Address: 2035 Fairview Avenue, and 2033 Minor Avenue, Seattle, Washington

Type: Residential and commercial

Architect: Arellano/Christofides

Completion: 1996

Property:

• 66 by 200 foot lot running from Fairview to Minor avenues, with views of Lake Union and downtown.
• Single-family Victorian residence being used as architects' offices.

Objective:
Renovate the existing house, preserving its Victorian integrity and landscaping, to generate revenue until the area was ready for development.

Project:
The existing house was renovated and converted into eight private office suites, rented to therapists, and later refinanced to generate the required equity for the development of three zero-lot-line townhouses, each 2,300 square feet, plus garage. Highlights of the Fairview Loft townhouses include:

• Reversed European floor plan that situated private and sleeping areas at the ground and middle levels and kitchen, living room, and dining room on the top floor to take advantage of 180 degree views of Seattle.

Funding:
Private capital, Washington Mutual Bank

Cost:
$1.2 million

Return on investment:
27 percent (all units sold by date of completion)

Honors:
1996 AIA (Seattle) Housing Project of the Year