West Seattle development: Semi-update on ‘The Hole’

| Development | West Seattle news

(2011 WSB photo of ‘The Hole’)
Once Trader Joe’s opened on the northeast corner of 39th/Fauntleroy/Alaska, the “what will we all talk about NOW?” attention turned, for some, to the northwest side of the intersection, home to “The Hole,” the project known as Fauntleroy Place when it was excavated and then entangled in a court fight. That battle ended with a settlement that resulted in a foreclosure auction last October, with 3922 SW Alaska LLC as the only bidder – an entity of Madison Development. Since then, though, nary a word about what Madison – which recently completed the Element 42 apartments east of Admiral Safeway – intends to do with “The Hole.”

For quite some time, we tried to find out through the PR agency that had been speaking for Madison. They said they’d see what they could find out – but no updates ensued. Finally today, while working on various followups, we tried contacting Madison’s Tom Lee directly. His reply was short, but full of promise:

We are still working very hard on the project and hope to have an update for you soon.

As for the site’s DPD file, the only even-remotely-recent activity has been a renewal of permits in late March.

Chuck & Sally's Van Man May 7, 2012 (4:51 pm)

I hate to hijack this thread, but in addition to this update on the “hole,” I’d sure like to know what they intend to do with the public hazard known as Chuck & Sally’s on California and Graham. More than an eyesore, the broken glass and debris is a public nuisance. Any ideas there?

WSB May 7, 2012 (5:51 pm)

The owner told us he is still hoping to lease it. Someone filed a complaint with DPD re: the condition of the place last fall, but no violation was found, according to the DPD site:
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http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/Project.aspx?id=38585
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Has anyone in the neighborhood complained recently? – TR

HT May 7, 2012 (6:00 pm)

Aside from seeing people urinate in the alley and the occasional drug deal go down in the parking lot from the window above, there doesn’t seem to be a lot happening with it. I would love it if a new restaurant could go in there rather than a bar.

bsmomma May 7, 2012 (6:16 pm)

Oooooo I’d love to see one of those places you put all your veggies, meat, noodles and sauce together and they grill it up for you! Yummmmmmm. :)

JayDee May 7, 2012 (7:21 pm)

I’d just love to see a not-Hole. While the work that went into the Hole is significant, it will be for naught if Alaska or 39th Ave slumps into it. Plus whomever is getting rental on the Generator Set stuck inside the fence is loving it (or not if they aren’t getting paid.)

Marcus M May 7, 2012 (7:36 pm)

After all this time, I now think the Hole is kind of cool. It should be preserved as a historic landmark.

Neighbor May 7, 2012 (8:13 pm)

Let’s just hope that the plan that is being worked on is NOT to move the Safeway to the hole! That would leave Jefferson Square in more of a dire situation than it already is.

carlton May 7, 2012 (8:25 pm)

For a years now I have told freinds how to get up to the Junction and meet me for drinks. I tell them look for a big hole in the ground on the corner of Fauntleroy Way and Alaska St. when you get off the bridge. It never fails.

rats May 7, 2012 (8:59 pm)

I can’t believe the city couldn’t find a violaion at Chuck & Sally’s.

Brontosaurus May 7, 2012 (9:27 pm)

My son asked me about the hole the other day. Why was it dug? What is it for? When he was about 20 months old, I used to take him to see the diggers excavating it. Ah the memories….He’ll be entering kindergarten in September…

Elizabeth May 7, 2012 (9:36 pm)

Won’t somebody please put a movie theater in the Hole?

Sonoma May 7, 2012 (10:25 pm)

Ha! I am not sure I would term Mr. Lee’s response “full of promise.” It looks like the usual b.s. to me.
“We are still working very hard on the project and hope to have an update for you soon” is meaningless in my book.

Cascadianone May 7, 2012 (10:29 pm)

Great idea Elizabeth!!! A nice big movie theater would be a really awesome addition to West Seattle…

44th Neighbor May 8, 2012 (6:43 am)

The hole is awful — i burn with frustration every time i see it. BUT I appreciate the update, WSB. No sooner do I wonder about something in the ‘hood than I see it on the blog.

Cheryl May 8, 2012 (7:05 am)

A movie theater is a great idea, but there is no money in that biz anymore (not for theater owners anyway). Also, we have the Admiral. I’d rather see that thetater fully renovated & restored (like the Seattle SIFF in QA) than have a multi-plex that caters to the 3D/Blockbuster crowd. Just my 2 cents.
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As for the Hole? I’m still personally wishing for a small hospital or quality medical care facility of some kind that has eve and weekend hours.
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In lieu of that, a proper Park and Ride with a metro & light rail station built in… Dream Come True for commuters. :)

Brandon May 8, 2012 (12:27 pm)

giant swimming pool

M May 8, 2012 (1:27 pm)

Make it into a bass pond and fishing hole. That’d be more useful than another store.

kgdlg May 8, 2012 (1:47 pm)

Chuck and Sally’s is so far gone that I would be shocked if a tenant would undertake the investment necessary to bring that space back for good. The Owner needs to do this renovation or sell it to a developer who will do something positive for that lot. It is a shame the condition it is is and it really detracts from the community.

natinstl May 8, 2012 (3:54 pm)

I agree with the poster above, Chuck and Sally’s is too far gone at this point and frankly I think it’s pretty **itty for someone whose a local to leave it in that condition for those of us who have to live by it. It’s constantly being covered in graffiti and there are always people loitering around the entrance and using it as their personal toilet.

Jennifer May 8, 2012 (10:08 pm)

Cheryl said
“As for the Hole? I’m still personally wishing for a small hospital or quality medical care facility of some kind that has eve and weekend hours”

Isn’t the highline med center across the street open evenings and weekends? How about fill it in and have a public space/park with playground?

Chuck & Sally's Van Man May 8, 2012 (10:14 pm)

@natinstl: Not just a local, but a local realtor. The irony just floors me. And to Tracy’s question as to whether or not I’ve complained to the city, the answer is no, not lately. But this thread strengthens my resolve to try again. Thanks for the link.

LyndaB May 9, 2012 (9:34 am)

If they don’t fill the hole, I have this crazy thought that it will suck all of WS into it. Like a black hole!

Betty T May 12, 2012 (8:19 pm)

I took a gppd look when going past CHuck & Sally’s on the bus the other day. My own thought was who would by such a dilapidated building? I think the owner is out of his or her mind expecting anyone to buy such a piece property. I deffinitely don’t blame the residents in the area complaining about such an eyesore.

As to the Hole, I’ll bet apartments or townhouses over something. Maybe we’ll know some day.

Sorry, comment time is over.