Just one street north of Market in Central Ballard, NW 56th St. is best described as a quiet collection of small businesses, banks and strategic parking spots, anchored by the Ballard Library. But a sudden spike of development activity will soon transform the street into a high-density hub.
The latest case in point is 56th at 24th Ave. The massive Mark24 development is under construction between Market and 56th (left), enveloping the Spirit Gas Station. Behind the Mark24 is BikeSport, a small business that’s moving to make room for a proposed 7-story assisted living complex.
“We’ve been in Ballard 20 years, and we’ll be in Ballard another 20, just off the trail,” said BikeSport’s James Wilker. Off the trail will be at 4550 9th Ave., next to Bevmo. Wilker says they plan to move in the next couple weeks or so.
The new development will be a senior living resident owned by Merrill Gardens, a Seattle company that has 10 other residences in the state of Washington. Here’s an early look at the proposed design from the corner of 56th and 24th:
And the view along 56th, behind the Mark24:
“Each Merrill Gardens community is different in physical structure, reflecting the characteristics of the area where it is located and the needs of residents,” the company explains on its site. The Ballard facility will feature 104 units with parking for 64 vehicles. Retail space will be available on the 24th Ave. side.
You can download the early design deck (.pdf)