Developers, architects, and city leaders gathered on the Thea Foss Waterway yesterday to celebrate ground breaking on The Esplanade — a nine-story, $70-million mixed-use condominium and retail development project located at 1515 Dock Street. When construction on the project is completed in the fall of 2007, the building will feature over 176 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium homes, 320 underground parking spaces, and 19,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

“Our goal for the design of the building was to create an experience that takes full advantage of the unique characteristics of the Thea Foss Waterway and its surroundings,” said Ted Caloger, principal at MulvannyG2, which designed the project. “Dramatic views can be seen in all directions from the tower. The retail and restaurant level was designed to open directly onto both Dock Street and a public plaza on 16th Street, allowing a connection between the building and the active urban environment along the waterway.”

Seattle-based Graham Construction is the general contractor. The building is owned by Thea Foss Holdings LLC, which purchased the property from the Foss Waterway Development Authority in January 2006.