5220 42nd Ave. S.
Developer: 20th Century Development
Architect: n/a
This is a very depressing building.
Really, this looks like class C office space heavily sprayed with textured pancake make-up relabeled as a condominium. We feel like we’re going to hear a dental drill.
We would like to point out that at some time the vinyl sales flags and the plastic Christmas bunting will be removed. Take a good look at what will be left. (Can you hear the drill?)
But the upside is there’s a tour bus so you don’t have to stay home.
Advertising menace.
It will find you.
Coming . . .
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
$199K for a unit in that motor coach? You people outside the Beltway really know how to live.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Your website started off with clever posts making fun of profit-seeking developers, but now the content just reeks of elitist editorials making fun of people’s homes. Not all people have, nor can afford to, live in buildings that live up to your standards. I grew up in Seattle and while I believe not all new development has brought aesthetic value to neighborhoods, I am happy that buildings like the Columbia City condos are helping to supporting affordable density throughout the city.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 pm
What, no comments yet from the high density advocates? There’s room in that parking lot for at least fifty more units… Then we can fill all the seats in the bus.
December 6th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
$199,000 is NOT affordable. I’m tired of the idea that it is somehow okay to ask for tons of money for a half-baked conversion. There are many fantastic neighborhoods in Seattle, Columbia City amongst them, and it is NOT good to say yes to unsightly buildings in the name of affordable development. Affordable doesn’t have to assault the senses. Remember, these buildings are going to be around for a while. It’s good to hope (and agitate) for better.
Re Pem: People make their homes inside a variety of building, some more horrendously designed than others. A lovely home can exist INSIDE just about any building. Commenting on architecture and the EXTERIOR everyone will have to look at for a long time might nudge the conversation towards improved (affordable) design.
December 6th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I hope that truck also sells ice cream or tacos. I will be screamingly disappointed if there is no grub in there!
January 10th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Sorry Pem. I have seen Section 8 housing in CT and in the metro DC area which is MUCH nicer than this depressing dump. Hell, Red Roof Inns have more cheer than this place.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Holy crap!!! This looks like an Aurora Ave crack motel redo.
March 30th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
You guys are a bunch of snooty, full of yourself, egomaniacs. I would like to see what you live in, and better yet how you decorated the inside space.
April 4th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
But look on the bright side–people who are upside down in their condos can move onto the bus!
May 19th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
The Columbia City Condos until 5-6years ago were very low rent apartments for working poor families in the RV. (They were 3 complexes before). Not the lap of luxury but acceptable shelter for people who didn’t have much choice where to live. Since they were bought and converted to condos and rehabed on the cheap, they’re empty or rented at twice the previous rent.
June 1st, 2010 at 10:51 am
I must say the insides of these condos are quite nice. However even if I had the money, no way would I spend $200,000 on this. I don’t see what’s so great about Seattle? I was there in 1999. Vanc BC much nicer. To my buddy from Seattle I’m not hating on your city.