Apr 22, 2021

Jeweler moves to Unico space

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Turgeon Raine recently vacated its old location on Fifth Avenue near Union Street, which is bound for redevelopment as a hotel by Masterworks Development. The jeweler has landed a block south at a new 7,000-square-foot corner location in the historic Skinner Building, at 1300 Fifth, owner Unico Properties recently announced. That corner space, at University Street, was vacated by Gucci. It's part of the over 10-acre Metropolitan Tract, which is ground leased from the University of Washington, and mostly managed by Unico. Jerry Raine founded his shop in 1982, and said in a statement, “We're very proud and excited to be a part of this historic location. Understanding that the pandemic has temporarily changed the nature of downtown, I still believe in the long-term outlook for Seattle. As Mark Twain once said, ‘The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.'” (In other downtown jewelry-related news, Ben Bridge recently moved from the Fourth & Pike Building, now being renovated by new owner LBA Realty, and landed in the former Fifth Avenue home of Brooks Brothers, which last year went into bankruptcy and was sold. That storied clothier has now disappeared from our market.)

JLL

Van Liere

JLL announced the recent addition to its design and construction team: Carmen Van Liere, who joins the firm as VP. She makes the move from Katerra. She brings a 15-year background in technology, lean delivery methods and sustainability. JLL's Julie Hyson said in a statement, “Leaders like Carmen can thrive in the entrepreneurial culture of JLL, where we are trusted to collaborate and solve the dynamic needs of our clients.” Said Van Liere, “As part of one of the only all-female leadership teams in Pacific Northwest commercial real estate and project management, I look forward to partnering as a team to thrill our clients and continue to drive growth in the Pacific Northwest.”

Vulcan adds public art

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At its recently completed Jackson Apartments, Vulcan Real Estate announced the addition of a new piece by local artist Paul Rucker to its public art collection. His 78 anchors a large public plaza facing South Jackson Street, with its large vinyl record-shaped bearing spiraling text that honors local musicians associated with South Seattle and the Rainier Valley. It's one of 13 installations throughout the 532-unit development on the corner of 23rd Avenue South, which also includes local retailers and, soon, an Amazon Fresh grocery store. In all its projects, Vulcan says it commits half of 1% of all construction costs to public art commissions.

Apr 15, 2021

SeaLevel leasing new Everett waterfront units

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A fire last summer hindered the construction of the Waterfront Place Apartments in Everett, which is part of the Port of Everett's broader 65-acre Waterfront Place redevelopment. However, SeaLevel Properties announced that the phased, two-building project is well on track, and that pre-leasing has begun for the 135-unit north building. That should open later this spring, and the 131-unit south building is slated for completion next year. Gracorp is the builder, and Tiscareno Associates is the architect. SeaLevel's John Shaw said in a statement, “This will no doubt build momentum for the Port's broader waterfront vision and will build energy for the Port's next office and residential phase.”

Seattle Housing Authority

Brandon

Seattle Housing Authority's present executive director, Andrew Lofton, will retire next month after 17 years with the agency. Into his shoes, the agency announced, will step Rod Brandon, its current director of housing operations. He's been with SHA for a dozen years. SHA board chairman Paul Purcell said in a statement, “While we saw some excellent candidates from around the country, we selected Rod not because he is already a senior leader with SHA but because he is.” Said Brandon, “The need for affordable housing and services is far from met in Seattle, and I'm excited to build on our progress and valuable partnerships as we pursue a vision to expand housing opportunities, promote quality communities and improve more lives.”

JLL

Garces

JLL recently announced the hiring of industry veteran Marcelo Garces. He makes the move from Kinzer Partners. His new position is senior VP, with a focus on tenant representation. He has ample experience with life science and data center clients, both of which are now in high demand. JLL's Joe Gowan said in a statement, “His strong analytical and technical skills combined with his commitment to quality will fit right in to the JLL culture.” Garces added, “JLL has grown into a leader in the data center space in particular, and I'm eager to apply my experience in that field alongside this amazing team.”

NAI promotes trio

NAI Puget Sound Properties announced the recent promotion of three brokers to partner. They are Taylor Okada, who focuses on office and industrial properties north of Seattle and on the Eastside; Connor Powell, who specializes in the South King County industrial market; and Kyle Sterling, who handles office, retail and industrial properties, also south of Seattle.