with an impressive sales momentum and Eastside moves to our downtown waterfront location, “this building already has 87 residences presold — sales which started in March of 2019. Twenty-five of those residences have been sold since Aug. 1, with a cumulative value of more than $23 million.”

 

The Emerald, a new luxury condominium building at 121 Stewart in downtown Seattle, developed by Create World Real Estate, recently announced completion, after being under construction for several years. Initial designs started seven years ago.

 

The 40-story glass-faceted building has 262 condos, ranging from $399,000 to $10.9 million. And while I’ve never covered a whole condo building in Patti Payne’s Cool Pads over the years, there’s always a first for this feature, which has spotlighted everything from treehouses, floating homes, and converted barns and yachts to the most expensive estates and the most economical tiny homes.

 

The Emerald caught my attention because, with all the news of unrest in cities and people fleeing to the burbs, this building already has 87 residences presold — sales which started in March of 2019.

 

Twenty-five of those residences have been sold since Aug. 1, with a cumulative value of more than $23 million.

 

“It’s surprising to all of us here because of what you hear about urban flight, but it’s just not happening. The Emerald is bucking the trend and it’s a pleasant surprise,” said Josh Nasvik, managing director of Polaris Pacific, the sales and marketing firm for The Emerald.

 

“And in fact a fair amount of our buyers are from the Eastside — people who want to live in Seattle and don’t have to commute anymore and can work remotely,” he said. Nasvik and broker Henry Lee of Polaris Pacific have the listings.

 

The condos range from studios to one- to four-bedroom residences. Some 22 of the largest ones are penthouses.

 

Amenities include a full-floor rooftop deck including the Olympic Room and an impressive double-height glass encased club room with catering kitchen, complete with indoor and outdoor lounge and firepits, and view of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. A third-floor indoor and outdoor amenity space offers an outdoor pet run, pet spa, fitness center, yoga studio and guest suite. And there’s on-demand access to Tesla Model X and Model S vehicles for residents.

 

The building was designed by Julia Nagele of Hewitt Architects and Susan Marinello of Susan Marinello Interiors, and their teams.

 

The Emerald will be managed by Columbia Hospitality with on-site staff offering personalized care, luxury concierge services and cutting edge safety and security practices.

 

Check out the pictures by Clarity Northwest’s Cory Holland for a look inside the brand new building where owners can start moving to in December.  View the slideshow via Puget Sound Business Journal here: Patti Payne’s Cool Pads: Go inside the new Emerald condos in Seattle

11 Fun Facts About Downtown Seattle

Luxury apartments and condos housed in Seattle’s downtown area provide no shortage of comforts and activities unique to the city. As you come to know the city better you’ll find a lot of interesting facts like, there are more dogs in the city than children, and quirks that further define Seattle’s downtown living experience. We’ve compiled some of our favorite facts and information about Seattle to give you a sense of what life could be like for you in a luxury for-sale apartment in Downtown Seattle.
 

 

1. Seattle Has An Impressive History
While many people who visit Seattle can quickly pick up on its uniquely modern culture ripe with music, great food, and beautiful living spaces, the fact is that the area making up Seattle has been inhabited for much longer than you might think. With evidence dating back to some 12,000 years ago, the green wilderness of Puget Sound has since been home to a variety of distinct cultures, from the initial natives to European settlers and later immigrants from all across the world. This diverse culture is still present in the community of homes and luxury condo high rise and apartment communities in Downtown Seattle. And if you’re more interested in recent history, several tours will take you into the Seattle Underground, a network of passageways and basements near Pioneer Square–they were ground-level in the mid-1800s before the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. At that point, the new city was built one-to-two stories higher.
 

2. The First City in the US to Play a Beatles Song on the Radio Was…
Seattle has a unique history with many different forms of music. It seems only natural that it was also the first city to use broadcasting to play one of the most famous bands in history, The Beatles. Since then, Seattle has been home to many well-known and up-and-coming artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Heart, and so many more. Today, living in Downtown Seattle puts residents close to a large variety of music venues, including concert halls, vintage record stores, and showrooms for a unique cultural experience.
 

3. Seattle is the Birthplace of Starbucks
March 31, 1971, saw the opening of the very first Starbucks in Seattle. Its business used to be a little different then, as it was founded to sell high-quality coffee beans and the equipment to brew them. Rather than selling coffee in-store, the only drinks available were for sampling the coffee beans. It’s come a long way since, and Seattle is the perfect place to celebrate this history. With no shortage of artisanal cafés and coffee shops to weather out the rain or the cold, residents of luxury apartments and condos in Downtown Seattle can enjoy some of the best brews the city offers.
 

4. Seattle’s Waterfront is Known for Its Seafood
Whether you’re looking to buy and cook at home or dine on some of the freshest fish in the United States, Seattle has the answer for you. Even if you aren’t interested in buying, you have to visit the Pike Place Fish Market, where the fish fly! World-renowned for fishmongers hurling huge salmon and albacore thirty feet across the stall, these workers won’t drop a single one–and then they’ll wrap it up for you. If you’re more immediately hungry, head down the stairs to the pier and have more than 30 varieties of fresh oysters at Elliott’s, or, if you want something fried, sit at Ivar’s and feed the seagulls your fish ‘n chips while you watch the ferries come and go.
 
Pike Place Market Seattle
 

5. You Can Eat Your Way Through Seattle
Specializing in Northern Italian fine dining, Cafe Juanita is a destination restaurant that is a must for foodies–the fan-favorite is a braised rabbit. If you want the finest in haute cuisine, Canlis is Seattle’s resident restaurant boasting not one but two Michelin stars and is said to have the best wine list in the country. But if you’re looking for a drink and a burger, then look no further than Loretta’s Northwesterner, with its wide-open outdoor dining for cool Seattle evenings in the sea breeze. Bathtub Gin Co. boasts 30 different kinds of gin, Hazelwood is the place for cocktails, and the bizarre Cha Cha Lounge has to be seen to be believed.
 

6. Highest Percentage of Residents with a College Degree or Higher
Seattle currently has the highest percentage of residents with a college degree or higher. With Americans becoming more and more educated as time progresses, they are more educated now than they’ve ever been in history. In 2017, Seattle touts 63% of their population, 25 and older, has a college degree according to the Seattle Times. Even amongst the nationwide educational boom, Seattle is a stand out. With each new generation, the level of education increases, with millennials ages 25-34 roughly 73% are college graduates. There are also shifts between gender lines as well, previously among older adults more men completed a college degree over women. This has now been reversed and can especially be seen in Seattle. With so many educational achievements, it is easy to see why Seattle is considered the most literate city in the country.
 

7. One of the Fastest Growing US Cities
In 1897, news about a massive gold strike in Canada’s Yukon River Valley reached Seattle and all the areas around it. Prospectors from all over the country rushed toward the Klondike Gold Rush, bringing a massive economic boom for the city. Hawkers, shop owners, innkeepers, and even mining instructors emerged to take advantage of the action. Even today, this rich history remains with one of the world’s smallest national parks, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Today, Seattle is one of America’s fastest growing cities in America. Studies conducted during the most recent census show that between 2017 and 2018 Seattle not only had the most growth in population but they also saw an increase of 90,731 people over the past 5 years.
 

8. Sunglasses are Popular in Seattle
Did you know that people in Seattle purchase the most significant number of sunglasses per capita than any other city in the U.S.? While many people associate Seattle with gray, rainy skies, the simple fact is that Seattle experiences less annual rainfall than Houston, Chicago, and New York City. Living in luxury apartments or condominiums in Downtown Seattle means easy access to beautiful parks while staying within easy distance to famous national parks and wilderness areas. If you like getting out in nature or exploring the nearby ocean, Seattle offers many different opportunities to go boating, hiking, fishing, and many other activities.
 

9. First Major US City to Have A Female Mayor
In 1926, Seattle became the first city to have a woman mayor, Bertha Knight Landes who served a two year term. During her time, she worked hard to support city planning and zoning improvements as well as public health and safety programs and social and recreational programs. Today Seattle is a beautiful and thriving city, and much of that is due to their progressive and forward thinking nature. In fact, Seattle’s current mayor is Jenny Durkan who has been in office since 2009a and previously served as a United States Attorney, appointed by President Barack Obama.
 

10. Known as the Most Literate City in the Country
As far as literate rankings go, Seattle ranks the highest in the U.S. and also brags the highest percentage of library card-holders per capita. The Seattle Central Library is a must-see, well known for the iconic architecture (designed by Rem Koolhas). This impressive library is an 11 story glass and steel building, and has been featured in numerous films, it’s truly a must see for downtown Seattle. The culture is also an educated and artistic one, but not lacking in technology. It’s no surprise that a city housing massive tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Moz and many other big names provides a myriad of work opportunities for a variety of creative and technically minded people. Luxury apartments and condos in Downtown Seattle can make commuting to these business centers a breeze.
 

 

11. The Best Luxury Apartments and Condos
Seattle has no shortage of interesting history, landscapes and activities. From its early days rising in the middle of a gold rush to its modern progress with traffic, technology and business, residents have a lot to be proud about. You can become a part of the lively Seattle culture by checking out some of the luxury apartments and condos in Downtwon Seattle. Try checking out The Emerald to see how superior technology, design and service create one of the most elegant and convenient places to live in Seattle.

Everything a Luxury Apartment in Seattle Should Offer

Every prospective buyer in Seattle has a list of amenities that they’re looking for in a luxury apartment, and when you’re making a purchase, you shouldn’t have to settle. Seattle is an amazing town, but there are some choices that are better than others–some locations that offer everything you could want, while others fall short.

 
The Emerald, a luxury high-rise apartment and condominium complex combines all of the things you’re looking for in one sleek package, making it the ideal living space for the Seattle lifestyle. The Emerald has been designed with one goal in mind: to make it the perfect living space for you. Here are just a few of the many benefits of living in The Emerald Seattle.
 
 

A Perfect Seattle Neighborhood
 

You don’t have to sacrifice neighborhood and amenities just because you’re living in one of the nicest, newest highrise condos in town. While you may think that such a building must have been built on the outskirts of Seattle, that couldn’t be farther from the truth–it’s right down in the cultural heart of the city. Located at Second and Stewart, you’re in the center of downtown Seattle, with all that has to offer, and you’re only one block from the iconic landmark that is Pike’s Place Market, with all that comes with it. Great restaurants, great fresh food, great cut flowers–and you’re only a walk up the hill from the waterfront, featuring everything from the aquarium to the ferries to fabulous oyster bars and The Old Curiosity Shop. Everything you’d want in a Seattle experience is right outside your door.
 

But that’s just in one direction! What about heading east? Coffee shops like Anchorhead Coffee and Victrola Coffee Roasters are just a quick walk into the city, and for fine dining try RN74 or Patagon–or a dozen other places within walking distance. This is a city designed for walking, and The Emerald Seattle is in the center hub of all the action.
 
 
T-Mobile Park Seattle
Nearby Attractions
 
With the views offered from your condo, you may never wish to leave it–breathtaking seascapes of Puget Sound on one side, and snow-capped mountains on the other: Mt. Ranier, the Cascades–you are in the center of a panorama of beauty. But should you wish to venture out and experience more of what the neighborhood has in store, you could do worse than to walk or bike to any of the clubs, cruises, tours, and concert venues. There’s always something to do around the city, whether that’s admiring the city from the Space Needle’s 520-foot high observation deck or catching a laser show at the Pacific Science Center. Brewery tours, cocktail cruises, and food married to music are all common fare for Downtown Seattle.
 
Whether you gravitate toward quiet nights on the Puget Sound or a rock concert with friends, a truly luxurious apartment keeps you close to the action you crave.
 
 

Ideal Commute
 
A person’s day-to-day commute is one of the most important factors when choosing a new place to live. The time you spend commuting can add up significantly over the year, so having that extra time to spend doing things you enjoy can make a surprising difference when you move to a better location.
 

With dozens of public transportation options, from light rail to buses and electric bikes, Downtown Seattle is an ideal place to live with various job opportunities, grocery stores and entertainment options in close proximity, regardless of whether or not you prefer to drive. For those with a permanent car-free lifestyle, various car-sharing options are easily accessible all-around town. At The Emerald, a luxury condo high-rise in Downtown Seattle, owners have instant access to carshare options through an exciting partnership with Envoy, an on-demand service offering electric Tesla Model S or X vehicles.
 
 
First Hill Seattle University
Close to Nature
 
Despite being in an urban center, Downtown Seattle is unique in its proximity to a variety of incredible parks and a range of varying natural habitats.
 

The Puget Sound features Elliott Bay, where locals can go wildlife watching and kayaking to all sorts of sights and islands. There’s also the nearby Mt. Rainier where hikers, climbers and campers can enjoy the great outdoors.
 

Seattle itself features beautifully groomed parks with everything from Victorian-esque greenhouses to Japanese gardens. A cozy downtown location replete with a beautiful view of the bay and its twinkling piers at night is a feature you can only find with luxury options in Seattle.
 
 

Staying In
 
Let’s face it. We’ve just lived through a quarantine that has cooped us all up in our homes for months. Sometimes you can’t go to the restaurants or the waterfront. But what you can do is enjoy all of the amenities of a luxury condominium.
 

Aside from the magnificent vistas (viewable through floor-to-ceiling windows), the condos have so much more for those who are choosing to stay inside: custom wood cabinetry, quartz counter tops, Bosch appliances–refrigerators, cooktops, ovens, and dishwasher–and a Whirlpool washer and dryer. And our bathrooms are every bit as luxurious as the kitchen and living space.
 
 
The Emerald fitness
Beautiful Community Spaces
 
How much can you get out of a luxury apartment building’s community space? At The Emerald, the building features a full-floor rooftop amenity space, the Olympic Room, where owners have an unparalleled view of the city and bay while cooking at an outdoor grill surrounded by warm firepits. When comparing fitness areas, does the building provide the necessities to keep up your preferred healthy lifestyle? It’s much easier to stay fit in communities like The Emerald that feature a fitness center, yoga studio, and outdoor pet run.
 

The Emerald, Seattle’s newest and most luxurious buildings, has announced a partnership with Columbia Hospitality. This premier hospitality management group will ensure that the service level for all residents will exceed expectations. This award winning West Coast hospitality firm is recognized as a leading provider of incomparable concierge and property management services.
 
 
Reliable Security
 
Luxury locations also mean technology that can help keep your property safe. Buildings such as The Emerald offer Latch keyless entry systems, which use controls from a smartphone for secure and convenient access. 24/7 concierge service is also a true luxury to help you with concerns and services offered by your community. You can find all these features and more at The Emerald. For more information, feel free to visit our website or contact us today.