Monday, April 28, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Bainbridge's Gateway development ready to welcome people to Winslow - Kitsap Sun
By Tad Sooter
Posted April 20, 2014 at 5:19 p.m.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — A familiar bakery and a new tavern are among the businesses setting up shop this spring on Bainbridge Island’s busiest street corner.
Contractors are putting finishing touches on the last building in the Island Gateway development at Winslow Way and Highway 305. Interior finish work, driveway paving, landscaping and signage are all that remain to complete the five-year project, said Andrew Lonseth of development firm Asani.
Island Gateway already is home to the Bainbridge Island Museum of
Art, Kids Discovery Museum and tech firm Avalara. The final two-story
building on Winslow Way is filling fast.
Bainbridge Bakers, a popular café in Winslow Green, will open a second location this week on the ground floor. The bakery will be joined in late June by the Ale House on Winslow, a planned craft beer taproom. Avalara expanded into the top floor of the building. A rooftop event deck will be available for rent.
One street-front retail space in the building remains to be filled.
Lonseth said he is in discussions with several potential tenants but
nothing has been finalized.
“We’d like a tenant that brings interest and excitement,” Lonseth said. “It’s important to us that we have a destination community.”
Bainbridge Bakers owner Mike Loudon said he’d had his eye on the corner location since well before the Gateway project broke ground.
“It’s the realization of a pretty long dream,” Loudon said Friday.
The new Bainbridge Bakers has seating for 85. Like the original location, it serves coffee, baked goods and food. Beer and wine will be added to the mix later this year.
The café also can double as a venue for theatrical and musical performances. Loudon, an avid community theater booster, said seating can be rearranged to accommodate 150 guests.
“I’m so excited about having it filled with music and people and light,” he said. “It’s going to be something pretty special for the island.”
Bakery customers might well mosey next door after those evening performances. The neighboring Ale House on Winslow aims to fill a niche as a craft beer taproom and late-night hangout.
Travis Samson, one of four partners in the venture, said the Ale
House will be outfitted with 16 taps and a wide variety of bottled beer
and wine. They plan to stock a large number of local brews, alongside a
sampling of domestic brands and a few imports.
“I’d like to make Bainbridge more of a destination for beer geeks,” Samson said. “Our overall goal is to have a beer there for everyone,”
Samson, 27, worked at Silver City Brewery before deciding to go into business with a group of college friends. They still have ambitions to start a microbrewery in Seattle, but Samson said the chance to create a tavern in the Island Gateway was too good to pass up.
“It’s literally the first thing you’ll see coming off the ferry,” he said.
The Gateway project rapidly transformed the island’s main entry over the past five years, filling the 5-acre corner with a cluster of distinctly modern structures.
The final building in the development was constructed on the site of the Eagle Harbor Market, a small grocery opened by the Nakata family in the 1940s. The new Gateway building now bears the same name.
“It’s a little historical gesture,” Lonseth said.
Posted April 20, 2014 at 5:19 p.m.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — A familiar bakery and a new tavern are among the businesses setting up shop this spring on Bainbridge Island’s busiest street corner.
Contractors are putting finishing touches on the last building in the Island Gateway development at Winslow Way and Highway 305. Interior finish work, driveway paving, landscaping and signage are all that remain to complete the five-year project, said Andrew Lonseth of development firm Asani.
 |
Photo by Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun
Andrew Lonseth talks about lights to
illuminate the Eagle Harbor Market sign that is part of the Island
Gateway development at Winslow Way and Highway 305.
|
Bainbridge Bakers, a popular café in Winslow Green, will open a second location this week on the ground floor. The bakery will be joined in late June by the Ale House on Winslow, a planned craft beer taproom. Avalara expanded into the top floor of the building. A rooftop event deck will be available for rent.
 |
Photo by Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun
Andrew Lonseth exits the rooftop Thursday of the Island Gateway development on Bainbridge Island.
|
“We’d like a tenant that brings interest and excitement,” Lonseth said. “It’s important to us that we have a destination community.”
Bainbridge Bakers owner Mike Loudon said he’d had his eye on the corner location since well before the Gateway project broke ground.
“It’s the realization of a pretty long dream,” Loudon said Friday.
The new Bainbridge Bakers has seating for 85. Like the original location, it serves coffee, baked goods and food. Beer and wine will be added to the mix later this year.
The café also can double as a venue for theatrical and musical performances. Loudon, an avid community theater booster, said seating can be rearranged to accommodate 150 guests.
“I’m so excited about having it filled with music and people and light,” he said. “It’s going to be something pretty special for the island.”
Bakery customers might well mosey next door after those evening performances. The neighboring Ale House on Winslow aims to fill a niche as a craft beer taproom and late-night hangout.
 |
Photo by Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun
Andrew Lonseth talks Thursday about the remaining
construction to take place in the space that will house the Ale House
on Winslow in the Island Gateway development on Bainbridge Island.
|
“I’d like to make Bainbridge more of a destination for beer geeks,” Samson said. “Our overall goal is to have a beer there for everyone,”
Samson, 27, worked at Silver City Brewery before deciding to go into business with a group of college friends. They still have ambitions to start a microbrewery in Seattle, but Samson said the chance to create a tavern in the Island Gateway was too good to pass up.
 |
Photo by Meegan M. Reid, Kitsap Sun
The Ale House on Winslow sign Thursday adorns one
of the windows of the Island Gateway development at Winslow Way and
Highway 305.
|
The Gateway project rapidly transformed the island’s main entry over the past five years, filling the 5-acre corner with a cluster of distinctly modern structures.
The final building in the development was constructed on the site of the Eagle Harbor Market, a small grocery opened by the Nakata family in the 1940s. The new Gateway building now bears the same name.
“It’s a little historical gesture,” Lonseth said.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Bainbridge Ferry Terminal Building Rehabilitation
PHC Construction was hired by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to renovate the existing Bainbridge Ferry terminal building to enhance earthquake safety, upgrade the public
restrooms, and replace many aging building components.
Here are some recent photos from the construction site and some additional information about the project from the WSDOT website.
Why is WSDOT rehabilitating the Bainbridge Island terminal building?
The existing terminal building was built in 1955 and does not meet current seismic design codes, other building codes and energy efficiency guidelines. The public restrooms are inadequate and do not meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
The End Result
The exterior walls of the terminal building will be stronger. Customers will notice the following:
- The public restrooms will be larger, in a new location and meet current codes.
- The inside tollbooths will be demolished, improving passenger flow through the building.
- Space will be created inside the building for the WSF vendor Commuter Comforts presently operating outside.
- The building will have all new exterior windows and sliding doors, a new roof, a new electrical panel, new light fixtures, and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.
Project Benefits
This project will improve safety during an earthquake by retrofitting the building to current design codes. The main public restrooms will be enlarged to provide more capacity and meet design codes and ADA guidelines. The new roof will eliminate leaks. The new electrical panel will increase reliability and reduce maintenance on the panel, as well as allow a potential vendor to lease space inside the building. The overall energy efficiency of the building will increase with more efficient lighting and windows.
What is the project timeline?
Nicole McIntosh
WSF Terminal Design Engineering Manager
Hadley Rodero
WSF Communications
206-515-3411
roderoh@wsdot.wa.gov
Here are some recent photos from the construction site and some additional information about the project from the WSDOT website.
Why is WSDOT rehabilitating the Bainbridge Island terminal building?
The existing terminal building was built in 1955 and does not meet current seismic design codes, other building codes and energy efficiency guidelines. The public restrooms are inadequate and do not meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
The End Result
The exterior walls of the terminal building will be stronger. Customers will notice the following:
- The public restrooms will be larger, in a new location and meet current codes.
- The inside tollbooths will be demolished, improving passenger flow through the building.
- Space will be created inside the building for the WSF vendor Commuter Comforts presently operating outside.
- The building will have all new exterior windows and sliding doors, a new roof, a new electrical panel, new light fixtures, and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.
Project Benefits
This project will improve safety during an earthquake by retrofitting the building to current design codes. The main public restrooms will be enlarged to provide more capacity and meet design codes and ADA guidelines. The new roof will eliminate leaks. The new electrical panel will increase reliability and reduce maintenance on the panel, as well as allow a potential vendor to lease space inside the building. The overall energy efficiency of the building will increase with more efficient lighting and windows.
What is the project timeline?
- Jan. 2014 - Began construction
- Sept. 2014 - Project expected to be complete
Nicole McIntosh
WSF Terminal Design Engineering Manager
Hadley Rodero
WSF Communications
206-515-3411
roderoh@wsdot.wa.gov
Monday, March 24, 2014
Bainbridge Bakers marks 28th anniversary with a preview peek of new second location - BI Review
by CECILIA GARZA, Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
Mar 21, 2014 at 11:29AM
CECILIA GARZA, Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
cgarza@bainbridgereview.com or 206-842-6613
Mar 21, 2014 at 11:29AM
After 28 years of serving coffee and baked goods on
Bainbridge, it’s time for Bainbridge Bakers to spread its wings — that
is, to the other end of Winslow.
The bakery will celebrate its 28th anniversary this Sunday with music and a “peek-a-boo preview” tour of their new location near the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
“The establishment of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Kids Discovery Museum is one of the most important and notable events to occur on the island in many years,” said bakery owner Mike Loudon. “We are proud and honored to be able to support the patrons and visitors of these fine new facilities.”
Bainbridge Bakers will continue business at its original location at the Winslow Green, but come April, it will begin pouring coffee on the other end of Winslow Way, too.
At Island Gateway, nestled next door to Avalara and the museums, will be a full bakery and cafe serving all of the same Bainbridge Bakers favorites.
The bakery invites residents to join in its 28th anniversary celebration this Sunday, March 23 by welcoming the upcoming opening of its new location.
The party will kick off at 10 a.m. with kiddie karaoke until noon at the original Bainbridge Bakers location.
Island band Paundy will take the floor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a live performance at the new location.
Their performance will be followed by local singer/songwriter Zach Fleury for another round of music back at the original Bainbridge Bakers from 1 to 3 p.m.
The party will continue until 6 p.m. at the bakery’s Winslow Green location.
Cake and preview tours of the new bakery will be provided.
The bakery will celebrate its 28th anniversary this Sunday with music and a “peek-a-boo preview” tour of their new location near the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
“The establishment of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Kids Discovery Museum is one of the most important and notable events to occur on the island in many years,” said bakery owner Mike Loudon. “We are proud and honored to be able to support the patrons and visitors of these fine new facilities.”
Bainbridge Bakers will continue business at its original location at the Winslow Green, but come April, it will begin pouring coffee on the other end of Winslow Way, too.
At Island Gateway, nestled next door to Avalara and the museums, will be a full bakery and cafe serving all of the same Bainbridge Bakers favorites.
The bakery invites residents to join in its 28th anniversary celebration this Sunday, March 23 by welcoming the upcoming opening of its new location.
The party will kick off at 10 a.m. with kiddie karaoke until noon at the original Bainbridge Bakers location.
Island band Paundy will take the floor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a live performance at the new location.
Their performance will be followed by local singer/songwriter Zach Fleury for another round of music back at the original Bainbridge Bakers from 1 to 3 p.m.
The party will continue until 6 p.m. at the bakery’s Winslow Green location.
Cake and preview tours of the new bakery will be provided.
CECILIA GARZA, Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
cgarza@bainbridgereview.com or 206-842-6613
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Installation Notes: Welcome To The Net-Zero Neighborhood - Solar Power World
March 11, 2014: By Andrew Merecicky
Residents of Bainbridge Island, Wash., led by Asani Development Initiatives, are re-imagining what a residential community could be. Even more impressive than its community gardens and car share program, the Grow Community is on track to be the largest planned solar-ready neighborhood in Washington State.
The housing development is designed to be a net-zero energy community, and is one of seven such endorsed projects by the One Planet Living program. Asani has also partnered with two Washington-based companies, BlueFrog Solar and A&R Solar, to develop an installation-ready solar package around which each home in the Grow Community is specifically designed.
The solar systems are intended to provide 100% of the energy demand of each house. The roofs of each structure were carefully designed to support the required number of solar panels. The installation package available to homebuyers features the Washington-based itek Energy‘s PV panels and APS America‘s microinverters.
“The variety of rooflines that make a project like Grow so visually interesting can be a challenge for solar systems, which rely on PV arrays being optimally oriented toward the sun,” says Kelly Samson CEO of APS America. “Unlike regular ‘string’ inverters, APS microinverters maximize output and allow monitoring of individual panels, optimizing the productivity of the whole array at all points in the sun’s daily arc across the sky.”
The project will be completed in three phases. The first phase, which is presently nearing completion, will contain 18 single-family homes, six town houses and 20 multi-family rental units. Two more neighborhoods, referred to as “neighborhood 2.0″ and “3.0″ respectively, are still in the design stages. Homeowners have the standing option to install a solar system or not, providing customers with flexibile options regarding installation timing and financing.
“The project is being constructed in three phases to reduce risk and to allow the development team to apply lessons learned in each phase to the subsequent phase,” says Marja Preston, president of Asani Development. “We were confident that the solar community would work as we had a long interest list prior to placing the homes on the market. All of the homes were presold before construction began, an indication that there is strong interest, not only in solar homes, but in solar homes in a connected, walkable community.”
Phase II, containing neighborhood 2.0 and 3.0, will involve building 88 more homes. Housing options will consist of a mix of two-story town houses, single-level houses and apartments in three-story buildings. Additionally, residential parking will be underground to maximize the community’s green space. The second phase is also going to include the community center building and a childcare facility in its construction. Every structure in the community is built solar-ready.
The ultimate goal of the project was to design a repeatable model for a net-zero energy housing development, a task which, Preston says, was accomplished.
“The biggest challenge for our team was to design a net-zero energy single-family home that could be built and sold for a reasonable price. The goal for the project was to demonstrate a profitable and therefore replicable net-zero energy residential real estate development. We absolutely met that challenge,” Preston says.
Bainbridge is an ideal location for such an innovative project, because tax rebates in Washington make possible an affordably-priced solar option. This is one of the reasons Preston sees a promising future for Grow and similar green community development in Washington.
“The fact that almost all the homebuyers have chosen the solar option is an indication that the strategy for adding solar that we created with BlueFrog and A&R has been successful and is entirely replicable in other housing developments in the state.”
Installation Notes:
Panel type: 240 and 270W itek Energy
Microinverters: YC200, YC500 APS America
Racking and Mounting: SunModo Racking Systems
Monitoring: APS Energy Communication Unit/Energy Monitoring and Analysis Output: 2.9 kW to 8.9 kW per housing unit.
Installation Crew: A&R Solar
Installation Dates: June 2012 – ongoing project
Read article here: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2014/03/installation-notes-welcome-net-zero-neighborhood/
Residents of Bainbridge Island, Wash., led by Asani Development Initiatives, are re-imagining what a residential community could be. Even more impressive than its community gardens and car share program, the Grow Community is on track to be the largest planned solar-ready neighborhood in Washington State.
The housing development is designed to be a net-zero energy community, and is one of seven such endorsed projects by the One Planet Living program. Asani has also partnered with two Washington-based companies, BlueFrog Solar and A&R Solar, to develop an installation-ready solar package around which each home in the Grow Community is specifically designed.
The solar systems are intended to provide 100% of the energy demand of each house. The roofs of each structure were carefully designed to support the required number of solar panels. The installation package available to homebuyers features the Washington-based itek Energy‘s PV panels and APS America‘s microinverters.
 |
| Model homes on Grow Avenue NW. September 26, 2012. Credit: Anthony Rich |
The project will be completed in three phases. The first phase, which is presently nearing completion, will contain 18 single-family homes, six town houses and 20 multi-family rental units. Two more neighborhoods, referred to as “neighborhood 2.0″ and “3.0″ respectively, are still in the design stages. Homeowners have the standing option to install a solar system or not, providing customers with flexibile options regarding installation timing and financing.
“The project is being constructed in three phases to reduce risk and to allow the development team to apply lessons learned in each phase to the subsequent phase,” says Marja Preston, president of Asani Development. “We were confident that the solar community would work as we had a long interest list prior to placing the homes on the market. All of the homes were presold before construction began, an indication that there is strong interest, not only in solar homes, but in solar homes in a connected, walkable community.”
 |
| The first solar modules installed on Grow model homes. July 13, 2012. Credit: Jonathan Davis |
Phase II, containing neighborhood 2.0 and 3.0, will involve building 88 more homes. Housing options will consist of a mix of two-story town houses, single-level houses and apartments in three-story buildings. Additionally, residential parking will be underground to maximize the community’s green space. The second phase is also going to include the community center building and a childcare facility in its construction. Every structure in the community is built solar-ready.
The ultimate goal of the project was to design a repeatable model for a net-zero energy housing development, a task which, Preston says, was accomplished.
“The biggest challenge for our team was to design a net-zero energy single-family home that could be built and sold for a reasonable price. The goal for the project was to demonstrate a profitable and therefore replicable net-zero energy residential real estate development. We absolutely met that challenge,” Preston says.
Bainbridge is an ideal location for such an innovative project, because tax rebates in Washington make possible an affordably-priced solar option. This is one of the reasons Preston sees a promising future for Grow and similar green community development in Washington.
“The fact that almost all the homebuyers have chosen the solar option is an indication that the strategy for adding solar that we created with BlueFrog and A&R has been successful and is entirely replicable in other housing developments in the state.”
Installation Notes:
Panel type: 240 and 270W itek Energy
Microinverters: YC200, YC500 APS America
Racking and Mounting: SunModo Racking Systems
Monitoring: APS Energy Communication Unit/Energy Monitoring and Analysis Output: 2.9 kW to 8.9 kW per housing unit.
Installation Crew: A&R Solar
Installation Dates: June 2012 – ongoing project
Read article here: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2014/03/installation-notes-welcome-net-zero-neighborhood/
Monday, February 3, 2014
Bainbridge ferry terminal retrofit beginning soon - KITSAP SUN
KITSAP SUN
By Ed Friedrich
Posted January 18, 2014 at 4:38 p.m.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — The Bainbridge ferry terminal building might be mid-century, but it’s not modern.
That’ll change over the next several months as an island firm brings the 1950s-era facility up to current energy, earthquake and accessibility standards. Work is expected to begin Jan. 27 and be completed in September.
PHC Construction will replace the windows, roof and light fixtures along with the electrical, ventilation, air conditioning and heating systems. Most visible to customers will be roomier, relocated rest rooms, better pedestrian flow from the removal of inside tollbooths, and vendor Commuter Comforts’ move from outside to inside.
During the first month, the ramp to the overhead walkway will be
closed and one of the two exit lanes will be used for staging during
non-peak hours, said Nicole McIntosh, Washington State Ferries terminal
design engineering manager. No changes will be made to the overhead
walkway or passenger loading and unloading area. The terminal building
will stay open throughout the project.
Customers can learn more about the project during a meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bainbridge Island City Hall, 280 Madison Ave.
Construction was planned to start in November, but the state put it out to bid a second time. PHC’s construction proposal of $1.94 million beat out three other firms. The total project cost is just over $3 million, down from the original estimate of $4.7 million.
McIntosh emphasized this is strictly a preservation project, not the $150 million terminal modernization once envisioned. That went away after license tab revenues were cut in 1999.
The building was constructed in 1955, a year after WSF’s oldest ferry, the Evergreen State, and five years after the Agate Pass Bridge opened.
That’ll change over the next several months as an island firm brings the 1950s-era facility up to current energy, earthquake and accessibility standards. Work is expected to begin Jan. 27 and be completed in September.
PHC Construction will replace the windows, roof and light fixtures along with the electrical, ventilation, air conditioning and heating systems. Most visible to customers will be roomier, relocated rest rooms, better pedestrian flow from the removal of inside tollbooths, and vendor Commuter Comforts’ move from outside to inside.
During the first month, the ramp to the overhead walkway will be
closed and one of the two exit lanes will be used for staging during
non-peak hours, said Nicole McIntosh, Washington State Ferries terminal
design engineering manager. No changes will be made to the overhead
walkway or passenger loading and unloading area. The terminal building
will stay open throughout the project.Customers can learn more about the project during a meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bainbridge Island City Hall, 280 Madison Ave.
Construction was planned to start in November, but the state put it out to bid a second time. PHC’s construction proposal of $1.94 million beat out three other firms. The total project cost is just over $3 million, down from the original estimate of $4.7 million.
McIntosh emphasized this is strictly a preservation project, not the $150 million terminal modernization once envisioned. That went away after license tab revenues were cut in 1999.
The building was constructed in 1955, a year after WSF’s oldest ferry, the Evergreen State, and five years after the Agate Pass Bridge opened.
Follow us: @KitsapSun on Twitter | KitsapNews on Facebook
Monday, December 23, 2013
Grow Community enters Phase II of design with community center and childcare facility – BI Review
by CECILIA GARZA, Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
Dec 19, 2013 at 10:00AM updated at 1:42PM
Dec 19, 2013 at 10:00AM updated at 1:42PM
Bainbridge Island’s Design Review Board received a preview
into Phase II of Grow Community this month, which will include a
community center and potentially an early childcare school.
In a three-hour meeting, Grow Community planners presented additions
to the development that span from townhouses to an alder forest to a
multi-faceted community center.
“I think it went well,” said Jean Stolzman of Cutler Anderson Architects.
“I think it’s a great Design Review Board, and we’re always welcoming their comments. All in all, it was very helpful,” Stolzman said.
The second phase of design will shift focus to the communal living aspect of the development.
On the outer perimeters, extending from Wyatt Way to Shepard Drive, up to seven multi-family buildings will be constructed to accommodate apartment flats and townhouses.
In the center, connecting the homes, will be two sizable courtyards.
A miniature alder forest will spread throughout the northern quad with several footpaths to give visitors and residents access from their homes to the community center.
“The community center is right at the heart of that community,” Stolzman said. “People can meet there for yoga, meetings, cooking, et cetera. The idea is that everyone is taking a part in this.”
Dividing the northern quad in half will be a footpath that extends from Wyatt Way to the community center.
Those walking on this path will pass through the cluster of alders straight onto the rooftop patio of the center.
The center will be constructed partially inset to the ground, so that the rooftop is level with the northern quad.
On the rooftop terrace, residents and visitors will have access to an outdoor fireplace and picnic area.
A 2,500-square-foot, one-story building, the community center itself will contain a large gathering area with a double-sided fireplace, kitchen area, a meeting room and a communal workshop space.
The meeting room, Stolzman explained, can be reserved for pretty much anything, from yoga to group meetings.
Additionally, since most of the residents will not have a private garage, the workshop area will function as a multi-use space for handy work.
As residents exit the building, the center will open up to the southend of the development where on either side of the building will also be a terraced community garden.
“Part of the idea is that you can harvest your vegetables and come down and make your own meal in the kitchen,” Stolzman explained.
The center’s kitchen area, Stolzman added, has been designed with the intention that residents and visitors can cook together, share recipes and eat together in the gathering area.
In addition to the center, at the foot of the south quad will be a bonus building.
“It can either become a residential building or an early childhood center,” said Marja Preston of the Asani Development Team.
“We’ve been thinking about a couple uses that could become an amenity for the residents there.”
An early childhood center would further foster the intergenerational quality of living at Grow Community, Preston said.
Through volunteering, it would also give residents and citizens an opportunity to be involved in the community.
The idea began when the Madrona School was considering moving their program to a downtown area and potentially into the Grow Community building.
Despite the school deciding to stay in its current location, the idea stuck.
“We think it would be a really interesting amenity, because there are so many families moving into the Grow Community,” she said.
Click here to read the article.
“I think it went well,” said Jean Stolzman of Cutler Anderson Architects.
“I think it’s a great Design Review Board, and we’re always welcoming their comments. All in all, it was very helpful,” Stolzman said.
The second phase of design will shift focus to the communal living aspect of the development.
On the outer perimeters, extending from Wyatt Way to Shepard Drive, up to seven multi-family buildings will be constructed to accommodate apartment flats and townhouses.
In the center, connecting the homes, will be two sizable courtyards.
A miniature alder forest will spread throughout the northern quad with several footpaths to give visitors and residents access from their homes to the community center.
“The community center is right at the heart of that community,” Stolzman said. “People can meet there for yoga, meetings, cooking, et cetera. The idea is that everyone is taking a part in this.”
Dividing the northern quad in half will be a footpath that extends from Wyatt Way to the community center.Those walking on this path will pass through the cluster of alders straight onto the rooftop patio of the center.
The center will be constructed partially inset to the ground, so that the rooftop is level with the northern quad.
On the rooftop terrace, residents and visitors will have access to an outdoor fireplace and picnic area.
A 2,500-square-foot, one-story building, the community center itself will contain a large gathering area with a double-sided fireplace, kitchen area, a meeting room and a communal workshop space.
The meeting room, Stolzman explained, can be reserved for pretty much anything, from yoga to group meetings.
Additionally, since most of the residents will not have a private garage, the workshop area will function as a multi-use space for handy work.
As residents exit the building, the center will open up to the southend of the development where on either side of the building will also be a terraced community garden.
“Part of the idea is that you can harvest your vegetables and come down and make your own meal in the kitchen,” Stolzman explained.
The center’s kitchen area, Stolzman added, has been designed with the intention that residents and visitors can cook together, share recipes and eat together in the gathering area.
In addition to the center, at the foot of the south quad will be a bonus building.
“It can either become a residential building or an early childhood center,” said Marja Preston of the Asani Development Team.
“We’ve been thinking about a couple uses that could become an amenity for the residents there.”
An early childhood center would further foster the intergenerational quality of living at Grow Community, Preston said.
Through volunteering, it would also give residents and citizens an opportunity to be involved in the community.
The idea began when the Madrona School was considering moving their program to a downtown area and potentially into the Grow Community building.
Despite the school deciding to stay in its current location, the idea stuck.
“We think it would be a really interesting amenity, because there are so many families moving into the Grow Community,” she said.
Click here to read the article.
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