Plans take shape for 21-story Skyline retirement tower in First Hill

Ritzy retirement community Skyline has been serving up a luxury condo experience for people entering their golden years for a while now—but in case you haven’t heard, there are a whole lot of boomers with a whole lot of longevity that all need places to live. In response to growing demand, Skyline has been planning an expansion right by its original facility called Olympic Tower.

Transforming Age, the nonprofit that operates Skyline, and architects Akrom Moisan presented new plans for the tower to the Design Review Board on Wednesday. Renderings show, true to goal, a tower that resembles more all-ages luxury condominium communities, encased in glass for giant views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Located just to the west of Skyline’s massive existing community, Olympic Tower will add 72 units to Skyline’s capacity, and 72 parking spaces to match—although one reason First Hill is such a popular site for retirement homes is its extreme walkability to activities and healthcare facilities. While early plans called for a skybridge connecting the two buildings across 8th Avenue, that was eventually scrapped—although landscaping by Site Workshop and plaza space around the building will make navigating its hillside location a little easier, with steps and public plazas along the way.

Interiors also resemble nearby new-construction luxury communities like the Luma, with big, open floorplans, walls of windows, and sleek finishes. Amenities are about as rich as one of those towers too—and familiar: terraces and a dog run!—but adding in some retirement home staples like a resident salon and spa and a dining area.

The project received conditional approval from the Design Review Board on Wednesday. Transforming Age estimates the tower will be completed in Fall 2021.

• Olympic Tower [Skyline]
• 715 8th Avenue [SIP]