Trio of buildings marks "new era" in Seattle

[@AZ-74]

Looks like he’s a Bond villain

[@ghatsaad9412]

The arcithect villain

[@danielking104]

My product doesn't appeal to rich people, my projects appeal to people where great designs matter. So.... rich people who wants to look good??? WTF?

[@doomtomb3]

He’s saying not all rich people would pay his prices because it’s stupid.

[@jzakary1]

This guy is totally detached from reality.

[@BManStan1991]

Think Gucci. As a brand, their products are absolutely hideous, but people paid top dollar for them because of the brand. There’s nothing engineering-wise or even functionality-wise all that remarkable about them. I think that’s what he meant. If you’re renting one of his apartments just for the standard luxury amenities and not for the design aspect you’ll be disappointed.

[@jholid6y]

What he was trying to say was, my product appeal to people w taste, I.e. rich ppl w no heart.

[@jtoland2333]

What he was actually saying was, "My buildings don't appeal to people who can afford anything they want. They appeal to people who don't know any better."

[@leilanidoofy90]

I love Vancouver’s architecture so I’m excited. But yes we need to fix the housing crisis

[@alejandropena5658]

They have ALOT more high rises it’s kind of crazy compared to Seattle but Seattle has a bigger population . Weird

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Two things: 1. Seattle - you already are a beautiful "world class town". You don't need swoopy, tall buildings to prove this. It's your people, culture and vibe that makes you who you are. 2. It's easy to says "no more mediocrity" when building buildings in a city where the average home price is $1.6 million.

[@benetfleck3662]

Finally. Cool and innovative buildings.The architecture commission of Seattle was noticeably absent for the last decade or two, allowing some of the most horrendous "Post-industrial Berlin" structures to be built as eyesores for the community all around town as a reminder how cheap brownstone with dead gray metal windowframes peppered with cables and partial awnings could ruin your day. If buildings could throw up it would look like these.

[@Nicholas-f5]

We need cutting edge eco and affordable towers, not part time places for Saudis while people sleep on the sidewalk out front. 🌱

[@altoic1]

yes!

[@jdhjimbo]

The people sleeping on the street is their problem - mental health and drug problems. The city encouraging more homelessness or handing out drugs on 3rd Ave is only creating a worse disaster.

[@Leonard_Wilson]

Bring the Sonics back to Seattle!!!

[@abdifatah86]

bring sonics back 👍

[@DamBevers]

What planet do these King 5 employees live on?? The last thing Seattle needs is yet another billionaire building high rises with extremely expensive condos downtown, adding more cars to the roads of one of the most congested cities in the US. Seattle needs a metro system, yesterday. Is there a billionaire out there that is willing to do that? Or how about a submerged tunnel linking Seattle to Bremerton? Or a light rail over 520? The “huge” light rail expansion is too little, way too late. It’s time think outside of the box and deliver a whole host of transportation solutions that can actually move around the millions of people that drive in metro Seattle every single day. Oh, and how about someone to help King 5 pull it’s head out of its behind?

[@anthonydeville5976]

You're asking a private investor to fund a public works project that will cost billions which will have no return on the investment? That's really, really stupid. I wouldn't trust you with $5.00.

[@IcelanderUSer]

Cities need to heed these warnings if they ever want to become truly world class. That is they need to build extensive subway systems to move people in and out. Otherwise they won’t be able to build a high rise density that can attract the best buildings and architects without a parking space for each and every worker.

[@Damosil00]

South Korea's high rises collects rainfall

[@californiamade5608]

Go Gun Hee one here being built in San Francisco will collect rainwater, recycle water, and ran off windy energy. Also will have plants on the outside of its facade.

[@j2consultants]

We are happy to see the restoration of old buildings!

[@nibirue]

So more expensive houses and no affordable housing? Empty condos and more poor on the streets.

[@bigdoggaming4927]

Very true.

[@Countcho]

Nothing is affordable here. Even living far away in the woods is real expensive in western wa My rent for a duplex all by myself in eastern WA was only 545 a month.

[@Redhookguy2000]

Free market....affordable housing in Kent

[@roeese1]

That's not how capitalism works. Those "poor" people, who aren't poor by any global standard of poverty, need to be more productive.

[@JackSparrow-sk8mx]

James Or maybe try not voting yes to every new tax bill that comes out.

[@SagaciousSilence]

Seattle is bound to have developers. We should therefore encourage developers who care about aesthetics, like this developer.

[@WoWplayer527]

how about some affordable housing for middle class families? The common people are being pushed out of cities and into far off suburbs to make room for more housing for millionaires who only further raise cost of living.

[@Northern1ofd]

It's somehow funny that the developer (aka "the artist") is taking all of the credit for the completely different design of each individual tower. "Ofcourse" it was HIS (the artists) idea... instead of the architects, who actually came up with (most of) the designs. There is still something called intellectual property - just because you bought the design, does not necessarily mean that you own the rights to it and claim it as yours. One ought to give credit where credit is due, good sir! (not only to J.Cheng, given by the journalist)

[@IllUMINATED33]

Miami has more skyscrapers than seattle. Miami has the largest population of skyscrapers on the east coast, outside of Manhattan. Miami has 500 skyscrapers over 70 stores, and about 12 of those are over 80 stories tall. google "Miami skyline 2019". Also, Miami will have the 2nd tallest skyscraper on the east coast in 2022. look up "Miami future tall skyscrapers".

[@jdhjimbo]

One thing Miami has that Seattle does not - an intelligent mayor, and a well-run state - not a boob like idiot Inslee. Miami will be the new Silicon Valley, as Gavin Gruesome is driving them out of CA. SV take note: Florida - with Suarez in Miami, & DeSantis in Tallahassee, have outlawed Big Tech censorship, so these loons and Cancel Culture kooks will NOT be tolerated!

[@IllUMINATED33]

@@jdhjimbo Lol. thanks for your reply my friend :)

[@josephlauletta3493]

Hmm, I'm a ARNP at HMC, make $74k/yr, an RN or BSN nurse out of nursing school probably makes $50k/yr, the city's healthcare providers are in the "low income" bracket for Seattle (and probably Eastside as well). I do see many nurses moving out of WA State over the past few years. I wonder who will be staffing the local hospitals when medical staff leave due housing that is so expensive due to extravagant views, art gallery lobbies and such. We don't need fancy condos, we need a livable city. Anyways, get ready for longer wait times in the ED as the "inconvenient truth" is staff shortages are already here and relocating to other states are looking more appealing to more and more of us. Yikes!

[@kingfischer]

We want affordable housing, not new ways for rich people to waste their money

[@jdhjimbo]

No, we need lazy, unmotivated people to dream big and become productive members of society, and not kick back - waiting for a govt handout. Socialism nonsense has crept into the minds of all the Left Coast, and itvis deranged thinking, that will only bring the city down. With Durkan & Inslee, Seattle is heading down the wrong path!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Why do we need to be a world class city? Seems the more "world class" we get, the more miserable the city gets. Seattle was a lot better 30 years ago, the traffic was bad, but not compared with today. Many trees have been destroyed in order to allow developers to build ugly buildings. There was actually parking in most areas of the city and you could park for long enough to actually get your stuff done. At least Gillespie seems to be focused on large buildings where they mostly already are. And at least he seems to care about making them nice to look at and functional. As opposed to the hacks that have been building things lately.

[@TheCloakedTiger]

Wow!!! I love seeing cities get bigger, BUT! Are these buildings ready to rock and roll and shake in a earthquake? Same goes for SF and LA.

[@jdhjimbo]

The guidelines for buildings are more stringent than before. Every city on the Pacific Rim of Fire is susceptible. The city cannot stagnate just because there is a threat of a possible earthquake.

[@MzBrazilian87]

I walked past the lot for work many times before they started building and I don’t how or why they want to build this hideous building on such a tiny lot on Denny Ave 🧐🤦🏾‍♀️

[@buddyclem7328]

At 2:57 why did the narrator have a robot voice?

[@jeffreyhunt1727]

4:13 Seattle is right at the crusp

[@asingreat4630]

Jeffrey Hunt Bet he also says, “asteriks.”

[@InsaneNuYawka]

Lol ... it was an honest fumble ...I bet he was between using either the word “crest” or “cusp”

[@andrewjensen8189]

Dont forget Bjerke Ingels and his genius architecture firm who designed and conceptualized the Vancouver house.

[@stevealavi]

Let's see how good Ian Gilespe is at building AFFORDABLE HOUSING

[@davegrega]

Maybe he can create a beautiful art installation in the lobby with all the needles on the ground

[@lIo00oIl]

In Seattle? People are running away from the city.

[@lIo00oIl]

@alhamdleallah2 English please

[@benjmiester]

Which one will Frasier live in during the rumored reboot? :D

[@doomtomb3]

And of the middle class? Dead

[@KingjardenG]

Amazon Employees will love this

[@ready40111]

JCBs Sailing Into the Sunset There’s a big income difference between people who work at Amazon warehouses and people who work at corporate in SLU. While Amazon does pay higher than average for warehouse work, the cost of living around the warehouse in Kent is still high.

[@lbennhtx6072]

Need more affordable housing not these toys for the rich. Shame.

[@regret81]

Two reasons why some inner cities now are experiencing an affordability crisis are because of 1) parking regulations and 2) low-density development. I live in Trenton, New Jersey, but I have been following news pertaining to Seattle's growth for over three years. As I recall reading, Seattle's mayor(?) wanted to upzone some of the city's neighborhoods but was met with resistance, and the proposal seemed to be dead. This isn't great news for a city that's experiencing rampant growth since 2010. For a product to be a degree affordable, supply must be on par with demand. By not allowing higher and denser buildings in more neighborhoods, citizens in these places are creating another San Francisco: A city that is so desirable by some people, that they seek to limit any new development, as they fear it will downgrade their quality of life. Parking regulations also impede affordability. I recall reading about a parking garage in Kent (south of Seattle) in which it costs over $40,000 to build the average parking space in that facility! Even surface parking lots usually aren't constructed for less than $20,000 per space. Keep in mind that transportation planners and engineers usually overestimate how much parking is actually needed and that parking is usually free upfront, with their costs passed on to businesses in the form of rents and then onto consumers in the form of goods and services. This means housing of all types are marked up in terms of selling prices and rents. This is to say nothing of the collective harm driving does to us in terms of robbing us of time and money and degrading our physical health and that of the natural environment. If it feels like costs of living are inflated everywhere we go, maybe it's because of some regulations that work against both towns and our desires to achieve an affordable future.

[@GANTZ100pts]

Not only that but we need to lift or change a restriction on the maximum heights apartment buildings can be in Seattle. If a hotel can be nearly over forty stories tall, why can't an apartment complex?

[@unassumingaccount395]

@@regret81 Add to that more public transportation access is better.

[@dindings]

Put windows, it’s always SOOOO sunny in Seattle you need to grab any chance the sun brights

[@PetePavloff]

I love how he expressed his views on affordable housing.

[@NoirpoolSea]

You mean, he didn't. Right?

[@emmakai2243]

1:24 He forgot pretentiousness, arrogance...

[@rosalieholland25]

We need that guy up north in Bellingham, WA lol it's slowing becoming a little Seattle here.

[@assjulio79]

Don’t feed the birds if you don’t want more birds.

[@assjulio79]

Tyler Durden When being homeless is difficult, you have less homelessness. When being homeless is easy........

[@assjulio79]

Tyler Durden The worst part is, we seem heartless. The truth is, we are the solution. Don’t feed the bears. Why? Because they’ll forget how to be Bears. Same as birds. Same as humans. The handout is the deadliest option.

[@jdhjimbo]

It is good to see creative, cutting edge developers coming to Seattle, as North America is way behind Europe and Asia in that regard. The condos are fine, as well as hotels, but I am not sure about office bld g s, considering the increasing number of people working from home or online remotely. However, all these grand plans can go up in smoke if Seattle keeps electing braindead loons like Durkan - who thinks massive homelessness, high crime and free drug handouts are good for a city. The city should learn from the CA disaster, but seem committed to repeat the same failed policies.

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

He IS a bond villain. These monstrosities are build for the super rich and will not age well. Just more domino effect glass boxes, cleverly arranged.

[@rr7firefly]

The first two proposed West Bank high rise projects are not really "artistic" -- just buildings calling attention to themselves. The third one is much better in showing good design considerations for Seattle's urban context.

[@whateverrk]

So glad to see some beautiful buildings coming to the city of short ugly brown boxes. We need more world class architecture of the buildings shown.

[@pew317]

@nickys34 better than cheap ass ugly short brown buildings

[@rogermac6185]

That's a sad little response. Made me smile.

[@kellybrown685]

WHY is an insane amount of people crammed into downtown Seattle considered "desirable"? Insane traffic , outrageous parking, overwhelming crowds of people. I remember Seattle in the 199ps whem you could SEE the beauty of the surrounding areas - instead of the office building next door.

[@anthonydeville5976]

Yeah, instead of building up urban zones lets level more space and sprawl like LA from Bellingham to Olympia,( there goes your views of beauty) let's not stop until everyone needs a car for everything and more freeways to live our lives on. (there's the increase in traffic you are bitching about.) Yeah, why build up our cities when we can build up far into the Cascades and the Olympics and all the river valleys of Western Washington.

[@PlaystationMasterPS3]

the idea is to build out transit first. nonetheless, what we need is more medium density apartments/townhouses sold/rented for affordable prices

[@dantompkins2584]

Granville bridge needs to be replaced with a more beautiful modern bridge

[@EveryWomensFantasy]

So he doesn't even live in Seattle smh

[@theantmattia]

It is a good looking design but I'm sorry mainly rich or upper middle class people have the money to care about aesthetics over function

[@notthatguy4703]

Ur an idiot. Not only are these UGLY but everyone deserves to live in a nice beautiful area

[@_gla22]

The thumbnail is and image of vancour

[@bangerzt.v7532]

Does he have a super suit?

[@hobog]

The YVR aesthetic does not befit Seattle's more industrial+tech culture of globe-spanning companies and downtown hemmed in by ports and houseboats. Vancouver's hospitality and beach culture aren't the same in SEA

[@BrendanRiley]

I find none of the developers address the notion that tall towers alienate pedestrians on the ground. Fundamentally they are about the condo owners, not the people (who cannot afford the condos) walking on the street. Dense low-rise neighbourhoods, particularly old ones in Europe, are so much more charming and interconnected. You feel you could yell to someone on the top (6th) floor of a building if you had to.

[@workbreaklounge3755]

4:15 Cresp, crusp, or cusp 🤔

[@RexYoung206]

If they don't look as ugly as the downtown library, then they can't be too bad of an eyesore.

[@JermaineSam]

I'm not a fan of these modern glass monsters. They look like every huge building in any major city.

[@leonelbrava2738]

That building in Vancouver is one of the ugliest high-rises I have ever seen. The other ones are ok.

[@ChibiCosmos]

Projects like these push the working class out. Build state affordable housing like the Singapore ones. They don't have to be luxurious. Just the bare minimum space required like micro studios. Rich can keep their extra amenities while the lower class has basic living needs fulfilled at reasonable prices

Seattle is an big city I like

[@ChristopherWalkenActor]

Yay, more million dollar condos that only tech workers can afford.

[@desp8161]

I don't think the people living in those are tech workers

[@desp8161]

@claire bigelow Chinese millionaires

[@dantompkins2584]

Same thing with Los Angeles San Francisco power to the disenfranchised MEN alalalawobobobobobgagaga

[@benjmiester]

Well, it will sure look nice. From the ground... where the people who can't afford the places in the city they live in will be looking at them from.

[@kennizhou6333]

World class ?

[@hobog]

The thumbnail is not Seattle! It's Vancouver BC

[@safirijorgensen7842]

We Do Not Need Any More Luxury Condos!! We Need Affordable Housing.

[@michaelreifabc123]

Thanks

[@Glorious_Kim_Jong_Un]

He's inlove with himself

[@julieg1571]

I wish we had this level of reporting in Portland.

[@Creeper308]

Jeeez. This guy isn't a bit arrogant or pretentious. His buildings look like steaming piles of glass scat.

[@savolrat]

the architectural quality of these buildings is so subpar yet you are boosting this creeps ego? why?

[@rogermac6185]

Can you please post some of your designs to show how it should be done?

[@WallStreetIceCream]

Manhattan of the west coast it’s already surpassed SF

[@dantompkins2584]

Great would never go there 😒🤪🤨🥴😤

[@marilynmclean8921]

I lived in Seattle from 1994 to 2001, I would never live there again. There was a change in atmosphere even then. Generic buildings are boring, if they would build for the homeless I would be more impressed. They do not care about the homeless, they care about the money it generates. Karma, what comes around-goes around. One big earthquake will level the playing field though. Build for everyone, not just for a few but for the many. A roof over your head is not asking that much in the long run. Make it count towards the future, solve the homeless crisis if you can. Build a dream for them too!!!!

[@Master-kh6ww]

Listen we probably won’t solve the homeless crisis for decades because even if we come up with a solution there were always be people on the streets your expectations are too high

[@andyb3782]

I can't wait until I get back to great northwest in next few months

[@georgealonsito3141]

I want Seattle to look like Tokyo , I agree with these high rise buildings been constructed

[@PlaystationMasterPS3]

I agree, assuming this is what you mean muza-chan.net/aj/poze-weblog5/tsukishima-narrow-street-big.jpg

[@jdhjimbo]

As Tokyo is the largest city in the world at 37 million, I doubt many in Seattle want to create a super-size city.

[@saritaw4739]

He looks like Jim Carey

[@geoffreylee5199]

Danger when hearing someone say World Class City... Seattle, a city I want to visit!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I've never understood the attitude that these people coming from other cities are going to make the city a "world class" city. If we wanted a world class city, we would have built one. We didn't have one, in large part because we didn't want one. If we wanted one, it would have been far simpler to just move to some city that's already world class and not had to destroy a perfectly good city in the process.

[@ChesterWilsonJr]

The only thing Seattle, Washington really needs a new arena called "Seattle Center" and bring back the Supersonics!

[@jdhjimbo]

The new arena is already done for the NHL hockey franchise - the Kraken. With the new arena, perhaps the Thunder or another NBA franchise may indeed call Seattle home.

[@ON-YT]

lol from vancouver

[@ashleylalaloves6146]

Born and raised in Seattle, because of these unaffordable housing issues.. as a single fulltime working mom, I cant stay. I can afford it, and it's my home. So thanks alot jerks

[@joshuajhoyt]

You're not alone. And the Seattle your were raised, you love, is not the same anymore. Where should we all go

[@dominique4788]

His buildings and design are mediocre at best. He should stick to collecting vintage dresses.

[@GH-oi2jf]

I lived in Seattle in the 1970s. It was better then.

[@andrewjensen8189]

Lol I was on that guy's son's soccer team. Didn't realize his companies were worth 10 billion dollars...

[@walterchaffee9094]

It heartens me to see the comments. People are not stupid! This is just another example of capitalism run amok!

[@taihalpern7342]

Get this guy in Portland asap

[@RyanBlockb5]

Learn from San Francisco

[@randyc9356]

Homelessness is 2nd worst to la. What's there to learn?

[@RyanBlockb5]

@@randyc9356 yea that's it and middle income citizens can be priced out of the community. SF is a piss soaked city for the wealthy.

[@californiamade5608]

Randy C homelessness isn’t 2nd to worse. Seattle has more homeless than San Francisco what are you talking about?

[@d.martin7692]

What utter bilge. I was around for the Seattle World's Fair and grew up in Seattle. Trying to make Seattle "a world class city" was all you heard sixty years ago as well. Is it getting better or completely losing it's own unique character? The latter I think. Bring back the Twin Teepees the Hat and Boots.

[@kevinmsft]

Some Seattle activists are so sad... they just shout "homelessness" every time they see a new building. These new condos pay vastly higher property tax back to the City so the City can/should solve the homelessness problems! Very rough estimation... the First Light building alone will probably pay at least 4-5 million each year? That's a huge win-win.

[@pacmanc8103]

I’m afraid zealots do that everywhere. Much more interesting is when people in already-built buildings object to proposed buildings that block views - of Mt Rainier or Mt Hood.

[@YodaMan-420]

now add buildings that have affordable housing for the poor. along with green technology like self sustaining greenery, and solar energy production, integrated into the building -- trees to help with oxygen quality. solar to eventually pay for the building itself by producing power to sell to the power companies etc... sure those buildings look nice and are appreciated, but they serve very little in the way of actually improving the larger community. as he said hes very self aware and knows theyre very niche, so create something thats niche that also helps...hmm?

[@ChristinaGerard433]

he doesnt care about affordable housing, no money in helping the poor. duh

[@sebastianmolina344]

“Trees to help with the oxygen quality” 😂 you’ll need a lot of trees to even notice a slight difference in the crisp inhale exhale

[@YodaMan-420]

@@sebastianmolina344 thats why there needs ro be more than one. those buildings are bigger than you think. half a city designed with buildings like that is as good as any forest.

[@BleachPuppies]

this is such a fluff piece. why are they kissing this guys feet so much

[@mikes1947chev]

Aim I little higher about ball hight....

[@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife]

Keep this weirdo away from Chicago's skyline lol. His buildings look like poorly designed copies of Jeanne Gang's Aqua Tower

[@californiamade5608]

Larry David San Francisco has an amazing skyline douche. Every skyline has a building which represents the progress and growth it’s been through, within time and how our cities evolved.

[@leiag201]

The construction is getting out of hand

[@privatecontractor6385]

Don't buy any Condos from Westbank check the reviews online there buildings always fall apart.

[@eddysaidtht]

He looks creepy. Eww

[@MoY206]

The Vancouver condos are ugly, sorry but of that is the design it's not going to fit the Emerald City name. And further more Seattle doesn't need this. I rather not have us on "the map". I'm good being a small town city.

[@jdhjimbo]

You cannot make a generalization of all Vancouver buildings. Vancouver is regularly picked as one of the 5 most liveable cities in the world! I doubt they earned that ranking by building ugly structures.

[@yato3520]

Looks like Seattle Become Human.

[@juanmarco3954]

Its Jetsons stuff. Being odd doesn't make it good. There is a lot of that going on in Seattle. These things are piling up and its looking dated already.

[@ladymiamia9325]

Just looking at him his a depress guy Dont know art thats why he pretend and buy couture dresses to put it there people are not stupid

[@ShimbobTV]

Disgusting

[@tima.478]

So, in a city where homeless are at record numbers, you allow a builder to come in and build something that only the very top percentage of residents can afford??? Yeah, great move!!!

[@markbrinton6815]

you couldn't pay me to live in Vancouver. If Seattle will be more like that, then it will be a good place to avoid.

[@nn6404]

These people are literally some of the worst people alive.

[@Master-kh6ww]

HOW!!??

[@_gla22]

Woodward’s building

[@weisserth]

None of these developments are built for Seattle, they're built for super wealthy, foreign investors looking to park their wealth in a country with stability and rule of law, away from the prying eyes of their origin country's authorities. Look at Vancouver - Chinese money has ruined the housing market in Vancouver. The same will happen to Seattle with these developments. These developments target rich Chinese, Russians, Saudis etc. And quite frankly, the artistic appeal of these developments targets this kind of foreign buyer that can afford these apartments. I cannot identify with the style of these buildings - I suspect a Chinese buyer will. It's a shame King5 neglected to discuss the other side of this story and focused on making a puff piece that could as well be paid advertisement for these developments. Quite frankly, the city itself needs to focus on other things to remain relevant and attractive. Public safety, how about that for a start?! Cleaning up the drug abuse and crime issues downtown? Who wants to move and actually LIVE in the city at the moment?

[@dnkeeweht3889]

this is VANCOUVER

[@archiva5621]

Propaganda.

[@mjt2231]

big deal