48 Ballard units move closer to MUP

The midblock building site for a 48-unit apartment project at 5409 Leary Ave. N.W. sold over two years ago for $7.2 million. That price included two old buildings to remain on the corner of Northwest Vernon Place. They’re home to tenants including Asadero Ballard restaurant and Caffe Fiore.

The new seven-story building to go on the northwest parking lot, designed by Skidmore Janette Architects, passed through design review last year. Now the unnamed project has received a SEPA determination of non-significance from the city, which clears the path to a master use permit.

Skidmore Janette is partnering with Pilot Ventures in the project, which isn’t publicly listed for sale. No detailed construction drawings have yet been filed.

All the units will be SEDUs (small efficiency dwelling units). The project includes no parking, but there will be a basement bike room. A roof deck will face west toward Old Ballard. (The site is just outside the Ballard Avenue Landmark District.)

The commercial space will total 1,890 square feet, and could make use of the back patio for outdoor dining.