The Lovejoy (Pearl Safeway) | Complete

[MarkDaMan]

Two new buildings in the works...thanks PDX streetcar for posting in NW region

From August 16, 2005 Pearl District Neighborhood Association
Planning, Design & Transportation Committee Minutes:

Safeway

· Alan Grainger of GGLO Architects presented a massing model for the 2-block “Safeway” development project.
The site is located between Lovejoy and Marshall, and 12th and 14th.

· The original design presented by GGLO Architects last year was determined to not be feasible due to the costs
mainly associated with the below grade parking. Al Solheim and Bob Ames have now partnered with Unico
Properties, of Seattle, for the western block (block 1) and will sell the eastern block (block 2) to Unico to
develop. Unico owns other property in the Oregon, Washington and northern Calif. Locally, they own the US
Bancorp Tower, Lincoln Building.

· Safeway will occupy the first floor and have a mezzanine level on Block 1. The primary store entrance will be
at the corners of Lovejoy and Marshall at 13th, while the mezzanine level will be used for deliveries and
accessed along 14th. The parking entrance will also be along 14th. Floors 2 and 3 will be for 190 parking
spaces for Safeway, which will have a dedicated elevator to access the store. The 4th floor will have 145
parking spaces dedicated to Rivertec, for the replacement of spaces lost on the surface lot of Block 2. The 5th
floor will be for approximately 145 parking spaces for the offices in the building. Above the parking there will be
a 3-story ‘L’ shaped 75k sqft office building, oriented along 14th and Marshall. The office will have a different
character than apartment, with precast exposed concrete. Block 1 rises to 115’.

· The first floor of Block 2 will include about 20k sqft of retail space located along Lovejoy and 13th, with the
center portion for parking. In addition, the main lobby for the apartments will be located on 12th along with the
parking entrance. A loading dock is proposed for Marshall. On the second and third floors will be parking for
residents. Above the parking will be 2-story loft type units, followed by a 13-sotry ‘L’ shaped tower. There will
be between 235 to 240 units. The tower is located along 12th and Marshall, and do not extend the full width of
the building. Block 2 rises to 175’. The parking ratio is currently .7:1 units.

· The buildings will be built to qualify for a LEED certification (both feature eco-roofs). Block 1 has been
accepted into a new LEED prototype program. Block 2 plans to qualify for Silver certifaction.

· Gibson, along with others, voiced concern about the massing of the tower on block 2. They suggested that the
orientation of the ‘L’ shaped tower be along 12th and Lovejoy. The current orientation of 12th and Marshall
would be a canyon because of the Bob Ball/Cronin block project to the north. Grainger said that the shadow
models provided the most light for the courtyard in its current configuration and they wanted to keep a lower
profile along 13th. Also, Grainger said that the models were created before the Bob Ball project was proposed.

· Abeel had concern about the above grade parking, since many above grade parking structures are covered
with blank walls. Abeel asked about having below grade parking. Grainger commented that Planning had
already asked that parking be below grade. Van Patten also commented that the apartment was not high-end,
and that the extra cost was 10 to 15k per unit, which would make the project prohibitive.

· Van Patten said that the project will apply for the Multi-Family tax credit, by providing 15% of the units for
residents that earn 80% of median income.

· The project is working with PDOT and a traffic consultant to make the necessary lane realignment changes to
the street to ensure good traffic flow. As part of the study, they are considering the traffic patterns for Safeway,
including deliveries. They do not want trucks blocking traffic when backing in to the loading bays, since they will be located along 14th. Gardner reminded everyone that the Committee had previously wanted loading
along 14th.

· The project is not a part of the 13th Ave LID, but is working with the City to ensure there is a similar character
(ie. Level street to street and no loading docks). There was some concern that they were not receiving proper
advice about the design guidelines for 13th Ave.

· There was additional concern expressed about the height of the apartment building, since the original design
was only a 6-story project and the ability to blend in with the surrounding buildings. Grainger commented that
they are trying to make the project work financially, since the finances of the previous project did not work. He
also believes that the design will fit with the area.

· Several also questioned the need for another apartment building, considering the current soft market. Van
Patten commented that UNICO has done research and believes that by the time the building is ready in 2008
that their will be demand for apartments.

· The Wilbur-Ellis building is going to be torn down soon and will be used as a staging area for the Bob
Ball/Cronin project. Most recently the building was being used for parking.

· The project has completed pre-application after the previous application had expired. They have applied for
design advice with the City.

· Gardner commented that the addition of the Safeway has been long desired by many.