New condo looks like ‘sprawling octopus’

The Northwest Design Review Board got its first look at Market Street Landing, an eight-story condo planned for the spot where the boarded-up Denny’s now stands. And they didn’t like it. The board criticized the design for lacking a Ballard character, especially since it would be located on the “gateway corner” to Ballard, on 15th and Market. It looks like a “sprawling octopus,” said the board’s chair. “I don’t see Ballard in there at all,” said another board member.

The board has asked for the developers to make some changes and come back for another review. Meanwhile, the battle still rages over whether the old Denny’s should be given a landmark status, which could threaten the project. Seattle’s Landmark Preservation Board meets on January 2nd to consider it.