Development near Olympic Sculpture Park opposed

Two groups have appealed Seattle's recent approval of a 14-story luxury apartment building on the northern boundary of the much-lauded Olympic Sculpture Park.

In separate appeals filed this week, they contend city planners erred in not requiring an environmental-impact statement for the project.

The appellants are the Alexandria Homeowners Association, which represents owners in a five-story condominium across Western Avenue from the proposed apartment tower, and a group called Friends of the Olympic Sculpture Park.

In its appeal, The Friends group contends the tower's height and bulk will damage the 9-acre sculpture park's aesthetic value, and argues the building's design should be changed.

"We are still very much hoping to change the tide and see the development halted or dramatically reduced in size," member Don Hussong said in an e-mail.

The Alexandria's appeal says planners didn't give adequate consideration to the project's impact on neighborhood residents.

"The proposed apartment building would soar above and dominate the neighborhood, much as a McMansion monster home dominates a single-family residential neighborhood," association president Sylvia Skratek, a former state senator, said in a letter included in the appeal.

The Seattle Art Museum, which developed and owns the 3-year-old sculpture park, is not involved in the appeals, spokeswoman Cara Egan said.

The 78-unit apartment building, at 3031 Western Ave., would stand 15 feet from the park's northern border and alter views from the park's pavilion and amphitheater. A two-story warehouse used as a garage occupies the site now.

Developer Martin Selig has said he has no plans to start construction anytime soon.

The city's Downtown Design Review Board, an advisory group, recommended approval of the apartment project after Selig redesigned it to address the board's earlier concerns about its impact on the park.

Planners approved the building Sept. 14. A city hearing examiner will hear the appeals.

Eric Pryne: 206-464-2231 or epryne@seattletimes.com