West Seattle businesses: Howden-Kennedy’s last day in The Junction

This is the last day for the longtime home of Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home at Fauntleroy and Alaska. As reported here previously, HK is moving to a new location on 35th SW; the owners sold the 93-year-old business’s longtime site to the developers of the 4755 Fauntleroy Way project, which also includes the old Huling Auto site to the south, the now-closed Shell station to the east, and the old used-car lot to the west. In our photo is Len Burton-Hardin from HK at left and Kraig Kennedy at right – who happened to be stopping by for some business involving another structure on the site. His father Dick Kennedy, who died in 2007, took over the funeral home in 1954. HK will open its new 35th/Ida headquarters at 9:30 Monday morning. We have a message out to the 4755 Fauntleroy developers to ask about a timetable for demolition at the project site; environmental work is ahead at the former service station next to the about-to-be-former funeral home.

Diane August 23, 2013 (2:57 pm)

oh darn; I thought they had already vacated, or I would have gone in to see; never been in there

David August 23, 2013 (9:31 pm)

It’s ok, they’re not out of business, they just moved down the street. Nothing to be terribly sad about. I know some folks don’t like the new building there, but that is a horrible block. That gas station and homemade looking office, a box like funnel home and a huge empty lot is not the BEST look. We can debate what should be there (2 buildings, 4 story, 6 story, vacated alley or not, etc) I’m not sorry to see any of the ugly uninspired vacant space go there. That area has been a blight for ages.

Silly Goose August 24, 2013 (10:29 am)

Oh this makes me sad I have always love this Art Deco building. These men are a class act and I will miss seeing the beautiful property on my way to work every day. Glad they are not going out of business but hate to see another awesome building torn down for an ugly MDF BOX! UGH

boy August 24, 2013 (1:34 pm)

This is to bad. For years people were just dying to get in.

near alki August 24, 2013 (1:50 pm)

Okay…so what does “35th/Ida headquarters” mean? Mostly I’m wondering where on 35th are they?

miws August 24, 2013 (4:08 pm)

near alki, It’s up near Fire Station 37, and the Chevron Station on 35th, in the Sunset Heights/Olympic Heights area.
.

Mike

near alki August 24, 2013 (10:45 pm)

I get it now…the old Barbershop. I think it was called Michael’s.

namo August 25, 2013 (7:23 pm)

I’ve always thought funeral houses should be tucked away in more shielded areas..where grieving is not on such display for everyone..this one always looked so out of place to me…i’m sure it served
the purpose well but i’m not sad to see it moved.