10.30.2023

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Today’s Forecast

⚒️ Shiver me timber

The state’s tallest mass timber project is opening soon in Seattle

A rendering of the outside of Heartwood, an affordable mass-timber apartment building in Capitol Hill, Seattle.

Heartwood offers studios and one-bedrooms at below market prices. | Photo via Heartwood

Heads up, architecture nerds. We’re lumbering up to Capitol Hill to gaze at an intriguing new apartment building made nearly entirely of wood.

With a planned mid-December debut, the eight-story Heartwood (ah, clever) is the tallest construction of its kind in Washington. It’s also part of an affordable housing initiative from local nonprofit Community Roots Housing with units part of rent restriction programs.

So, put on your hard hats as we take a quick tour of the woodsy complex at 1323 E. Union St.

🌳 Mass appeal

Heartwood is a mass-timber project, meaning that its core materials were built primarily with either solid or engineered wood rather than steel + concrete (though some steel is used). Why is that a big deal?

Materials are locally sourced — all of Heartwood’s components came within 400 miles of the job site.
Workers can build it quicker (the building’s materials took only two hours to unload).
Construction promises to be cheaper in the long run.
It may be friendlier to the environment since wood stores carbon.

An empty apartment with wood ceilings and floors at Heartwood in Seattle, WA — Apartments at Heartwood feature textured ceilings made with PNW wood.
|
Photo via Heartwood

According to independent researchers, Heartwood’s carbon footprint was 40% less than comparable construction and the materials are likely to have a lower impact on the environment over the building’s lifespan.

🏗️ Standing tall

You may be wondering if such a building is susceptible to disasters. But mass timber constructions are designed to be fire resistant. And this summer, researchers conducted an earthquake test of a 10-story mass timber building simulating conditions in Capitol Hill — it passed with flying colors.

Meeting high expectations, Heartwood’s architect hopes to replicate the building’s design for even taller projects, aiming to cut down construction time and emissions in the process.

With all that build up, Heartwood is currently leasing its 126 units before the grand opening in December. You can book a tour now.

Asked

What “green” building amenities might catch your eye when house hunting?

A. Solar panels
B. Electric vehicle chargers
C. Carbon neutral construction
D. Community gardens
E. Energy efficient appliances

Let us know

Events

Monday, Oct. 30

Sounders FC vs. FC Dallas | Monday, Oct. 30 | 6 p.m. | Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle | $42-$210 | Buckle up as the Sounders start their playoff run in this best-of-three, first-round series.
Cross-Faded Cinema | Monday, Oct. 30 | 7 p.m. | Here-After, 2505 First Ave., Seattle | $15 | DJ Nicfit mixes the soundtracks of cult classic movies as you watch the mashed up results on-screen.

Tuesday, Oct. 31

Tot Fall Festival | Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S. Myrtle St., Seattle | Free | Bring the kids for a costume contest, cookie decorating, and arts + crafts.
Halloween Ghost Run | Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 6-8 p.m. | Brooks Trailhead, 3400 Stone Way N., Seattle | Free | Sweat off those candy calories during a brisk, costumed fun run.
Werewolf...with Comedians! | Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 8-11 p.m. | Capitol Hill Comedy Bar, 210 Broadway E., Seattle | $15 | Howl along with stand-ups as you play this popular party game — costumes encouraged.

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Taste America | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 6 p.m. | Four Seasons Hotel, 99 Union St., Seattle | $150-$200 | Gorge yourself on bites from top Seattle chefs like Melissa Miranda, Grayson Corrales, and Trey Lamont at this James Beard event.
Old Dominion: No Bad Vibes Tour | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Climate Pledge Arena, 334 First Ave. N., Seattle | $34.50-$134.50 | The award-winning country band from Nashville is known for rollicking tunes like “Snapback.”
“The Merry Wives of Windsor” | Wednesday, Nov. 1-Friday, Nov. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Center Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | $30 | Check out this queer adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous farce featuring the scheming Falstaff.

Thursday, Nov. 2

First Thursday Art Walk | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 5-10 p.m. | Pioneer Square, 450 Alaskan Way, Seattle | Free | Meet talented local artists, eat good food, and enjoy free parking in the neighborhood.
The 11th Annual Freakout Festival | Thursday, Nov. 2-Friday, Nov. 3 | 6-11 p.m. | Various locations in Fremont + Ballard, Seattle | $45-$215 | The 11th annual fest includes an eclectic mix of garage rock, psychedelic, and punk acts at northern Seattle music venues.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Coming Soon

Fancy Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao announced details on its forthcoming Seattle restaurant. The location at 400 University St. will open in early 2024 and include a 5,000-sqft rooftop lounge — a first for the global franchise. Fogo de Chao opened a Bellevue outpost in 2017. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Transit

Speeding right along, King County Metro has finished designs for the RapidRide J Line. The route — which will run through downtown, South Lake Union, and the U District — includes new stations, transit lanes, shelters, and real-time trip updates. Construction plans to start next summer.

Sports

The Seahawks are really soaring now, folks. Seattle made a late comeback on Sunday to defeat the Cleveland Browns at home, 24-20. After winning five of their last six games, the Seahawks are now in first place in the NFC West with a 5-2 record.

Closing

Longtime neighborhood favorite Thai of Wedgwood has closed after 26 years in business. The restaurant at 7520 35th Ave. NE was known for its excellent noodle dishes, soups, and vegan options. Owners Gina and Paul Asavarahapun hope to reopen in another location in the future. (Vanishing Seattle)

History

Seattle may get a new National Archives facility to replace the current one at Sand Point. In addition, US archivist Dr. Colleen Shogan is seeking funding to still renovate the old facility, since the new one could take up to a decade to arrive. (My Northwest)

Drink

The beers are now a-flowin’ at Reuben’s Brews new taproom in Fremont. Seattle’s award-winning brewer has taken over the old Vif space at 5010 50th Ave. NW, which is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is Reuben’s second location. (Eater Seattle)

List

Listen up, crane-iacs — Seattle’s still No. 1 when it comes to number of active cranes. Even though the city saw a decline in recent months, we still lead the US in number of cranes with 45 operational. Of those, 27 are for residential tower projects. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Civic

Washington senator Patty Murray has helped set aside $80 million to rebuild the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge. The Olympic Peninsula’s tourist site burned down in May before reopening this summer in a limited capacity. This federal money would also help construct an interim lodge before a new one is complete. (Seattle Times)

Travel

Want to travel the world — without leaving the country? Enter: Greenville, SC, featuring 200+ restaurants downtown (a quarter of which are international), so you can indulge in flavors from around the world. Plan your foodie getaway.*

Finance

$300 is the new $200. This card is offering a rare $300 welcome bonus, and bonuses like that don’t come around that often. That’s why thousands are lining up for it. Learn more and apply.*

Cause

🏥 Where to donate blood in Seattle

Where to donate blood in Seattle

Bloodworks Northwest often organizes mobile drives around Seattle, including schools. | Photo via Bloodworks Northwest

We know it’s vampire season, but Dracula isn’t the only one on the hunt for healthy veins this week.

Washington’s emergency blood supply is running dangerously low and now would be a good time to help.

If you’re up to donate, Bloodworks Northwest has multiple locations across the region. Type O donors are especially in need, but all blood types are welcome to give.

You can also find an American Red Cross blood drive that’s close to your home or workplace, then choose an available time. Before you go:

Read up on requirements to see if you’re eligible.
Learn the basics.
Complete a donor history questionnaire.

Expect a short physical (temperature, pulse, blood pressure check, and a small finger prick to check your hemoglobin levels).

If you’re cleared to donate, sit back and relax — it’ll be over before you know it. And you may get a cookie at the end.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Gabe

From the editor

Have you stocked up on candy for trick-or-treaters? Better get on that — maybe with a couple of local shops. You can also find a handy Seattle Halloween map on Proxi if you’re venturing out for a sugar quest. Save the Kit Kats for us.

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