Located on Western Ave & Blanchard Street just two blocks from the heart of Pike Place Market, Elara harvests the energy of the neighborhood in luxurious amenity spaces and responds to the surrounding context with massing and material choices that mimic Belltown’s character. Western Avenue’s pedestrian nature will continue to grow as the Alaska Way Waterfront Plan is implemented and the proposed parklette at the northwest corner is completed. Located in an area that is ripe with historical context it was critical for the design to be a compatible addition to the surrounding area. The bay windows used in the facade, common throughout Belltown, add to the pedestrian nature of Western Ave. while the size and scale are compatible with that of the surrounding area and the façade at grade provides transparency, safety, and security for pedestrians. Neighboring buildings, such as the historic Stable Building next door are mirrored in material choices to comfortably address the surrounding urban context. On the interior, apartment layouts and unique amenity spaces were designed to provide for a variety of entertainment, health and work needs. Even the rooftop amenity was designed to be inclusive of the neighborhood context by stepping away from the corner to maintain the existing building’s views of the Sound.
The project features 150 residential units, including 5 live-work and features some remarkable amenities. The thriving local market community comes home in a resident wine room to store their collection and host their dinner party, and rooftop cooking spaces to embrace their inner foodie with friends. The rooftop deck has breathtaking views of the Space Needle, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains for residents to host a barbeque, enjoy a fire, practice yoga on the lawn or let their puppy play in the dog-run. Overlooking the rooftop deck, the ELEV8 Lounge allows guests to watch the Seahawks or host a party while surrounded by views to the Sound. The entry lobby features a large fireplace, living room area and bar top area for residents and guests to relax, work or mingle. The building was designed to be sustainable and like the neighboring Market, materials were sourced locally and is certified LEED Silver.
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