(Images: CHS)

Nope, the Paramount Theater hasn’t moved up-Hill. New eye-catching signage went up earlier this week on the newly opened Excelsior Apartments and neighbors and passersby are definitely noticing. That’s show biz.

According a person familiar with the building’s management, a small amount of complaints began after only a few days of the new signs’ debuts. The big, tall sign hanging above the sidewalk at Pine and Bellevue certainly is getting noticed. But there is also a giant red “X” now on top of the development’s southeast corner that is catching plenty of eyes.

The permanent features tie into the building’s marketing of auto row-era Capitol Hill stylings and x-themed slogans: xplore, xciting, xperience… etc.

The project is named for the first commercial tenant recorded in the building the preservation-boosted development incorporated at Melrose and Pine. You might have known it as the Bauhaus building. But in the early 20th century, it was home to the Excelsior Motorcycle and Bicycle Company, a Seattle showroom for the British bicycle, motorcycle and car maker’s creations.

The eight story, 203-unit, 180 parking space, preservation incentive boosted (but not landmarks worthy) development is now open to tenants and its street level commercial spaces are starting to fill including Seattle home decor business Stock and Pantry and high-end cycling brand Rapha. There are still commercial spaces for smaller retail ventures to join the project as well as a still unclaimed restaurant space on Melrose.

Apartment units, meanwhile, inside the building the new signs are helping to market are being advertised as a “luxury community” that pus the “lively city right outside your front door.” The cheapest Excelsior units advertised currently include $1,727 per month for a “497-561 Sq. Ft., 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Apartment Home.” The most expensive listing we found is $3,015 per month for a two-bedroom unit. The site also lists two bedroom, two bath lofts for $4,687. Round up eight or nine friends and you’ll be set.