Nexus (building)

Vancouver-based developer Burrard Group announced its intention to build a 41-story condominium tower at 1200 Howell Street, its first project in Seattle, in late 2015.^[6] The project was named "Nexus", referencing the tower's design as well as its location between South Lake Union, Downtown Seattle, and Capitol Hill.^[7] Burrard purchased the project site, a quarter-block surface parking lot, for $14.95 million in May 2016.^[8] Reservations and deposits for units began selling on June 7, with buyers camping out overnight and forming long lines at the sales office.^[9]

Construction was approved in December 2016,^[10] and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held on March 14, 2017.^[11] Sales for units in the building began the following week, resulting in 75 percent of units sold within the first few days.^[12] The building opened in February 2020 for the first set of new residents.^[13]

A temporary certificate of occupancy was issued by the city government in January 2020, with the remaining work later delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a statewide construction stoppage. Burrard filed a court complaint against Skanska and its subcontractors for late delivery of the project, valued at $4.7 million, as well as unresolved change orders and water damage during construction.^[14] Skanska filed suit against Burrard Group's 1200 Howell Street LLC for $20 million in damages and were awarded $19.2 million by a King County Superior Court jury in March 2022, pending a further ruling by the trial judge.^[15]

Nexus's design consists of a series of stacked boxes that are rotated in 8-degree offsets to create a "twisted" look.^[3][16] The tower, designed by Weber Thompson, uses the areas under the boxes for open-air terraces, as well as amenity spaces.^[3][5] Some corners of the tower are "eroded" and form two-story penthouse units that are located throughout the building.^[3] The rooftop has a lounge and view terrace for residents, as well as a private bar and restaurant.^[17]

The tower also includes retail space in its podium, as well as twelve stories of parking in below- and above-ground garages.^[17][18]