Work begins on 136 Ballard units

The Mac’s building is no more. The upholstery business, once located at 5011 15th Ave. N.W. in Ballard , moved in recent years to the Licton Springs area.

Its longtime corner home, at Northwest 51st Street, sold seven years ago to Calhoun Property Management. Working with Hybrid Architecture, its five-story, 136-unit apartment project — likely to carry the aPodment brand — earned a master use permit in 2021.

The project flipped this September to builder/developer Harry Arsene, and the long-vacant Mac’s building was swiftly demolished. Workers and bulldozers have been observed in recent weeks toiling in the mud, and city building inspection reports now confirm the project is fully underway.

Construction should take about two years for the micro-apartments, most of which will be congregate units with shared kitchens and amenities — but private bathrooms. Four larger live/work units are also planned at grade. No parking is included.

The architect rates the project at 32,382 square feet. That includes amenities and 114 bike stalls. The location, a short walk to the Safeway, also benefits from the RapidRide D Line.

The team also includes Davido, civil engineer; Ken Large Landscape Architect; Geotech Consultants; Swenson Say Faget, structural engineer; and Pacific Crest Savings Bank, which provided a small acquisition loan.

DJC Article 12.08.20