| Building: | The Pomeroy |
| Location: | Belltown |
| Client: | Murray Franklyn |
| # of Homes: | 57 |
| Year Completed: | 1997 |
| # of Stories: | 8 over 2 floors of parking plus ground floor retail and restaurant |
Challenge
The site was unusual in that it was a V -shaped site that had been cut in half when the viaduct was first designed and installed in the mid 1960's. The homes had been designed initially as apartments and we did not believe the existing design appropriate for condominium housing, especially at the price points needed by the Developer to make the project viable.
These condominium homes are located right on top of Seattle's busy Highway 99 viaduct with heavy traffic noise. The location was in the then transitional area of Belltown. Early feedback showed the traffic noise would "discourage" prospective buyers.
Solution
Working with the developer and architect, Williams Marketing recommended that the homes be redesigned to offer larger homes on the west side of the building to take advantage of excellent views of Elliott Bay while designing smaller homes on the east side of the building which were located on the street. The homes facing west with great views were the homes over the viaduct so Williams Marketing recommended removing the decks that had been designed on these homes and to employ special sound engineering consultants to suggest construction methods to minimize freeway noise. (Williams had just finished another condominium on highway 99 a mile north of this property and had learned from the mistakes made at that property). In lieu of private decks, a large rooftop deck was added for community outdoor space.
The project was named after the mayor who had cut the property in half to make room for the viaduct in the 60's. This created a marketing opportunity and the relatives of the Mayor Pomeroy were contacted to cut the ribbon to open the project upon completion. This story was used in the marketing campaign which offered a personal message that resonated with buyers. Williams Marketing did not allow sales to begin for prospects until the sound-deadening methods were installed and noise abatement could be felt.
Result
Prior to its Grand Opening, about 60% of the homes were sold. The homes were completely sold out within six months of completion at prices that broke records in Belltown at the time.