Cottage homes coming to Ballard

Posted by Geeky Swedes on May 13th, 2008

We wrote a couple weeks ago about all the town houses popping up around the neighborhood, and now there are cottage homes — somewhat affordable houses without shared walls but tightly packed together. There’s one project underway at 22nd Ave. and 60th St. (below) and another in the planning stages for 1548 61st St.

Prices at the “60th Street Cottages” range from $450,000 to $500,000.

In this photo, three front doors are within several feet of each other. “It’s a niche market that’s attractive to those who are willing to trade quantity of space for quality of space,” writes reporter Rebekah Schilperoort. And if you’re a neighbor across the street, the impact may be much more desirable than a condo complex or a set of town homes.

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Bill

Yea, I like the idea of new, small houses in the city, too.

Another thing: I know we all like to think we're so special in Ballard, but, why do people think that Ballard, in particular, is so unaffordable? Isn't it all of Seattle that's unaffordable? I suspect that the median house price in Ballard is about equal to the median Seattle house price.

Bella

The cottages, however much better than townhouses they may be, are by no means affordable, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them sitting unsold when they are finished with that kind of price tag. Anyone noticed how many listings for townhouses are just sitting stagnant these days?

keep seattle seedy

Thanks for your continuing coverage of development in the neighborhood. It's nice to know that there is some dialog going on about this, and I enjoy your writing style.

Joshua

Yes, Biff, while I agree with your point, lets try to keep thing civil. Lines like, "It’s ok if youre just disgruntled about your lot in life." are not welcome here.

Bethany

Biff - Thanks for the personal attack. Really. Can you make your point without being rude?

I have eyes and ears. I may not be an economist but I doubt you are either. This country is in a recession and it's only a matter of time before the housing market here experiences what is a growing trend across the nation.

biff

Ummm Bethany have you any economic insight? I'm just curious I know this about Seattle:
Growth Boundary limits all development.
LESS than 11% of Seattle PMSA is zoned for residential use.
We're still importing high paying jobs requiring highly educated citizens.
Nearly every neighborhood has bid-rent restarts minimizing drive to qualify opportunities.
It's ok if youre just disgruntled about your lot in life.

Peter

What I love about the quote in this post is the implication that townhomes offer quantity over quality. Pretty much sums it up.

There's a little group of homes up on Cap Hill kind of over near 1st hill with great views of downtown (the ones in front). My wife and I almost bought there because they were only like $150k back in '99 but held out because the yard was so small. We wanted a dog and thought a big dog would just alienate the neighbors in a situation like that.

Jasmine

While I agree with the concept of the "urban living," I couldn't live here. I drove by yesterday before pictures were posted to see exactly what the cottage thing was all about. I must say that if my house was in the back row in the middle I'd feel extremely scrunched. Nothing to look at but the butt and hips of the houses around you.

CK

I have no idea how "green" they're being built, but I do in principle at least approve of the "very small urban house" idea. Less impactful than large suburban lots, more practical for the owners than a condo likely, and slightly more attractive (we can hope) for the neighbors than towering orange condo buildings. But at that price point... yeow! You could have more space on a little lake union barge for $150k. Anyway for me it's moot, I would much rather pay the same amount or less and restore a historic home with character.

Bethany

Half a million dollars for no yard or privacy? What a pity. After the housing market bust hits Seattle, the people who buy these "cottages" will be SOL.

Just because you give something a cute word doesn't make it instantly attractive.

Geeky Swedes

At the risk of opinionating, we were a little surprised at the small size of these cottages at that price point. Then again, if you want to live in Ballard in a house with no shared walls, you're going to have to pay at least $450,000-500,000 for a decent place that doesn't need fixing. Signs of the times in Ballard.

Suthii

"range from $450,000 to $500,000."

Yes, somewhat affordable indeed!

pioggia

In terms of design & lot usage I think it's a reasonable compromise, but I have a hard time using the term "affordable" when you're paying $450K to $500K for a MAX of 1300 square feet.

Judy

This zero lot line construction is housing between the high density of the condominiums and the low density of the "gentleman farmer" lots. Without any shared walls, it may be a great compromise or at least a step in the right direction.