The Vertigo
Since moving to Capitol Hill, I've wandered past the Vertigo Building, a building distinctive enough to stand out and make me wonder about the inside. I probably would have missed it, except that it's located next to the Cap Hill Library, where I get books and admire the architecture.
In mid-March, I noticed a sign in front of the Vertigo building announcing that the building had turned condo, using the clever tagline "If the City is Your Game of Tag, This is Your Base". I wandered inside, took a look at a few of the units and instantly fell in love. A few weeks later, after many discussions, hours spent at the building and friends/family drug along to look, I made an offer, on April 14, to be exact. The offer was accepted. Not only am I moving once again (number six in slightly less than nine years), but taking a huge life step.
On July 11, after an extended escrow period, I am going to be homeowner.
Exciting, fabulous, terrifying and just plain "wow" can only capture my myriad of emotions.
The Vertigo isn't exactly what I thought I wanted. Originally, I described my perfect home in terms of old warm charm, built from the 1900s through the 1920s, with a brick exterior, creaking wood floors, high ceilings, built-in glass cabinets and other characteristics of that era. The Vertigo is none of that, rather a hulking mass of concrete circa 1961, but still with character. However, in this case, it's reminiscent of shag and kitsch and modern, before that era turned cheap and tacky and Sputnik modern.
I've always loved that early 60s feel, even driving a car that smacks squarely within that era. As I thought about my life, particuarly having hit my one year mark in Seattle, I realized that since 2001, I've lived in old warm charm houses and apartments, some nicer than others. And decided that it was time for a change.
Even though I haven't yet moved, and July 11 is only a fixed date that can easily change (in the process of condoizing the building, units have been gutted and completely remodeled, so yes, I will have granite counter tops and dishwasher and washing machine), I've already begun to think about the housewarming party. Food from the 1950s era will be served, although in my fashion, updated for 2007. Already, I'm thinking martinis, deviled eggs, onion dip, meatballs. Any other ideas?
The most important room, the soon-to-be kitchen.
