SOURCE: ek Real Estate Group

June 18, 2008 19:54 ET

The Rebel Is Yelling: Georgetown Development Asserts Community's Gutsy Energy

Sales of Five Industrial Georgetown Lofts Begin

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - June 18, 2008) - Anyone who steps foot into the artsy community of Georgetown knows that it walks to the beat of its own bohemian marching band. The new Georgetown Lofts, developed by Murray Kahn of Gordian Development, at 6708 Corson Ave. South, is no different. Comprising five, two-bedroom lofts -- priced from the 300,000s -- these offer loft-like living with an edgy, "distinctly Georgetown" vibe.

A fan of the area, Kahn's vision was to create living spaces that capture the artistic and industrial history of the burgeoning Georgetown community. He explains, "My affinity for the artistic and eclectic character of Georgetown was my incentive to build here. Urban infill provides sustainability in this growing community and my ability to reflect the industrial nature of this dynamic neighborhood was very exciting," Edward Krigsman, President and CEO of ek Real Estate Group and listing broker for the project, says of the development. "Georgetown hit the national cultural map this year as Seattle's last outpost of industry. Kahn's project tips its hat to the creative and hardworking community surrounding Georgetown Lofts."

To see out this vision, Kahn handpicked many of the elements that went into the project -- like heavy-gauge rusted steel, commercial-grade fixtures, and a host of other unexpected surprises. Kahn says, "My interest in Georgetown's metal-working community is apparent throughout -- you'll notice the steel-clad stairs, the mild steel railing caps, and the steel railings that were custom-made by metalworkers Andy Blakney and Lisa Geertsen of Georgetown's Firelight Forge. Of course, we also incorporated all of the modern amenities you'd expect to see in a new home: quartz slab counters, stainless appliances, gas ranges, and efficient gas hydronic heating."

Kahn believes buyers will be drawn to Georgetown's eclectic, tight-knit vibe, where residents and merchants alike are heavily involved in community associations, activities, and events. Larry Reid of Fantagraphic Books says of the area, "The city is in danger of losing its soul, and right now, Georgetown is the soul of Seattle. Georgetown is the last outpost for the blue-collar, bohemian, industrial arts community in Seattle."

Kahn captures Georgetown's spirit with voluminous interior spaces that blend modern, open design with the benefit of private bedrooms. They feature gutsy architectural elements such as 16-21' ceilings, oversized grid-patterned windows, and rusted, corrugated steel siding. In Kahn's words, "They were inspired by my time in the Berkeley area -- we used to hang out at artists' warehouse lofts in the SOMA district of San Francisco."

Kahn is working with ek Real Estate Group to create a marketing campaign that will engage the community and draw others to it. ek Real Estate's Larry Wilcynski, listing agent for Georgetown Lofts, says, "Our grassroots marketing campaign incorporates and supports local merchants every step of the way: We commissioned local artist Tim Silbaugh, who creates the famed Georgetown Artopia posters, to design our real estate signs and flyers. Justin Taft, owner of Georgetown's Hagar Café, is catering our sales and community events. Georgetown Lofts will continue to engage residents and community leaders such as the Georgetown Merchants Associations."

The Georgetown Lofts are now available for viewing by appointment. Please call 206.227.1725 for more information and the summer open house schedule.

About ek Real Estate Group

ek Real Estate Group is an innovative residential real estate brokerage that employs a team-based approach to serving discerning home buyers, sellers, and real estate developers. The company differs from most real estate firms, where agents work independently. Instead, ek Real Estate Group leverages the expertise of a team of specialists -- through integrated processes, systems, and tools -- to deliver the highest value to each customer. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.ekreg.com, or call 206 | 374 | 9400.