Homeowner Testimonials Provide a Glimpse into the Future of Downtown Living
NEXUS, a new 378-unit high-rise condominium being developed at the corner of Howell Street and Minor Avenue in downtown Seattle, has earned headlines recently for its remarkable sales success and according to the buyers there are plenty of reasons for that.
Chad Zinda, a Seattle-based real estate agent who waited in line to secure his condominium on the weekend NEXUS debuted for presale reservations, says his primary motivation to purchase was the sheer scarcity of new homes available in downtown Seattle. With so few projects in the pipeline he knew it was important to confirm his position at NEXUS, especially given the building’s cutting-edge design and smart tech innovations. Zinda says he looks forward to the way NEXUS living will improve his quality of life with easy access to shopping, dining and close proximity to the ever-expanding regional light rail system.
The future was also at the forefront of Cyrus Fiene’s mind, another local real estate agent who in addition to representing several buyers at NEXUS, couldn’t resist a purchase for himself. As a savvy market observer Fiene was compelled by the investment opportunity, knowing both the impressive market fundamentals present and the trajectory that downtown Seattle is experiencing.
“With prices escalating at such a rapid pace, and fear of being priced out of the market, NEXUS was a no-brainer,” said Fiene. “Many NEXUS buyers, like myself, have the option to enjoy it as a primary residence, rental property, or sell it for profit after building completion.”
For some homebuyers, NEXUS was a logical next step within a dynamic urban location that they already call home. That was the case with Michelle Gottschlich, a physician currently living down the street from the NEXUS development site. Gottschlich took the leap into homeownership when she first discovered NEXUS and was attracted to it’s perfect fusion of location, new construction quality and modern amenities.
Denise Cruz, a Human Resources Benefits Administrator currently living in Greenlake, says she saw a sign for NEXUS downtown while commuting to work one day and decided it was time for her to stop renting.
“Rents are so unpredictable – it’s really hard to afford housing in Seattle,” said Cruz.
By securing a condominium during presale, Cruz is protecting herself from the volatility of the rental market, while vastly improving her commute. At NEXUS, she’ll be able to walk from her new condominium to her workplace, plus enjoy all the residential conveniences and entertainment options that are arriving to this burgeoning community.
Jay Kipp and his husband Dennis Bucheim enjoyed a head start at NEXUS as Jay was following the project closely from its inception. As a broker with RSIR, he was excited to buy a unique floor plan that offered views, higher ceilings and outdoor living spaces. The couple has been splitting time between Capitol Hill and the Bay Area and they look forward to establishing a permanent residence at NEXUS.
“After living in San Francisco, we really got used to the ‘tower living’ and all the benefits of being in a new construction, amenity rich, view property,” said Kipp. “New construction opportunities are limited in Seattle and the delivery time worked well for our longer-term planning as a couple. NEXUS is also the type of property we were seeking.”
As commuting to and from San Francisco is still going to be frequent, Kipp notes the enviable access to the I-5 corridor as well as light rail service to SeaTac International Airport among the many attributes that attracted them.
Pooya Hakimi, an IT consultant, heard the buzz about NEXUS being a “high-tech, high-rise” so his curiosity compelled him to explore and he ended up buying. He’ll be moving from downtown Bellevue and sees his new life in Seattle as being a mix of fun and business made possible by the NEXUS amenities.
“It’s definitely a more fun atmosphere to socialize in and entertain family and out of town guests while preparing meals,” says Pooya, referring to the exhibition kitchen located on the 41st floor common area Sky Lounge at NEXUS. “I see myself using the meeting rooms for conferences and presentations as well.”
For Lauren Messenger, you could say it was the art of the deal. She’s a museum professional living in First Hill and her father shared an article about the extraordinary development that taking place in the East Village neighborhood where NEXUS is being built. She’s also a foodie and says the well-appointed, open plan kitchens will inspire her culinary ambitions.
“The [kitchens] look exceptionally convenient and well-sized,” adds Messenger. “I can’t wait to try out some new recipes that my previous kitchen didn’t have the space to accommodate!”
As a logistics professional, Peter Ku would know a thing or two about the importance of location and access to amenities. He understands the namesake NEXUS as being the core or center of something – in this case many things. The new condominium tower will help link the four distinct quadrants of downtown Seattle: Capitol Hill and First Hill, the Central Business District and Retail District, the Denny Triangle and Belltown area, and South Lake Union.
Lauren Hays, a software engineer that currently lives in Pioneer Square with her husband Casey, was attracted to NEXUS not only because it is well-designed with functional living spaces, but also because it is a pet friendly community with a Dog Lounge, complete with a dog run on the 7th floor. They are thankful they are buying during pre-sales by locking in prices and establishing their future plans now.
“We avoid competing in the turbulent Seattle real estate market [by purchasing now],” says Lauren. “We’ll enjoy living in a modern new building, and feel confident that we are making a sound investment with our money.”
These conversations confirmed what many others have said – NEXUS is the next generation of urban living in downtown Seattle and the opportunity to own its exciting future was of paramount appeal to all.
NEXUS is now more than 80-percent presold with occupancy scheduled for mid-2019. Remaining homes are offered from the low $900,000s to more than $5 million. Prospective homebuyers are encouraged to visit the Sales Center at 2609 1st Ave to experience the fully furnished model home explore home personalization options.