In a neighborhood best know for parks, marinas and restaurants along Shilshole Bay, Publicly traded ESA wants to build on a lot on the other side of Ballard, next door to a Safeway and across the street from Walgreens. ESA also has developments in the surrounding cities of Bothell, Everett, Renton and Tukwila.

An employee at ESA's Spartanburg headquarters did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on whether the comapny owns the property already or holds an option to purchase the site.

ESA has seen its share price fall dramatically since the terrorist attacks, but rode a market ride rebound this morning to gain back $0.20 in early afternoon trading. The company's share price now stands at $13.30, off $3.20 since trading resumed on Monday, and off $6 from its 52-week high of $19.35 in mid-February.