Changes ahead at 4480 Fauntleroy Way: Diva Espresso, Maestro Motors, Ace 1 Computers out; Rudy’s Barbershop apparently in

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The other shoe has dropped following the sale of 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle – the three businesses in the building have been given notice to leave.

And a document filed online with the city suggests they’ll be making way for a business that’s been promising a West Seattle location for almost two years.

At least two of the existing businesses – Diva Espresso and Maestro Motors – are looking for new West Seattle spots.

Here’s what we have discovered so far, following research that started with e-mail tips this morning (thank you!):

Diva, Maestro, and Ace 1 Computers were already on month-to-month leases, according to the flyer featured in the real-estate listing we first mentioned here last November. The listing also pointed out the businesses were interested in staying.

The site was sold in April, as mentioned here last month, bought by an LLC registered to a SODO real-estate broker. It was status quo for a while, apparently, but now, two of the businesses say all three have been told to clear out by August 31st.

The business with the biggest space in the building, Diva Espresso, will close after August 17th, according to this notice posted at multiple spots in the coffee shop:

A Diva staff member told us today that they’ve been looking for another location in West Seattle or vicinity, but haven’t found one yet. (As the notice says, Diva has other locations around the city.)

Maestro Motors next door is also looking for a new location, according to a member of its staff. As for Ace 1, the computer-repair shop on the west end of the building, we haven’t made contact yet, but will check in next time they’re open for business.

So what’s happening to the building after they go? Apparently NOT a development project, though the 6,380-square-foot lot could hold more density than it does now – it is zoned NC3-65. While no permit applications of any kind are showing on the city website, we looked a little deeper, and found a “site plan” filed this month with one big clue: The name at the bottom of the otherwise-simple drawing showing the site’s current layout – Rudy’s West Seattle.

Back in September 2012 – almost two years ago – we confirmed and reported that the Rudy’s Barbershop chain was working on a West Seattle location. We’ve checked in from time to time, and the answer has always been, nothing to announce yet. Rudy’s still has a webpage saying a West Seattle location is “coming soon.”

We won’t be able to contact Rudy’s management until tomorrow for confirmation – we have a message out to the building’s new owner, too – but here’s further circumstantial evidence: The aforementioned “site plan” document carries the name of Mallet Architecture, whose website includes an entire page about Rudy’s:

Mallet has completed design and construction work on several of Rudyā€™s Barbershop stores in Seattle. In addition to new finishes throughout, the character of the stores is defined by their combination of found, salvaged, and vintage objects, along with modern details.

That might explain the apparent choice of 4480 Fauntleroy. (The Mallet website also has a page for the work it did to transform the building holding West Seattle Zeeks Pizza [WSB sponsor].)

We’ll be following up on all of this tomorrow, both with Rudy’s and with the current 4480 tenants, and will report whatever else we find out.

42 Replies to "Changes ahead at 4480 Fauntleroy Way: Diva Espresso, Maestro Motors, Ace 1 Computers out; Rudy's Barbershop apparently in"

  • sn6uV July 27, 2014 (8:23 pm)

    This would be really cool! I’ve been wanting a Rudy’s in West Seattle for about 7 years now. It will be great to have a barber shop that serves the younger crowd.

  • Dan July 27, 2014 (8:29 pm)

    Too bad about Diva. They make an excellent latte.

  • westseattledood July 27, 2014 (8:31 pm)

    Well, shoot.

    The barista with the dreads made THEE best London Fog in the city.

    Gonna’ miss that simple pleasure and the funkiest parking lot in WS.

    Happy trails ladies…

  • Cassandra July 27, 2014 (8:51 pm)

    Meistro motors is the most honest, best prices mechanic around I hope the owner does get another shop because I would be out of luck. I was just about to take my van there tomorrow. There is no way Rudy’s needs all that space.

  • sophista-tiki July 27, 2014 (9:44 pm)

    Rudys. Thats it! the junction is SO OVER hah hilarious.

  • I. Ponder July 27, 2014 (9:51 pm)

    Rudy’s act is that they are a retro barber shop.

    Ralph’s Barber Shop under the West Seattle Bridge in back of the Chelan Cafe is the REAL deal retro barber shop. The sign actually only says BARBER SHOP. Now that’s unpretentious. Ralph knows how to cut men’s hair. Most of his customers are longshoremen and steel mill workers, working or retired.

    Easily accessible by car or bicycle since the shop faces the Alki Trail. Haircut is $15.

  • Marathonmom July 27, 2014 (10:03 pm)

    I’m totally bumbed :( they had amazing hemp mochas and awesome Halloween decorations.

  • Diane July 27, 2014 (10:11 pm)

    oh no; I was so afraid of this; last time I took my car to Maestro, there was a guy doing some kind of ground tests, and Richard (owner) said it had to do with the site being up for sale; Maestro is THE best, THE most honest, THE most reasonably priced mechanic in West Seattle; please help them find another awesome shop, hopefully still within walking distance; LOVE Maestro Motors

  • Diane July 27, 2014 (10:30 pm)

    wrong link to “Rudyā€™s still has a webpage saying a West Seattle location is ā€œcoming soon.ā€

  • seaview neighbor July 27, 2014 (10:32 pm)

    So bummed about Diva! Best espresso in WS. I hope they find another location in WS. If not, I will miss them and their fab baristas.

  • wsbrian July 27, 2014 (10:49 pm)

    Rudy’s? Where will their customers park? There’s like three parking spaces.

  • Dan July 27, 2014 (11:01 pm)

    Do we need another haircut chain over here? I’ve been going to Hanh’s Modern Hair Salon on California for 8 years and love it and her. Great work and great price.

  • Sean July 28, 2014 (12:46 am)

    Oh, goody, a hipster-clipster. I have to agree with I. Ponder. The whole faux retro-cool vibe at Rudy’s is pretty annoying. I guess I can just cover my bald spot with an ironic fedora and grow an ironic goatee. Diva, I’ll miss you!

  • Kravitz July 28, 2014 (6:33 am)

    Drat. The shoe repair shop was the friendliest, most reliable and affordable shoe repair place I’ve ever found. That guy has kept my Dansko boots looking brand spankin’ new for YEARS. And the shop was a treasure trove of history. Sad to see it go.

  • Anonymous July 28, 2014 (8:09 am)

    Wait, is the shoe place going away too? I love that place…. I won’t know where else to go to have my shoes fixed if he leaves :(

  • wsgal July 28, 2014 (8:11 am)

    Isn’t Diva also a Seattle “chain” shop? They’re all over Seattle…

  • schwaggy July 28, 2014 (8:44 am)

    Kravitz – where does this story say the shoe repair is closing?

  • Rick July 28, 2014 (9:25 am)

    Our character is leaving. You can probably buy it on the net now.

  • wetone July 28, 2014 (10:08 am)

    I find it very interesting that the city is spending much time and money for new road/sidewalk/bike path, redesign through this area while being so fluid at this time. With recent property sales and building going on maybe they should wait a year or two and see how things will be changing so they don’t have to redesign/redo and we pay 2x for a plan that fits area best.

    • WSB July 28, 2014 (10:13 am)

      We covered an informal briefing on the plan (Fauntleroy Boulevard) last week and the SDOT reps said they are certainly taking into account the area’s changes, current and future. Will be writing the followup sometime in the next couple days, and watch for the public meeting sometime next month to see what they come up with for starters …

  • Enviromaven July 28, 2014 (10:27 am)

    Gotta send a shout out to the Maestro and the Diva – love ’em both! I’d hate to see them leave West Seattle.

  • West Seattle since 1979 July 28, 2014 (10:50 am)

    The article doesn’t say a word about the shoe repair shop closing. It mentions Diva’s, Maestro’s, and Ace 1 Computers. That’s all.

  • Lauren July 28, 2014 (10:55 am)

    The shoe repair shop will be staying; it’s in a different building. I am sooooo bummed about losing Diva. It is my home away from home, and the lattes they make are simply the best. I’m pretty heartbroken to lose Diva, all for an overpriced barbershop.

  • Diane July 28, 2014 (10:55 am)

    can someone please verify if the shoe repair place is also having to move; LOVE that shoe repair

    • WSB July 28, 2014 (11:12 am)

      The shoe repair business is NOT PART OF THIS BUILDING. Sorry I missed someone bringing that up. The building with the shoe repair and The Wax Bar is **a separate, separately owned building** – everything involved in this so far is mentioned in this story and that business is NOT mentioned, don’t know how somebody made that leap. Thanks. – Tracy

  • Diane July 28, 2014 (11:33 am)

    thank you, so much
    ~
    I think the leap may have to do with our fear of losing all of our small local biz
    ~
    and the shoe repair is right next to the computer shop, isn’t it? so not a huge leap

  • Lisa July 28, 2014 (11:38 am)

    Ack, I love Diva’s baristas, and their Genera mocha (it has orange peel). And they have the most fabulous round antique display case.
    Their other locations are too far away from W.S.

  • Anonymous July 28, 2014 (11:41 am)

    Thank you for verifying. Kravitz post had me worried.

  • nancy38 July 28, 2014 (12:33 pm)

    I’m so bummed that we are losing Diva Espresso – I will be left with no place in West Seattle to get good Mochas and will miss the great baristas. I’m particularly bummed that Diva and Maestro’s are being run out for a chain barbershop – just what West Seattle does not need. Rudy’s will not get any business from me.

  • 4thGenWS July 28, 2014 (1:42 pm)

    NOOOO!!!!! There is no other good spot to get coffee in West Seattle. I am so spoiled by the great coffee and wonderful baristas, that when I go somewhere else, the coffee just does not satisfy. Diva should buy out cafe ladro. Their coffee is far inferior. I really hope you find something else in West Seattle not too far out of the way. If not, you will be extremely missed!

  • West Seattle since 1979 July 28, 2014 (1:45 pm)

    Thank you, Tracy!

  • West Seattle since 1979 July 28, 2014 (1:49 pm)

    Also, I agree about Diva–I sure hope they’re able to find something in West Seattle.

    • WSB July 28, 2014 (1:53 pm)

      As promised, we’re inquiring with just about everyone involved today. Rudy’s confirms it *is* them. Hoping to get replies to a few other inquiries before writing a followup this evening or early tomorrow.

  • Cowpie July 28, 2014 (2:42 pm)

    Really?….all these business’s going away for a place to get a haircut?

  • singularname July 28, 2014 (3:14 pm)

    Gimme a Rudy’s any day. That “other” and real retro joint … rudest person in Seattle!

  • wsgal July 28, 2014 (3:19 pm)

    I’m glad Rudy’s is coming to WS, adds more options for barbershops (which I haven’t heard the best reviews about a few places in WS). There are great local coffee shops all over WS! Caffe Ladro, Ampersand, RedCup, Hotwire, Uptown, Bakery Nouveau, Bird on a Wire to just name a few. Hopefully Diva can find a better location in WS with more than just a few parking spots in a less hectic-crazy driving area.

  • schwaggy July 28, 2014 (3:33 pm)

    Since I have not seen it mentioned yet

    Freshy’s serves excellent coffee

    Sad to see Diva go (for now), but there are other choices. Perhaps just not as convenient a location for you.

  • Kravitz July 28, 2014 (5:09 pm)

    Oh, I’m so relieved! I thought all of those shops were attached at the seams. Sorry to have made others fret with my comment. :)
    Sad to see the other three shops move though.

  • Mr teach July 28, 2014 (5:34 pm)

    I see a lot of commercial space in the new buildings here in W. Sea…I hate to see good companies uprooted, but change can be good for them, us, and our community. I always worry at folks so adamantly opposed to anything that has a hint of change. I love Diva and I will take your word for the other businesses. But, I am so excited by the change in energy and the bustling economy here in our hood. How about we embrace some change and hold on to what we love about our community

  • West Seattle since 1979 July 28, 2014 (7:27 pm)

    Even though I’ll miss Diva (unless they move somewhere nearby) I agree with what Mr teach says!

  • David July 31, 2014 (7:39 am)

    Very sad to see Diva leave. My fiance and I had our first kiss there, under the chandelier between the mirror and the ordering counter, back in July of 2010 not long after we started dating. Since then we’ve re-created that moment in the same spot on some occasions when we’ve stopped in for coffee. Before August 17th we’re going to make sure to stop in for one last kiss there.

Sorry, comment time is over.