Studio19 Architects, CallisonRTK
Toll Brothers has purchased the landmarked Franklin Apartments in Belltown for $24.813 million. The site was previously owned by TeamRise Group who purchased the site in 2014 for about $20 million. With the purchase Toll Brothers also acquired Team Rise’s plans to develop the site.
The project, called Fourth & Bell, received design approval over a year ago. Plans call for the construction of a 24-story, 287-unit tower directly next to the three-story Franklin Apartments. Designed by Studio 19 Architects and CallisonRTKL, Fourth & Bell will also include 8,700 square feet of retail and parking for 204 vehicles.
Studio19 Architects, CallisonRTK
The tower’s first floor features its retail space, leasing office, and residential lobby. Residential floor plans include open 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom (some with a den), and 2-bedrooms. The Franklin’s interiors will be gutted and reconfigured to feature loft-style apartment units connected through bridges back to the new tower’s core. As for amenities, there will be indoor and outdoor space on the tower’s roof in addition to the roof of the Franklin
Initial plans called for the construction of two condominium towers, however that changed once the Franklin received landmarked status. The Franklin is one of 28 remaining pre-World War II apartment buildings in Seattle. The 40-unit, 18,000 square foot building currently sits vacant. With the plans approved and Master Use Permit issued, the project can break ground.