SEATTLE, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EXPO, a luxury apartment building situated in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood, will be preleasing in July, and ready for first occupancy this fall. The unique community borrows its name from the Century 21 Exposition, a world's fair event held in Seattle in 1962.

Future residents can expect to enjoy becoming a part of an up-tempo residence in an engaging Seattle community. The community features studios, one and two-bedrooms and townhomes. Gourmet kitchens, individual washers and dryers and three rooftop decks abound. A resident lounge with Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art fitness center, ample parking and a rooftop garden highlight convenience and quality living. The property's 2,000 square foot courtyard at its entrance coupled with its plans for ground floor retail units, a car-charging station and dog wash will add to the convenience factor of this property.

"EXPO is situated on the land where the Century 21 Exposition took place 50 years ago," says Director of Marketing and Communications, Darcey A. Forbes. "So naming our luxury apartment building EXPO is an act of commemoration and celebration of the 50th anniversary of this part of Seattle's history.

"And as we move forward with the opening of our new building, we will also celebrate our own part in Seattle's future."

Essex Property Trust, Inc., located in Palo Alto, California and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ESS), is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected WestCoast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 159 apartment communities (34,291 units), and has 930 units in various stages of development. Additional information about Essex can be found on the Company's web site at www.essexapartmenthomes.com.

For more information on The EXPO, go to http://liveexpoapts.com/.

Merrick Towle Communications is an integrated marketing communications firm with clients in the real estate, energy and nonprofit arenas.

SOURCE Essex Property Trust, Inc.