U-District Safeway Redevelopment Forges Ahead
The University District Safeway was demolished in December, and construction quickly began on the store’s redevelopment into a 7-story, 180-unit apartment building. Fast forward to today, the site’s excavation is halfway complete.
“This is the first mixed-use project I’ve worked on in my career so I’m very excited to see it come to life,” said JMA Designer Becky Peterkin who has been working alongside Bob Gregg with Gregg Property Associates who is overseeing construction administration on behalf of JMA. “We’re in the final stages of the construction permitting process, and I look forward to visiting the site as they build up the levels.”
The renovation will create a 6,600 SF plaza, totaling nearly 10,000 SF when combined with the adjacent north plaza of The M tower. The 180 residential units will come in various sizes, from studio to 5-bedroom models divided between 5 building volumes separated by courtyards. The 316,000 SF development is expected to bring light and security to the site as well as housing within walking distance of the newest U-District Link light rail station.
Safeway sold the property to developer Field Holdings in November and will lease the new 34,000 SF ground-floor space.