Seattle is finally catching up to the idealized and urbane—albeit formerly fictitious—version of itself as portrayed in a certain beloved sitcom about a radio psychiatrist known as Frasier Crane. In what was a logger town but now a flourishing global city, sipping sherry in a luxury penthouse while enjoying an unobstructed view of the iconic Space Needle has become an attainable reality. The most contemporary example of such an aesthetic is SPIRE—a towering 41-story sculptural glass landmark inspired for modern cosmopolitan living. SPIRE is now rising at the intersection of downtown’s most preferred urban neighborhoods with estimated first occupancy in the winter of 2020/21.
On April 25, GeekWire Studios — the sponsored content arm of GeekWire — and Realogics Sotheby’s International Reality will present an “Inspired Living” event to showcase these premier condominiums to guests who register at InspiredLivingSeattle.com. SPIRE will align with other leaders in luxury, including local fine-dining chefs, exotic car makers, wine producers, interior furnishing and art galleries, design and lifestyle publishers, and more. The sip, savor and soar theme is well supported: guests will join Executive Chef Shawn Applin of Michael Mina’s acclaimed RN74 restaurant along with wine pairings by DeLille Cellars. A few surprises from our sponsors Delta Air Lines and American Express. The experience is an exploration of how downtown Seattle lifestyles have evolved and where it’s heading. It also brings to light the many attractions of urban living and also philanthropic opportunities to give back to the less fortunate.
SPIRE is itself a showcase of state-of-the-art engineering revealed in expertly crafted homes with artisan finishes, and Laconia Development and Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) have just announced newly released penthouses for presale and personalization.
Laconia, a developer with a refreshing reputation for its passion above production, has held the building site for SPIRE for over a decade while anticipating the onward progress of other various development projects as stepping stones toward their own. Now, SPIRE can aptly represent the pinnacle of Seattle’s inspired growth.
“Seattle is most certainly a world-class city on the rise,” asserted Paul Menzies, CEO of Laconia Development. “SPIRE’s design, quality, and lifestyle befits its front and center position in the skyline and offers expansive views that are both iconic and enduring.”
Menzies said this enviable location is perfectly positioned between urban tech campuses including Amazon, Google, Facebook and the new headquarters of Expedia. In fact, he notes more than 130 employer addresses in technology, biomedical and finance are within walking distance or transit, providing quick commutes without a car.
Unlike most rectangular structures making their debut, SPIRE stands out as a prism of glass, with many condominiums uniquely benefiting from an elegant curvature to the living spaces and expansive views. The newly announced penthouses boast 10-foot ceiling heights, enhanced specifications and will include opportunities to personalize a home, including a choice of two designer palettes, integrated audio-visual packages, and fireplace feature walls in the living rooms (most homes). Those acting quickly even have an opportunity to combine multiple penthouses and optimize their one-of-a-kind home.
“The Seattle market is ready and waiting for true condominium estate homes,” said Dean Jones, President and CEO of RSIR. “The reality is luxury towers such as SPIRE only come about every decade or so and there are only so many homes available at the top of the building. It’s an inherently rare offering.”
Far more than just spectacular views, SPIRE’s penthouse specifications include a chef’s kitchen with all-wood cabinets and natural stone kitchen countertops with both waterfall islands and backsplash, and premium SubZero® and Wolf® appliances with gas cooking and wine fridge (most homes). Living areas will feature wide plank hardwood flooring, a gas fireplace (most homes), Control4 Smart-home automation with motorized window shades, and one-touch integration options for lighting, audio/visual, and climate controls. Spa-like master bathrooms showcase a 6-foot undermount bathtubs with natural stone deck, in-wall tank water closet and a floating vanity with Hans Grohe fixtures.
Those motivated to secure unit combinations or personalize the penthouses are encouraged to make private appointments with the SPIRE sales team prior to the debut. Currently, the penthouses offered on levels 38 and 39 range from one bedroom / one-bathroom plans of 667 sq. ft. to three bedroom / three bathroom plans of 1,825 sq. ft., although popular plans include assembling homes up to four bedrooms / three and a half bathroom options of 2,635 sq. ft. Introductory pricing ranges from below $1 million to more than $4.6 million. It’s also noteworthy that these homes include parking with a second car option.
Positioned at the top of the 440-foot tower, these penthouses offer sweeping views of the stunning vistas of South Lake Union, the Space Needle, sunsets across Elliott Bay, and breathtaking panoramas of a beautiful city rich in character and endless potential.
“I think of the gorgeous, expansive window walls of glass in these penthouses, and it’s similar to how buyers consider waterfront real estate,” explains Jones. “It matters how much frontage you have. So here we have a plethora of window frontage offering not just views but an outpouring of natural light for a remarkable living space. The glass to floor area ratio is unmatched.”
The preferred location is evidenced by sales activity. A tower near SPIRE recently sold a penthouse for $12 million—a record for Seattle—and developers and realtors understand why.
“SPIRE offers an ideal, quieter side of downtown, near open spaces, with protected views, and it’s moments away from the waterfront amenities of Lake Union and Elliott Bay,” said Matt Vandamm, RSIR Vice President of New Developments. “There’s access to natural environments and breathing space paired with a dense mecca of urban excitement and cosmopolitan fares just in its backyard.”
SPIRE is pioneering a new category of luxury for Seattle, and finally, 10 years in the making, that aspirational portrait of the city is finally being realized.
For more information visit: https://spireseattle.com