“This site is very similar to the Harbor Steps site with topographical challenges,” said Martha Barkman, vice president of development for Mack Urban. “It was the first project in Seattle to connect First Avenue to the waterfront with a public view point, plaza and tiered staircase. Similar to 1001 John Street, Harbor Steps provided solutions to the 55' foot drop with a hill climb and public view points.”

Both Harbor Steps and 1001 John Street are private property that have or are proposed to be dedicated to a public benefit. “Reconnecting John Street will create a new mid-block pedestrian connection which is currently lacking,” added Barkman. “By siting our tower on the Southeast corner, we are able to preserve views for public enjoyment and provide the hill climb linkage and viewpoint discussed in the 2010 South Lake Union Urban Design Framework document. As the project manager for Harbor Steps, I know firsthand how powerful pedestrian connections can be in making Seattle a walkable city. I'm really pleased that we could make this part of our project. It's responsible, urban design.”

The front door of the 43-story, 400 foot tower will be on John Street in order to add to the developing pedestrian character along that street and connect to the view point plaza.

Along Terry Avenue N. the streetscape will be developed in coordination with the Terry Avenue North Street Design Guidelines with a 31' ft. sidewalk at the base of the hill climb. The 2800 sq. ft. of retail will also be located on the street level of Terry Avenue N.

“1001 John Street is more than an address,” concluded Keller. “As a long-term hold real estate investment firm, we see the site location and topographical condition as both an opportunity and a responsibility to create a prominent public connection and preserve a view corridor. It will be a timeless building that doesn't turn its back on any street.”