The Apex Belltown Co-op is a limited-equity housing cooperative. Members enjoy the benefits of ownership and shared living experiences at a reasonable price in downtown Seattle. The membership is responsible for all management and maintenance issues involved in building ownership. The responsibilities include committing a substantial amount of time and energy to meetings, weekly chores, special projects, and work parties. Just as important, members must be willing to deal forthrightly with and be tolerant of other Co-op members with respect to individual privacy and beliefs. We are looking for members who will strengthen, enhance, and enjoy our Co-op, and be willing to commit themselves to living and working with us as members for a minimum of two years. Your application will help both you and us determine how you might fit into the community.

Once we have received applications, we will review them and contact applicants at least one week before interviews are scheduled. Interviews will all be held on the same day with limited flexibility to reschedule. Applicants will be contacted whether their application is accepted or not.  

Some things to know about Belltown and life at the Co-op:

It can be very noisy at night until quite late (our block includes several popular nightclubs). Apex rooms that face 1st Avenue (and other rooms to a lesser degree) experience this noise. There is no free parking within at least a mile; paid parking close to Apex is $150/mo. or more. For transparency, Belltown is an urban setting. There is drug use, car break-ins, houseless folks, etc. in the neighborhood.

The Co-op is pet friendly, and applicants should be comfortable living among pets. Our pet policy gets renegotiated periodically, and the community does its best to accommodate members with pet allergies.

There are also children who permanently and periodically live here, and applicants should be comfortable living among children.

The Co-op has regular bedbug inspections and two annual cleaning parties to keep the building free of pests.

The building is sturdy but old, and stuff sometimes breaks. The Co-op has systems in place for repairs, which can often take time.

Please take the above into consideration before submitting an application.

The cleanliness of the Co-op common areas is variable depending on a number of factors, such as Co-op members, the number of children living here, the number of guests, and/or any gatherings taking place. Each kitchen tends to have its own culture/rules that are negotiated by the members assigned to that kitchen. Co-op members are expected to maintain a clean, hygienic environment and be respectful of other members.

There is a sizable work commitment involved in living at the Co-op, averaging 10-20 hours per month. Members are expected to set aside time for Co-op duties, including but not limited to:

• completing a weekly chore
• serving on a committee
• attending monthly meetings
• participating in work parties
• attending applicant interviews
• running for the Board once every three years

*Pets may be subject to additional fees.

In addition to your monthly carrying charge, you must purchase a share in the Apex Belltown Cooperative.

The share price is currently $3,669. Upon purchase of the share, you become a part-owner of the Co-op. Upon termination of membership, the Co-op will refund the share price, plus any applicable Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases, minus any accrued damage expenses.

Apex Co-op shares cannot be sold on the open market, and their value is adjusted annually based on an inflation formula.

Share price requirements and information:

• To secure your membership, at least 1/4 of the share price must be paid up-front (currently $917.25), due one week from the date you are offered membership.
• This initial share price payment ($917.25) is nonrefundable should you later choose to decline membership.
• The remaining cost ($2,751.75), is payable over a seven-month period ($393.11/month).

In addition to the share price, members must pay a monthly carrying charge. This covers costs at the Apex such as utilities, building upkeep, and loan payments. The current carrying charge rates are:

Single (Zen): $415/month

Double: $691/month

Triple: $934/month

Please bear in mind that these amounts are subject to change each year.

 

Each October, the Apex determines the budget for the following year, which in turn determines the carrying charge rates. Carrying charge rates are updated on January 1st of each year.

If you have a roommate, there is an additional monthly fee of $172.75.

 

 

Please give us three personal references, including one reference from an organization you have been involved in (volunteering, job, etc.). Be sure to include at least one person who has lived with you or has had you as a tenant. Your references should be people who can speak about your character. Please do not use family members.

By signing my name below, I certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any misrepresentation, deletion, or falsification on this application is sufficient cause to void my application. I authorize representatives of Apex Belltown Co-op to verify the information listed on this application.

Please use your mouse to sign your name in the allotted space.