Seattle, WA – A series of celebratory milestones for the Chinatown-International District’s newest development, KODA Condominium Flats, is demonstrating that fortune favors the bold and those that move swiftly. In February, DA LI Development USA and Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) held their official groundbreaking ceremony for the 201-unit, 17-story high-rise community located at 5th Avenue and South Main Street, the first of its kind in the heart of Seattle’s Nihonmachi (Japantown)—a city-central neighborhood ripe with culture, history, and endless potential.
ABOVE AND BELOW: The official groundbreaking ceremony for KODA Condominiums was held onsite at 5th and South Main Street with a series of addresses from members of the design and development team, including Tom Doig, Executive Vice President of DA LI Development USA (below).
Then last week, KODA hosted its Grand Opening Preview Event at the KODA Sales Gallery in Pioneer Square with an elaborate red-carpet event, complete with pan-Asian fare, a to-scale KODA ice sculpture, and even an Insta-worthy lion dance parading throughout the affair. More than 300 attendees enjoyed the first-ever previews of the condominiums’ interiors and details while savoring the excitement of the memorable evening.
Now DA LI and RSIR are preparing for the next major moment: KODA’s premiere Public Sales Event on Saturday, March 30th. For many, this will mark the first opportunity to—as Matt VanDamm, vice president of new developments at RSIR, puts it — “own the city.”
“The Chinatown-International District’s residential revival is in full force,” said VanDamm, “and with KODA at the vanguard of what’s next for this vibrant and authentic neighborhood, these huge events are befitting of the enormous impact KODA will bring to this unbeatable location.”
It is that “unbeatable location” that has been the appeal to many potential buyers. Centered between every major neighborhood of Seattle—including the historic charm of Pioneer Square, the cultural melting pot of Chinatown, the Stadium District’s hub of social celebration, and the commerce and commodities of the Central Business District—KODA stands within arm’s reach of the city’s most beloved locales. KODA is also only a few blocks from Seattle’s new $2 billion waterfront, a world-class amenity that is closer and closer with each section of the Alaska Way Viaduct demolition.
“The building’s conveniently close proximity to multiple modes of transit—including the Link light rail, Seattle Streetcar, and the historic Union Station—make KODA akin to the areas that once shaped developing Asia,” comments Tom Doig, Executive Vice President of DA LI Development. “And DA LI instantly recognized that same potential in what is truly the center of everything in Seattle. This is our future.”
The neighborhood is also home to the city’s latest emerging tech campuses given that this community is so well located to what’s been dubbed the “tech train,” allowing residents to quickly commute to eastside campuses—including Amazon’s expansion in downtown Bellevue and Microsoft in Redmond.
With a flawless Transit Score and Walk Score of 98, this South Main Street development is an ideal home to young professionals, first time buyers, second homeowners, savvy investors, and social explorers, but the location’s appeal doesn’t stop at just its convenience. KODA will be built in an environment both rich with culture and history while also beaming with promise for an exciting future. Matt VanDamm says this development’s goal is to celebrate and preserve the district’s character while nourishing its growth.
“It’s not unlike what’s happening in Manhattan,” notes VanDamm, who recently relocated from New York City to Seattle. “Historic and beloved neighborhoods are being rejuvenated with restorations and new developments that honor the area’s traditional aesthetic while sustaining its livelihood for the next-generation. And on the brink of the ‘Manhattanization’ of Seattle, KODA is simply ahead of the curve.”
VanDamm appointed Lorraine Rotanelli and Michele Liang to Community Sales Associates for KODA. Becky Lee was also introduced to assist with overseas buyers. The team reports brisk preview activity now that the Sales Gallery is open by appointment.
“Our homeowners are very excited and for good reason,” said Rotanelli. “KODA introduces attainably priced homes with unparalleled amenities in the most dynamic locations in the city. From this perch you can walk a few blocks in any direction and be in distinct neighborhoods or hop on the light rail and be anywhere. KODA is only a few blocks from Seattle’s new waterfront.”
Rotanelli says 80-percent of the homes have been placed under reservation, some holding their position for more than a year awaiting this moment. Reservation holders have now begun converting to Purchase and Sale Agreements. Only a 5-percent earnest money deposit is required to lock in introductory pricing. New homeowners can choose between two designer color schemes and also consider other options such as kitchen islands, extending hardwood floors into bedrooms, adding window treatments and exploring a host of high-tech features.
“We have some terrific opportunities for new homebuyers too,” adds Liang. “Those that act soon will enjoy preferred selection.”
The March 30th official sales debut will feature the new release of studio, urban-one, one-, two- and three-bedroom flats (464-1,065 sq. ft.) will be offered from below $450,000 to more than $1.4 million. Buyers can expect occupancy by late 2020.
A new website has been launched at www.ownKODA.com. Prospective buyers are encouraged to register for priority presale opportunities.
