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Escala, the Belltown high-rise and fictional home of Fifty Shades' billionaire Christian Grey. (Photo:escalaseattle.com)

'Fifty Shades' no big deal to Seattle condo owners

BY Tom Kelly  on May 23, 2012 @ 9:04 am (Updated: 10:33 am - 5/23/12 )

Much of the domestic interaction in the wildly popular "Fifty Shades of Grey" books by E. L. James takes place in a downtown Seattle penthouse, but the controversial series has done little to boost sales in the condominium building.

"In fact, I doubt if any of our residents have even read the books," said Erik Mehr, director of sales at Escala, the Belltown high-rise and fictional home of Fifty Shades' billionaire Christian Grey.

Grey's escapades with lead character Anastasia Steele occur in the building's plush penthouse. However, unlike depicted in the books, there is no helicopter pad on Escala's roof.

According to Mehr, only one of Escala's four penthouses, priced at $6.7 million for a basic shell and containing 5,200-square feet, has sold. Of the building's 269 total units, 190 have sold, including one to San Francisco Giants' pitcher Tim Lincecum. Prices start at $400,000.

Units at Escala are shown only by appointment. In the past two years, potential buyer traffic has remained consistent. Approximately 75 buyers per week tour the units.

"It's critical that we respect the privacy of our owners," Mehr said. "People off the street can't just come in and have free run of the building."

Tom Kelly, Real Estate Today
Tom Kelly has been a professional journalist for 36 years. He served The Seattle Times for 20 years, many as Real Estate Editor.
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Comments (3)


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  • El Duderino wrote...
    Duh
    May 24, 2012 8:39 am
    Middle aged spinsters with 10+ cats who eat Bon Bons (with a Diet Coke) on the couch while reading their Kindle don't have $400,000+ for a condo? Ya don't say! Miami Vice and Magnum P.I. didn't sell many Ferraris either (well, two for sure).
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  • TwoTrees wrote...
    "...but the controversial series has done little to boost sales in the condominium building."
    May 24, 2012 10:53 am
    This is very odd. Harry Potter most certainly boosted the dank, gothic castle market.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Lillyrose125 wrote...
    Too funny!
    May 24, 2012 2:14 pm
    TwoTrees - very funny!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }