“Buildings should be good neighbors.” – Paul Thiry
New construction succeeds when the designs marry past with future while fitting in with their surroundings. It’s an ideal held by both Paul Thiry, a pioneer of modernism in the Pacific Northwest, and Daniels Real Estate, the creative inspiration behind Seattle’s newest residential achievement, Graystone.
Thiry exerted a significant influence on the emergence of Northwest style as well as a modernist design. He was the principal architect of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair – the vision behind many buildings that stood the test of time, including the original Coliseum (now Climate Pledge Arena) with its iconic sloped roof – as well as the original Museum of History and Industry and Frye Art Museum.
The initial sparks for many of these designs were ignited in the office that Thiry himself created at the corner of 8th Avenue and Columbia Street. It is that location where Kevin Daniels and his team of architects have brought the spirit of Thiry forward with the design of a 31-story, glass-and-steel marvel that will be a good neighbor for years to come..
Graystone offers 271 luxury residences from a First Hill perch that essentially ensures outstanding views of the city, mountains and water. The high-rise comes with a selection of two interior palettes, high-quality finishes and ceilings about nine feet high.
The design is thoughtful to its surroundings – just as Thiry would have wanted. A 9000 sq. ft. public parklet is taking shape on the Southwest corner of this city block and will include a two-story waterfall that users of the condo fitness center will have a perfect view through to the greenspace.
Residents will experience top-notch personalized services through a partnership with Columbia Hospitality, which is recognized across our region for catering to discerning clientele. Columbia is bringing special amenities rarely seen in a local condo, including member-level access to the historic Lodge at St. Edward State Park, Chateau Ste. Michelle winery, Washington Athletic Club, Salish and Semiahmoo resorts, as well as some of the top golf courses.
Plans are also in the works on a top-floor wine bar and private wine storage for residents, and there is talk of exclusive access to some of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s finest wines. This attention to custom benefits should offer an excellent opportunity to build a distinctive community right within the building.
Graystone also provides 24/7 concierge services from the vaulted two-story lobby, a grand staircase to the second-floor to enjoy the fitness center, yoga studio, gaming room and co-working lounge. Other amenities include a dog run, pet wash, bike storage, free Rad bike share and media room.
Saving arguably the best for last, the top-floor indoor and outdoor lounges come with fireplaces, exhibition kitchen, private dining room and BBQ grills. Outdoor spaces are on the Northeast and Southwest corners, assuring incredible glimpses of the sun at dawn and dusk.
Homes currently start in the upper $400Ks and run to more than $3M. There is plenty of underground parking, at $75K a space or $80K-$90K with an electric-charging station – though availability is presently earmarked to non-studio homeowners.
Storage units of about 15 sq. ft. are available at $10K. Monthly HOA dues are about $1 a sq. ft.
Interested buyers only need to make an initial down payment of 5%. The Daniels team is targeting a summer 2023 open, delayed by the pandemic, a change in contractors and the local concrete workers’ strike.
The building – the only city condo scheduled to open next year – is decidedly residential, with no commercial tenants and featuring more greenspace than typical residential towers.
Graystone is named after a former social club and residential hotel – Graystone Manor – that opened in 1907 on First Hill. The high-rise takes a nod to Art Deco but rethinking it in a modern way with a special feeling of coming home.
Thiry envisioned his remarkable achievements across Seattle Center 60 years ago as designs that would withstand time – just as Graystone is striving to accomplish for generations today and tomorrow.
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“If there is to be physical and mental betterment on Earth, it most assuredly rests with the world of architecture to give direction and to take steps to lead the way.” – Paul Thiry
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(This blog post is not a paid endorsement of Graystone. It is an opportunity to provide fresh insights into local real estate developments from the perspective of a real estate professional living and working in Seattle. Note: Parking prices were revised lower on the day this article was published and are accurate as of May 3, 2022. Contact Will Springer to learn more and please remember to visit a new construction sales gallery with your real estate representative.)