On Monday, April 30th, everyone interested in the future of Fremont – and particularly the Stone Way portion – is strongly encouraged (by both the Fremont Neighborhood Council and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce) to attend a Design Review Board Meeting scheduled for 8p at the University Heights Community Center. This will be another follow-up on the proposed 34Stone development, a Skanska mixed-use building currently slated as, in part, the new headquarters for Brooks Sports, and being built to the Living Building Pilot Program standards.
This project has some detractors – residents who live nearby have complained about the building height, and community activists insist the City Living Building Program sets dangerous precedents for zoning laws. Yet, many Fremonsters support this development of a much more sustainable building on a property long-overlooked (and located next to the North Seattle Transfer Station,) expecting an established, successful company as a tenant with employees who already live nearby and shop locally, and a design that includes a large public gathering space and retail spaces for destination businesses that might increase foot (and bike) traffic to lower Stone Way.
Everyone who wants to voice an opinion – and support those of others – is strongly urged to attend to the meeting Monday, April 30th. The meeting begins at 6:30p, but the 34Stone project presentation has been scheduled for 8p.
Additionally, on Monday, May 7th, a second early design guidance meeting is scheduled on proposed residential development of 160 units at 3635 Woodland Park Avenue. Review of this project is also scheduled for 8p, although the Design Review Board Meeting will begin at 6:30p. This meeting also takes place at University Heights Community Center. More information on this proposed project can be found on the City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development website.
Both developments, if built, would affect the make-up of Fremont for the next 50 years, at least. This would be a good time to see what is planned, and provide input on what we want for our community.