Written by Our hard-working economic development director reminds me to remind citizens that this hotel image is only conceptual, there are no agreements in place, and this is fully subject to change, but….
HERE are the renderings that I was asked if I could obtain following the Mayor’s mention of a possible new hotel in his “State of the City Address.”
I think that this site, already either optioned or outright owned by Paul Allen, would be an excellent location for a hotel. And the concept of a Seahawks-themed hotel makes perfect sense. I even like the suggested name, Hawks Landing, which obviously ties together two of the most recent redevelopment accomplishments in out city, the Seahawks Headquarters and “the Landing” urban village.
This hotel would no-doubt served the Seahawks headquarters well as a home for visiting prospects, player’s families, journalists, financial advisers, fans, and other team supporters. And with it’s access to Bellevue, Renton, and Sea Tac Airport, I’m sure it would become a popular hotel for visiting business men and women doing business on the Eastside.
On a more personal front, a hotel here would also quickly become a preferred location for those of us living in Kennydale, the Highlands, and Newcastle to lodge our out-of-town guests who do not wish to sack out on our hide-a-beds.
The site, which currently has some old industrial-looking Pan Abode structures on it, is a gateway to both the cities of Renton and Newcastle. So a redevelopment of this type would give a nice impression to people entering our community.
Redevelopment of this site would include offsite utility upgrades and would probably also include dedication of the final trail section to complete a May Creek Trail corridor. To make all the pieces come together, we would most likely work to reach some sort of development agreement; that way we would know we could count on a new tax stream to off-set the upfront costs for any public works.
The possibility of a large project at this location has picked up some interest in Olympia, as lawmakers struggle to reinvigorate the state economy. Consequently, our state legislative team is working to find capital improvement or street funds to help us with this. It’s obviously difficult to find a dime in the general fund these days, and the legislature is considering moving capitol funding to the general fund this year to get us through the current budget crisis. But if there are capitol funds for utility upgrades trails to be found, particularly as seed money to jump-start development, we will be all over it. Marcie Maxwell, our newly elected 41st District State Representative, has been monitoring this very closely for us. And Margarta Prentice has been helping Renton in the senate. If there is any money available for this type of capitol project (for either the road work, the trail, or both), after the state General Fund is balanced, we may have a chance at getting some assistance.
Freeway Noise
I live in that same area, and have concerns about the freeway noise there. While regular traffic doesn’t bother me, large trucks use their compression brakes (or J-brakes) at all hours of the night. I am frequently woken up at 2-3-4 a.m. to the jackhammer-like sound of these brakes.
I hope the potential of constructing a new hotel in the area would be cause for Renton PD, or State Patrol, to enforce the No-Compression Brakes rule there. It would let many of us sleep much better, and raise some revenue from tickets!
Re: Freeway Noise
How else is Renton suppose to survive if “J” or Compression Brakes are thought to be outlawed? The big Retail Stores and Auto Row will be out of business.
the hotel looks greaT! and im glad they are going to be ripping that all down! I was thinking that the other day. I must agree though with the commenter (2) above. Port quendall could have been somthing quite stunning. I saw the original plans for the whole 60 acre-or so- site. I hope port quendall gets developed into an office/retail complex. that whole area could have turned out much differnelty. 🙁
Hawks Landing – Fabulous
This is a great opportunity to take advantage of this location and integration with the new seahawks facility. As mentioned this is the gateway to the city and a facelift like this is greatly needed to enhance our community.
I go to Arizona each year for Mariners spring training. I can’t wait to be able to have Seahawks summer camp in our back yard! Our family are all big Hawks fans and I’m sure we will utilize a hotel facility to get closer to the hawks staff and players. It will become a family tradition my children will remember forever. Go Hawks!!!
Kennydale Resident
Public Hearing July 21, 9 AM
PROJECT NUMBER / NAME: LUA09-060, ECF, SA-H, SA-M / Hawk’S Landing Mixed Use
• Description: The applicant is requesting Master Site Plan Review, Site Plan Review, and SEPA Environmental Review for a 60-foot high, 122,000 square foot, 173-room hotel. The hotel would include retail space, fitness center, spa, and a restaurant. The subject site is located at 4350 Lake Washington Boulevard N, the former site of Pan Abode Cedar Homes that is approximately 7.8 acres in size. The applicant has proposed to remove the existing warehouse structures on the subject. The proposed development would be accessed from Lake Washington Boulevard N at two locations. In addition to a parking garage, 124 surface parking spaces are proposed including five spaces for Neighborhood Eclectic Vehicles. The subject site is located north of May Creek and its associated 100-year flood plan and has been identified to be within a seismic hazard area; as such, the applicant submitted a geotechnical report, wetland and stream study, and flood hazard information with the application. The applicant estimated 4,450 cubic yards of cut and 15,000 cubic yards of fill materials for development construction. The 9 existing trees on the subject site would be replaced with 83 new trees. The applicant would provide drainage and street frontage improvements as a part of this project.
• General Location: 4350 Lake Washington Blvd N
• Public Approvals: Environmental (SEPA) Review, Hearing Examiner Site Plan, Master Plan Review
• Contact: Vanessa Dolbee, tel: 425-430-7314, email: vdolbee@rentonwa.gov
• Applicant/Project Contact Person: Spencer Alpert, Alpert International , Lllp, tel: 206.915.7200, email: spencer@alpertcapital.com
• Date of Application: May 21, 2009
• Notice of Complete Application: May 28, 2009
• This matter is tentatively scheduled for a public hearing on July 21, 2009, at 9:00 AM, Council Chambers, Seventh Floor, Renton City Hall. If you are interested in attending the hearing, please contact the Development Services Divison, (425) 430-7282, to ensure that the hearing has not been rescheduled. If you have questions about this proposal, or wish to be made a party of record and receive additional notification by mail, contact the Project Manager at 425-430-7314.
If this is how the hotel will look like in his final shape I think it would look wonderful. In my understanding the area needs a hotel like this, I hope the project will get all the approvals for starting the building work. It resembles with one of the Orlando FL hotels.