As we previously shared last fall it was announced Bosa Development would buy the Civic Square lot and it looks like we are getting closer to moving forward. Last week Mayor Ed Murray and the city’s Finance and Administrative Services Department reached a deal to restart the Civic Square project at 601 4th Avenue. The site of the vacant block across from Seattle City Hall, between Third & Fourth avenues and James & Cherry.
Bosa paid the city $16 million for the property and an additional $5.7 million contribution to the city’s affordable housing fund. The agreement has been sent to the Seattle City Council for approval.
“As Seattle grows, we are working to ensure that happens in a way that is equitable, benefiting everyone who lives and works here,” said Mayor Murray. “This new Civic Square project agreement retains the public plaza envisioned nearly a decade ago. Provides significant funding that the previous agreement did not. While we continue to revitalize our downtown core, adding open space and housing. The funding will support additional affordable housing and investments in communities most at risk for displacement.”
Plans for the tower have changed since the original agreement with Triad Development years ago. Civic Square was originally planned as a 43-story tower with office, retail, and housing. Bosa now intends to only have housing and retail in the tower, which will require them to obtain a new Master Use Permit. Current zoning allows a residential tower to 440 feet, but incentives under the Housing Affordability and Living Agenda (HALA) could allow it to be taller. It is unknown whether the residential area will be apartments or condominiums.
“Bosa Development is excited to have an opportunity to contribute a signature development on a keystone site in downtown Seattle,” said Ryan Bosa, President of Bosa Development.
“We believe Bosa Development is the right group to design and construct a dynamic mixed-use project that will energize Seattle’s commercial core and change the way pedestrians experience this area. The public plaza will become a destination for workers and residents from all the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Bosa recently completed the Insignia condominiums in Belltown and are currently planning One88 in Bellevue. They have also recently received a Master Use Permit for a 42-story, 437 unit apartment tower at 2014 Fairview Avenue.
Construction on the Civic Square site is expected to begin by January 1, 2019.
Seattle Civic Square – current site
