A six-story apartment project planned for the corner of NW Market Street and 9th Avenue NW has received final design approval from the city, clearing the way for construction to begin as soon as this fall.
The development, called Kanepē, has been in the works for more than five years. It will replace seven single-family homes on the site with a 171-unit apartment building that includes ground-level retail and parking for 82 vehicles.
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) granted conditional approval for the project last week, following a unanimous recommendation from the Northwest Design Review Board. The board approved the developer’s request for additional height and floor area in exchange for preserving a 75-foot Douglas fir tree on the property, which will be incorporated into a landscaped courtyard at the building’s entrance. The design also preserves a row of mature oak trees along NW Market Street, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ).
While many neighbors supported the addition of new housing and businesses, some raised concerns about the building’s scale and its impact on nearby homes. Comments submitted during the review process cited potential privacy issues, loss of sunlight, and the “canyon effect” of a sheer six-story wall along the north side of the project. The board concluded that the overall design, including setbacks and tree preservation, addressed those concerns sufficiently to move forward.
Developer F.A. Johnson Development says Kanepē will include a mix of amenities such as a rooftop deck, fitness center, work-from-home lounge, bike storage, and pet facilities. The company also plans to enroll in Seattle’s Multi-Family Tax Exemption program, which would set aside 20 percent of the units for workforce housing at reduced rents.
According to the PSBJ, construction is expected to begin in late summer or early fall and will take about 20 months to complete. When finished, the building will add hundreds of new rental units to Ballard’s growing Urban Village, continuing the trend of midrise development along NW Market Street.
Photo: F.A. Johnson Development