Seattle luxury hotel sues neighboring vacant building over alleged rampant crime, seeks millions

The Astra Hotel, a four-star luxury hotel in Seattle’s South Lake Union, is suing the owners of a nearby vacant property that has allegedly become a hub for crime.

The owners of the hotel, located near the intersection of Terry Avenue and Thomas Street, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court.

Seeking millions of dollars in damages, the owners claimed fires, trespassing, drug use, and lewd behavior have not only gone on at the unoccupied property, a Fred Rodgers building, but also have been visible from guest rooms, the hotel’s lounge, and the restaurant.

In the lawsuit, the hotel claimed the neighboring property is a public nuisance and a danger to the community.

According to FOX 13, the attorney representing the owners of the vacant Fred Rogers building argued the issue is about aesthetics, and that there is no evidence guests have left or the hotel has lost compensation due to the neighboring property’s condition.

New legislation for dilapidated buildings

Last year, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed new legislation that amended the Seattle Fire Code, allowing the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) to order and complete remediation or demolition of dangerous vacant buildings.

Under this new law, property owners are responsible for making the building or property site safe. In extreme cases, the city of Seattle will be authorized to do the necessary abatement work and then place a title lien on the property to recover costs.

According to the city of Seattle, approximately 100 of 300 buildings within the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection’s (SDCI) monthly inspections are considered “dangerous buildings.”

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