What Gen Y Wants Downtown

The first generation of post-recession properties are coming online, offering a glimpse intothe space young professional renters expect. (A Snooki in every garage....is that something they say?)

Its not enough to provide living space. New renters wanta built-in environment that promotes community, according to this panel at theCREW Seattle and Sound luncheon:Pine Street Group principal Matt Rosauer, Tom Douglas Restaurants CEO and CVO (chief vegetable officer) Pamela Hinckley, Lease Crutcher Lewis project executive Bill Gormley, and GGLO senior associate Steve Nordlund. Favoredamenities include a fitness center, rooftop gardens, entertainment space, and bicycle storage. (We really missed the boat by learning to rollerblade instead of bike.)

The "vertical neighborhood"of Via6 at Sixth & Lonora proves renters are also attracted by more unusual amenities, such as itsdog-friendly details, including dog relief and wash areas. Restaurateur Tom Douglas is launching four new concepts at Via6, including Home Remedy, his take on an urban market. The property is targeting LEED Gold and Walkscore.com has already awarded it a score of 100 out of 100. (The only place 100 isn't the perfect score is a golf course.)

Boston-based GID Development Group expects demand to be sustained long enough to benefit 2030 Eighth Ave, the 355-unit apartment tower it broke ground on recently. Why Seattle? GID Development Group prez James Linsley tells us that Seattle has the right mix of growth dynamic and strong employment, as well as an educated workforce thats a bit on the young side. And it doesnt hurt that the project is across the street from Amazons under way 3.3M SF campus. Our project is located at the convergence of the citys office, retail, restaurant, and entertainment core, and the South Lake Union area, which is booming, James says.