Cristalla

Cristalla is a high rise condo building in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood at 2033 2nd Ave. Completed in 2005, Cristalla has 197 homes ranging from studios to three-bedrooms penthouses. Here’s our guide with everything you need to know about Cristalla!

Built in 2005 by Murray Franklyn and designed by Weber Thompson, Cristalla is one of Belltown’s most iconic and enduring luxury high-rises. What sets the 23-story tower apart is its vintage base: the original 1906 terra-cotta façade of the historic Crystal Pool (later the Seattle Crystal Roller Skating Rink) was preserved and incorporated into the modern glass tower.

Step through that historic archway, and you enter a grand, two-story lobby featuring a curved architectural staircase and a soaring indoor water wall. For buyers looking for high-end Belltown living with true personality, a stellar amenity lineup, and Pike Place Market right in your backyard, Cristalla has stayed near the top of the list for two decades.

Our Take

The Good:

• Unbeatable Rooftop Deck: The rooftop deck here is great. The 360-degree Elliott Bay and sunset views are hard to beat, and having fire pits, grilling stations, and a rooftop dog area makes it a space residents actually use.
• Protected Western Views: Unlike many downtown towers that constantly sweat their views, Cristalla benefits from protected western view corridors thanks to height restrictions and a view easement over the neighboring parcel to the west.
• Timeless Historic Charm: Integrating the 1906 Crystal Pool façade and the two-story waterfall lobby gives Cristalla a sense of identity.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Active Urban Streetscape: Sitting on 2nd Avenue places you right in the energetic core of Belltown and near Pike Place. While it offers unmatched walkability, the street below is lively and urban, meaning street noise is part of the package on lower floors.
• Mid-2000s Finishes: Unless a previous owner has remodeled, original unit finishes—like cherry cabinets, warmer granite, and mid-2000s tilework—can feel dated compared to brand-new towers, so many buyers budget for kitchen and bath refreshes.