Downtown Everett still a tough sell despite changes

Published 10:01 pm Saturday, April 17, 2010

He hears it in his dreams, and in a cornfield. In that baseball movie “Field of Dreams,” Kevin Costner’s character hears a voice whisper: “If you build it, he will come.”

In downtown Everett, it’s been too noisy the past year to hear many whispers. Construction, that’s what all the noise is about.

Builders of several big projects have recently put finishing touches on a long-talked-about dream for the city. Living in downtown Everett is now a real option for many people. There are new downtown home choices for renters and buyers, people of wealth and those of modest means, downtown workers, empty nesters and aspiring artists.

The big question is, will they come?

“We’re making great progress,” said Craig Skotdal, president of Skotdal Real Estate. In March, the developer held a grand opening of its Library Place complex, 22 loft and townhome apartments at the corner of Rucker Avenue and California Street. Originally planned as condominiums, Library Place was also to be a highrise. That was before the recession hit.

Today, the apartments rent for between $895 and $1,450 per month. “We are now 50 percent leased,” Skotdal said Friday. “So far, we’re primarily attracting young professionals who want to be in close proximity to their workplace, and want to be part of an urban neighborhood.”

A few blocks south of Library Place is Artspace Everett Lofts. The 40-unit building, which will soon house the Arts Council of Snohomish County, is part of a nonprofit, nationwide network of affordable apartments and studios for artists. Residents can’t earn more than $35,400 per year, or $40,440 for a couple. Rents are $749 to $850.

“We’re about half full,” said Liam Cole, co-manager of Artspace Everett Lofts. A Seattle transplant, Cole lives at the Artspace building on Hoyt Avenue with his wife, Heidi Heimarck.

Artspace Everett Lofts will host an open house today, beginning at noon. “We’d love to see as many people as possible come by and see what it is,” Cole said.

A block north and across the street from Artspace are the new Hoyt Avenue Condominiums, nine luxury homes atop the new Everett Elks Club. Sharon Harriss, of Windermere Real Estate, said Friday that all nine are available, and that prices range from $329,000 to $600,000.

Cole, of Artspace, said recently that it’s unusual for the lofts to be unfilled, and that there are more than 500 people waiting for space in one of Seattle’s two Artspace buildings.

Is it just the economy, or does downtown Everett have a ways to go before it appeals to many urban dwellers?

Three years ago, I wrote that it would take more than granite countertops and gorgeous views to get me to move downtown, even after my last child leaves home — at least a decade from now. If there’s a game or show at Comcast Arena, downtown is hopping, but it’s awfully quiet on a Sunday afternoon.

People paying big-city prices for urban housing expect big-city retail and entertainment. Perhaps that will come to Everett. Skotdal thinks so.

“There’s a saying in the real estate industry, retail follows rooftops,” he said. “We need to create a density of people living in an area before retail can really take root and bloom and grow. That’s what we’re working on right now. Downtown Everett has great character, lots of authenticity, distinctive restaurants and shops. We’re focused on bringing people back to the heart of the city,” Skotdal said.

Cole sees great promise here. As a newcomer, he’s impressed by the Everett Public Library and all the public art in the downtown core. “Part of Artspace is to bring artists into a community, which helps little restaurants, theaters and retail. I think we are going to see that happen,” he said.

I live about a mile north of downtown. And I sometimes wonder if lovely north Everett, with its older homes and small-town atmosphere, is one reason it’s hard to lure folks downtown. My neighborhood is walking distance to the city’s core, which for me makes downtown a tough sell.

I’ll never say never, though. Downtown is looking better all the time.

Julie Muhlstein: 425-339-3460; muhlstein@heraldnet.com.

Open house today

An open house is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. today at Artspace Everett Lofts, 2917 Hoyt Ave.

The building includes 40 one-and two-bedroom apartments for moderate-income artists and will house the Arts Council of Snohomish County.

A new Web site offers information on downtown Everett living options, retail, dining, entertainment and events at www.downtowneverett.com.