Dwell opens 54-unit Noco on Rainier

Seattle-based Dwell Development recently completed Noco, a 54-unit mixed-use apartment building in Columbia City that uses solar technology to heat hot water.

The project is at 4525 Rainier Ave. S., near the light rail station and other public transportation.

The four-story, 18,000-square-foot building has 50 small efficiency apartments and four live/work units. They range from 280 to 310 square feet. Apartments rent for $999 to $1,299, and 28 are leased. Live/work spaces rent for $1,099, and two are leased.

Amenities include an onsite laundry, game room, heated bike storage, a courtyard and a rooftop deck. There is no parking.

There are two street-level 1,000-square-foot commercial spaces, and Peter Argeres of Yates Wood is the broker.

Dwell developed and owns Noco (which stands for North of Columbia City). Dwell said this one of the first apartment buildings in Seattle to use next-generation solar technology for hot water, calling it “an amazingly cost-effective and eco-friendly way to generate hot water for residents.”

Dwell also said this is the first apartment building since 2012 to achieve 5-star Built Green certification — a green home program from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties.

Noco is Dwell’s first multifamily project. It typically builds houses and townhouses, and is known for high-performance development. Dwell said the small efficiency units are an ideal solution for adding density, and could attract diverse residents who want car-free living and a walkable neighborhood.

Dwell developed Noco using a limited liability company. Keith Hammer from NW Built is a business partner in the project.

Dwell hired Clark Construction to build Noco. The team also includes John Trieger, architect; Clark Construction, general contractor; Fossatti Pawlak, structural engineer; Silk Road, solar thermal; and Evergreen Certified, third party energy verifier.

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