When he was in Tacoma doing estate sales, Kelly Hughes says he was “inspired by the development” that he saw here. 



He moved back to Seattle, but remained intrigued by happenings in the south end, and though about putting his background — broadcasting — to good use in building a community around understanding the luxury real estate market.



While Hughes’ radio show will air locally on Lakewood’s KLAY, beginning Saturday, Aug. 4 from 6-7 p.m., he says, “The focus is the Northwest because there’s so much overlap.” 



He cites the overlap of Olympia and Tacoma residents commuting to Seattle to work, as well as architects, designers and artists from all over the region coming to work in Tacoma.



One such person, Port Orchard sculptor James Kelsey, who was commissioned to do the memorial sculpture for the Tacoma Police Department, will be Hughes’ guest Aug. 11, while his opening show will feature Seattle architect Mark Hinshaw, the author of “True Urbanism."



Hughes explains that the show with Hinshaw, taped last week, explores the concept of the urban village, a utopian oasis like that seen on “Sex and the City,” where conveniences are a stroll or cab drive away.



“A lot of people want that,” says Hughes, “So many people take the idea and come so close.”



Hughes sees that the next step toward that utopia would be the involvement of people with incomes buying the condos, but would also have to include the involvement of urban planners, business leaders and politicians.



He adds, “Neighborhoods have to woo developers.”



Hughes sees developers of projects like the Marcato as well as downtown condo projects as visionaries, creating downtown self-contained areas that urban dwellers can “enjoy with style.”



And in his show, Hughes hopes to celebrate that urban living style through conversations with designers, architects and celebrities; he hopes listeners will be wooed by the cocktail-hour nature of the show. “Have a little drink with the show while you make dinner, then have great dinner conversation that the show inspires,” Hughes suggests.

He’s also hoping to get show ideas and feedback for the show through mail@kellywaynehughes.com or by calling 206.329.5143; further show information can be found at www.kellywaynehughes.com.