West Seattle, Washington
02 Wednesday
Gyros on Alki is now selling earrings as well as food, in support of young entrepreneurs. The story and photo came in via text, from one entrepreneur’s mom:
The earrings are made by two local West Seattle girls — Lexi (age 11, a 5th grader at Arbor Heights Elementary) and Scarlet (age 11, a 6th grader at another school). Together, they run Shimmer & Shine, a small earring business they started about a year ago, selling to neighbors in Arbor Heights.
During spring break, Lexi and I (her mom) were at Gyros on Alki having ice cream when the owners, Ned and Sabine, came out to chat. The shop was quiet, and we got to talking about how tough it’s been for small businesses on Alki lately.
Lexi told them about her earring business and how she and Scarlet work hard making each pair by hand. She shared how much she admires Ned and Sabine for keeping their restaurant going all these years. When they asked how she usually sells her earrings, Lexi mentioned she sets up outside Arbor Heights Community Church — and to her surprise, they offered to feature her earrings inside the restaurant!
Now you can find Shimmer & Shine earrings hanging on the wall inside Gyros on Alki — they’re available any time the restaurant is open. Each pair is handcrafted and just $10.
We’re so grateful to Ned and Sabine for supporting young entrepreneurs in our community!
More than 50 wineries and West Seattle merchants are pairing up for the spring Wine Walk presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, which sends word that it still has tickets available, with two weeks until it’s time to uncork. The Wine Walk is 5-9 pm Friday, May 16. Your $37 ticket gets you 14 one-ounce tastings, a Wine Walk bottle tote bag, and a keepsake wine glass. You’ll get the chance to fill your tote with participating wineries’ bottles along the way (and there’s a free Bottle Valet service so you won’t get bogged down too soon). Check-in spots this time are Row House (4203 SW Oregon) and John L. Scott (4445 California SW). Get your ticket ASAP before they sell out – go here! (That link is also where you’ll find the list of participating merchants and wineries – the latter include WSB sponsors Viscon Cellars, Welcome Road Winery, and Spruce Hill Winery!)
(WSB photo, August 2024 WS Boat Swap)
Ready to get out on the water? (Or maybe you’ve been out already!) Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) invites you to the annual West Seattle Boat Swap this weekend:
This community event is a great opportunity to buy and sell human-powered watercraft (Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes) and accessories!
We will have used Kayaks and Standup Paddleboards from Alki Kayak Tours‘ rental operation, as well as scratched and dented SUPs and Kayaks from Mountain to Sound Outfitters for sale at amazing Spring steal prices!
To shop, just show up at M2SO 11 am-4 pm this Saturday and/or Sunday (May 3-4). To “swap” (sell), drop off your item(s) 9 am-11 am Saturday, after signing up online.
(WSB photo)
It’s been more than a year since we first told you about In Pizza We Crust going bricks-and-mortar in the former Swinery space at 3207 California SW. A commenter asked last night about their status, so we checked in with proprietor Stephanie Tran, who tells WSB:
We are still pending our building permit with the city of Seattle, going on 13 months now. The building was originally set up for food production and needs to be changed to restaurant use which creates a big energy flag with the city. A new HVAC system will be installed sometime in May once the city approves it. Beyond that, our architect and permit specialist are reviewing with the city and negotiating other things like windows and insulation. Its an old 1940’s building and some of the windows are original single pane windows.
The good news is the city has approved our occupancy and ADA portion of the permit.
Stephanie says they hope to announce a grand-opening date as soon as they get full permit approval. Stephanie and team have built a following for their pizza operating from a truck, till now.
(Reader photo)
Thanks for the texted photo and tip! A month and a half ago, the “leased” sign went up in the windows of the former Wells Fargo branch at California/Admiral, but the future tenant was not announced … until now … aside from leasing broker Jason Miller telling us it was a “local business.” As shown in the photo above, that business has revealed itself via sign in the window to be pet-supplies store Mud Bay, which has its current West Seattle store a short distance away, at 2611 California SW. The sign says the move will happen “this fall.” The West Seattle store isn’t commenting; we have an inquiry out to the regional mini-chain’s corporate headquarters in Olympia. We don’t know how/whether this factored into the move decision, but the building where the Admiral store is a current tenant has been listed for sale for some months.
First they asked for nominations … then they made their decision … and this afternoon, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has announced who’s receiving this year’s Westside Awards, plus two other special honors:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses for their leadership at its annual Westside Awards in May. Also in 2025, the West Seattle Chamber will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to two remarkable community leaders: Patrick Sand, co-founder of West Seattle Blog, who will be honored posthumously, and Dawn Leverett, whose lifelong service has left a lasting imprint on West Seattle.
“The Westside Awards celebrate not only success but also reflect the unique spirit of our West Seattle communities,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “These honors spotlight the remarkable leaders and businesses whose creativity, dedication, and vision keep our businesses connected and moving forward.”
Westside Business of the Year: West Seattle Runner
West Seattle Runner is more than a specialty running store—it’s a hub for fitness, local events, and neighborhood connection. Their commitment to personalized services and building a supportive running community has made them a standout business in West Seattle.Westside Emerging Business of the Year: Deeds Health
Deeds Health is redefining health-care access in West Seattle with a mission-driven approach to primary care. Led by Dr. Stefie Deeds, the practice is rooted in affordability, transparency, and compassion.Westside Not for Profit of the Year: WestSide Baby
WestSide Baby fills critical gaps by providing diapers, clothing, and gear for local children and families. Their impact is wide-reaching, ensuring that basic needs don’t stand in the way of a child’s safety and development.
Westsider of the Year: Cleveland King, YMCA
Cleveland King of the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA is recognized for his deep commitment to mentorship, youth development, and equity. His leadership creates spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.Award winners and all nominees will be recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 am-9 am, at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Early Bird Pricing for tickets is $55/65 per person through April 30, and $65/75 April 30 onward. Get your tickets here or wschamber.com.
To see lists of the Westside Awards’ previous winners, you can go here.
(October photo courtesy Aimee Owenz)
The sister-and-brother team who operate the Aimee Owenz food truck at 35th/Barton have sad news: “We wanted to let the West Seattle Community that we are unfortunately closing. Our last day will be Saturday, April 26th, unless we run out of food before.” Jenn and Zach opened Aimee Owenz about half a year ago, but it’s been a tough time, not just the kinds of challenges facing any new entrepreneurs – we asked Jenn if there was more that she could say, and she replied: “We lost our mom and grandma during this time and need to focus on ourselves. Bad timing too, with the economy being uncertain and the cost of food rising, it is too risky.” Their truck is for sale, too, she added: “If anyone wants to purchase the truck, they can email us at aimeeowenz06@gmail.com.”
If you’re going to the beach tomorrow – another sunny day is forecast – you’ll find two new businesses open. After a reader question, we just reconfirmed with the owners of Alki Coffee Co. and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream that tomorrow is indeed Day 1 for their co-housed businesses at 2742 Alki Avenue SW (ex-Starbucks). Hours will be 7 am-9 pm for the coffee shop, noon-9 pm for the ice-cream shop. The official grand-opening celebration will then be on Saturday (April 26), “Same hours, with the ribbon cutting with the Chamber at noon, Dub II the Husky mascot there for pics 2-3 pm, a balloon artist for the kids 2:30-4:30 pm, and a diaper drive all day in partnership with Westside Baby.” For more on the new shops, see our close-up story from last month.
Another way to get fresh food to more West Seattleites, just announced by the local entrepreneurs behind Cascadia Produce (among other things):
Looking for a way to support local farms, small businesses, and your own health — without blowing your grocery budget? We’ve got good news: fresh, affordable produce is coming back to West Seattle, thanks to a brand-new Fresh Produce Box program created by West Seattle’s own Jill and Jeremy of Cascadia Produce and Mom’s Microgarden.
When the Cascadia Fresh Market pilot on Delridge wrapped earlier this year, Jill was determined to keep fresh food access alive in the neighborhood. By combining the growing power of her microgreen farm (Mom’s Microgarden) and the aggregation and distribution expertise of Cascadia Produce, she’s created a low-overhead model that brings value and values right to our community.
Here’s How It Works:
STEP 1: Pre-order your box at https://app.barn2door.com/momsmicrogarden/all (or go to www.momsmicrogarden.com and press “SHOP ONLINE”)Choose from two box style options:
*Mom’s Local Produce Box – $34
Includes six local, Washington-grown items each week — always fresh, often organic, and sourced from BIPOC-, woman-, and Native-owned farms. Each purchase supports a network of growers working insanely hard in an uncertain food system economy.*Cascadia Wild Harvest Box – $29.50
Eight items (2 fruit / 6 veg), sourced with value and variety in mind. Many items are surplus — delicious, just maybe a little wonky-looking (aren’t we all?). Expect staples you’ll actually use, and the occasional exciting surprise like raspberries or avocados.You can easily add on additional microgreens to any box order (cantaloupe greens are amazing, just sayin).
STEP 2: Pick your pickup spot
Fresh Produce Boxes will be available at four West Seattle locations to start:
– Youngstown Cultural Arts Center Parking Lot – Tuesdays, 2:30–4:30 PM
– Highland Park Improvement Club Parking Lot (HPIC) – Sundays, 2–4 PM
– Highland Park Corner Store – Mondays, 9 AM–5 PM (limited number available)
More sites coming soon as the program grows!STEP 3: Pick up your box
Come during your pickup window, look for a produce–themed van and/or obvious signage, and grab your box drive-thru or walk-up style.
Questions, comments, another box-pickup site to suggest? Email Jill at jill@momsmicrogarden.com.
Thanks to Andrew Trujillo from Ounces – one of the West Seattle businesses facing relocation because of Sound Transit light rail – for the update that both houses of the State Legislature have now passed HB 1733, raising the limit for relocation compensation from $50,000 to $200,000:
Sharing a big win for businesses impacted by light rail. Huge credit goes to ABA (Alki Beach Academy) and the other businesses in North Delridge (Mode, Ounces, Skylark, etc.) for voicing and advocating for more realistic support for displaced businesses. Also thanks goes to the city’s small business advocate and state legislators who sponsored it.
The bill’s original sponsors included one West Seattle legislator, 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. The State Senate’s final vote Wednesday was unanimous. Next, it would go to Gov. Ferguson for his signature.
As noted in today’s highlight list, this is opening day for the new Gene Juarez Salons & Spas location at 4730 California SW in the West Seattle Junction. They’re also the newest WSB sponsor, so here’s their message for you:
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas now open in the Alaska Junction
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas is thrilled to officially open its doors today in the heart of the Alaska Junction. This boutique-style location brings the brand’s signature sophistication to the neighborhood, offering a full suite of salon and skincare services in a modern, intimate setting.
The new salon features a dedicated barber, expert haircuts, coloring, and specialized services for textured and curly hair, as well as hair extensions. The spa side includes facials, waxing, lash and brow treatments, all delivered by a dedicated team of professionals in a relaxing, tranquil environment. Many of the artists and therapists are West Seattle residents, thrilled to work in this new location.
Commitment to Quality
The foundation of the Gene Juarez brand is training and ongoing education. All of the artists and therapists are highly trained, with salon pricing dependent on each artist’s level of experience. All services are guaranteed; if a guest is not happy, they may return for a complimentary correction service.
Commitment to Sustainability
Gene Juarez continues its commitment to sustainability at this location. At least 95% of all beauty service waste is recycled through a partnership with Green Circle Salons. The organization also makes regular updates to its products and vendors to reward sustainable brands with its high volume of business, most recently launching Davines, a B Corp premium haircare line supported by regenerative farming practices.
Community Support
April 22 – 27: 20% of net sales will be donated to West Seattle Food Bank. The salon will also be collecting food and other household good items for WSFB this week
April 29-May 4: 20% of net sales will be donated to WestSide Baby, and we will be collecting diapers and other critical items for WB this week
Located across from Bakery Nouveau and next to Chipotle, the salon is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Appointments can be booked online at genejuarez.com or by call/text at (206) 279-5777.
We thank Gene Juarez Salons and Spas for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
“The 25th season of West Seattle Landscape and Stone Supply grows in a new direction!” That’s how one of our newest sponsors begins their message for you about what they do:
West Seattle Landscape & Stone Supply (formerly E-green Landscaping and Materials) is happy to announce the start of its transition to new ownership this year!
You may remember us from our start as a landscape contractor in 1999 or visiting our materials yard on Delridge Way SW we opened in 2003. Jeff Detweiler and his partner Andrew worked tirelessly to beautify many outdoor spaces – one rockery retaining wall, garden bed, and tree planting at a time. In 2015 we shifted to a delivery-only business where we’ve defined ourselves with a huge selection of materials, convenient small-yardage deliveries, and the agility to get into the tight driveways and alleys found around the homes of West Seattle.
Jeff Detweiler, now 67, says “it’s time for another chapter of my life,” and is pleased to announce that effective later this year, his friend and employee Paul Thomas will take over the reins of the business.
Paul has had the privilege to work with Jeff on many landscaping projects, while also co-managing two small farms in Kitsap County where they collaborate daily on managing nearly 30 acres of land.
Paul left his first career in tech and marketing behind to jump at the opportunity to get hands-on with farming and all that goes with it – gardening & crop management, nurturing fruit trees, and looking after animals (sheep, and horses), all with organic and regenerative farming practices centered in this work. Paul also built our new website last year, which features an easy to use online quoting tool and streamlined communications with customers.
These experiences combined with Paul’s excellent driving skills and small-business chops make him well-suited to operate West Seattle Stone, and keep the rocks-a-rolling! He is excited to lead West Seattle Stone into our second quarter century.
Many things won’t change, and our focus remains on helping folks in West Seattle get the products they need for their landscape design, construction, earth work, and gardening needs while staying small and efficient so that we can do it at affordable prices.
If you want to start an order, or just send Jeff some well-wishes as he heads toward greener pastures – he’d love to hear from you at 206-763-7625 – call or text! You can also email us directly at wslandscapesupply@gmail.com, or visit us online at www.westseattlestone.com
We thank West Seattle Landscape and Stone Supply for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
Never a dull day at Easy Street Records in the heart of The Junction, but as previewed in our Saturday list, this one is really jumping – it’s Record Store Day, which offers special deals, treats, and sights. WSB contributing journalist Jason Grotelueschen sent a few scenes:
Making an appearance for just a few hours, that’s the legendary touring van used by The Melvins, featuring art by Kurt Cobain. Past the van and on down Alaska, people were still lined up as of about an hour ago:
Inside the shop, Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan is the busiest man in showbiz, with freebies as well as sales – he told us about 500 people were in line when the store opened at 7 am!
Vaughan said some of the hot albums of the day (all of which sold out quickly after the store opened) included Wicked: The Soundtrack (purchased by the first two people in line), Gracie Abrams, MJ Lenderman, Charli XCX/Billie Eilish, Oasis and The Cure.
The shelves continue yielding treasures, curated and restocked by staff including “Upstairs Andy” Nelson, Easy Street’s “vinyl czar:”
Outside, legendary Seattle music scene photographer Charles Peterson shared stories (of the early days of Mudhoney, Nirvana, Green River, Sub Pop Records etc) with a crew from Julien’s Auctions, as the van makes its last public appearance before it goes to auction in New York City in late May:
Easy Street is open into the evening – this year’s RSD show features SYML, already sold out, so if you see a crowd at the corner tonight, that’s what it’s all about.
NOON UPDATE: Still a good crowd of people waiting to get into the shop (the line is shorter than it was this morning, though – it stretches to the alley near Darby Winery) as of noon.
After leading classes elsewhere to help more people discover the joy of making pottery, West Seattle artist/entrepreneur Lora Radford is opening a studio, offering memberships and workshops/classes. Potterings will be at ActivSpace (3400 Harbor Avenue SW, #132), and Lora describes it as “a new creative space for beginners,” elaborating in the grand-opening announcement:
Potterings is the perfect place for you if you’ve ever wanted to try pottery but didn’t know where to start! Whether you’ve never touched clay or are looking for a fun, hands-on experience, our studio is designed to be welcoming, stress-free, and full of creative possibilities. We officially open on May 1, 2025, and we’re celebrating with a Grand Opening on May 2 & 3 — featuring free mini try-it workshops, chances to win a free workshop, add your creative touch to the Potterings ceramic sign, and free bubble glazing (you’ve got to try it to believe it!)
Friday, May 2, 6-8 pm – Open House with snacks and refreshments. Chance to win a free workshop! Learn about the Potterings membership.
Saturday, May 3, 12-5 pm – Free mini workshops including trinket dish, coat hook, plant holder, bubble glazing, chance to win a free workshop. Learn about the Potterings membership.
Both days, you’ll have a chance to add your creative touch to the community-created Potterings sign that will be displayed in the studio!
You can also find out about memberships by going here, and see the open studio and workshop/class schedule via the Potterings calendar.
(WSB photo, Tim and Lori McConnell, just before store opened in April 2010)
Independent, locally owned West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), the peninsula’s only runner-focused store, is about to mark a milestone – 15 years in business! The store opened (in its original location) on April 10, 2010. They’re inviting you to special events starting this Friday – here’s the lineup, from WSR proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell, who explain, “This is a thank you for doing the last 15 years with West Seattle Runner. We are so grateful to you for your support”:
Friday 11th 6:15 pm:
–New Balance Demo Group Run. You can try out a pair of New Balance to run in at no charge. We will serve cupcakes afterwards=.Saturday, April 12th
–Mizuno and Superfeet Group Run at 8 am. You can try out Mizuno and Superfeet on your run. We will follow up the run with donuts and chocolate milk.
– Mark Bouma, owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, will be onsite doing 1:1 assessments from 8:40 to 10:30 am.
-We will have Hawthorne Massage doing chair massage 10 am-12 noon.Sunday the 13th
-We have a Brooks Demo Group Run at 10 am with a warm-up with Seattle Sports & Performance. We will serve beverages afterward.
–Hawthorne chair massage that day 11 am-1 pm.Also: We will have raffle prizes drawing at the end of the weekend … Tim’s sister, Kelly, will be here for you to demo Bemer all weekend, pulsed electromagnetic field, which always restores my energy and cuts down on injury healing time, thankfully!
Additional events for April will include Biojunction PT injury assessments on the 14th, 4:30-6 pm; a Seattle Sports & Performance workout at the shop at 6:15 pm on the 24th; the April “birthday run” will be Tuesday, April 29, 6:15 pm, with a trip to Good Society afterward (walkers also welcome); and the month concludes with Sound PT visiting 6-7 pm April 30 for individual injury assessments. Haven’t been to West Seattle Runner? The shop is across from the west side of Hiawatha, 2743 California SW.
Four months after eviction forced the sudden shutdown of Alki Café (2726 Alki Avenue SW), it’s finally posted for lease. Checking out the beach area this morning for the first time in several days, we noticed the window signage. So far, though, we haven’t found an online listing, so we have an inquiry out to the leasing entity, Pacific Crest Real Estate, in hopes of details.
(Images courtesy Fleurt/Willow)
Big announcement from the shop at 4536 California SW in The Junction – a new name and new owner (who customers will already know well)
Hi friends,
We have some exciting news to bring to the neighborhood!
In 2010, Fleurt was founded in the heart of the West Seattle Junction as a small flower shop. Over the years, it grew into something more — a cozy, curated space filled with plants, home goods, accessories, and heartfelt community connections.
As we celebrate 15 wonderful years, we’re thrilled to share that Fleurt is now becoming Willow. While the name is changing, the spirit remains the same. We’re still a family-run business, and now, Keonii – daughter of original owner Sam — will be taking the reins as owner, continuing to lead day-to-day operations with the same love and care you’ve come to know.
At Willow, you’ll still find your favorite brands, along with fresh new finds in jewelry, accessories, clothing, wellness, plants, and home decor.
Join us to toast this exciting new adventure on Saturday, May 3rd from 5-8 PM — we’ll have bubbles, snacks, and lots of love to go around.
Thank you, West Seattle, for 15 amazing years of support. We’re so grateful, and we can’t wait to continue growing with you in this beautiful little corner of the world we all call home.
As our very first story about Fleurt, in 2010, reminds us, the shop originally was located at California/Oregon.
(Thanks to Clarence for the photo)
Half a year after Junction Hardware (44th/Edmunds) changed alliances and joined up with the Ace Hardware co-op, its biggest sign is finally reflecting the change! The new sign went up this afternoon, not long after the old one was taken down:
(Thanks to Greg for the photo)
In case you missed our earlier stories, this is NOT an ownership change – Junction Hardware is still West Seattle–owned, by Bruce Davis and family. We spoke to him for this update in February, at which time he explained that the sign installation was lagging while they waited months for a city permit; he also explained some other changes, additions, and improvements facilitated by the alliance with Ace. True Value had stopped being a co-op when it was sold to a private-equity firm, and Junction Hardware is glad to be part of one again.
Every month, HomeStreet Bank‘s West Seattle branch (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) showcases a local business or nonprofit, and offers visitors the chance to enter a drawing related to the showcase subject. This past month, it was the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, looking ahead to next Friday night’s fundraiser Story Tellers: A Peninsula and Its People. On Thursday, SWSHS’s Elizabeth Rudrud visited the branch to join employee Gus for the monthly drawing – the winner got a free ticket to the Friday gala. For everybody else – tickets are still available, and get you a great night at Salty’s on Alki, with the chance to bid on some amazing offerings – and even if you absolutely can’t go, you’ll be able to bid in 
the online auction starting Monday.
Meantime, this month’s showcase at HomeStreet West Seattle features another organization with a fundraising gala coming up soon, the West Seattle Food Bank – they’ve just extended earlybird pricing for their May 3 event Nourish & Flourish until next Friday. Visit the display at HomeStreet any time this month, and in the meantime, get your Nourish & Flourish ticket(s) by going here.
Thanks to Brian for the photo! Almost exactly one year after we first told you Total Wine & More was on the way to Westwood Village, signage finally went up today at the ex-Staples spot in the shopping center’s northeast corner at 25th/Trenton. They have yet to answer our inquiries about their timeline for opening but we’re renewing those inquiries.
(Added: WSB photos)
12:02 PM: Thanks for the tip. Duke’s on Alki has suddenly shut down – here’s the email announcement sent to customers:
It is with a heavy heart we share that Duke’s Seafood on Alki has sold and will be closing permanently, effective this morning (Thursday, April 3). This was a location-specific business decision at Alki only. We look forward to welcoming you at any of our 6 other locations: Lake Union, Green Lake, Bellevue, Kent, Southcenter and Tacoma.
More info to come.
1:03 PM: The letter posted at the restaurant has the same statement and a little more, adding that Duke’s is “extremely disappointed to have to do this, given the many challenges we were unable to overcome.” The letter does not elaborate on the challenges, but you might recall that the restaurant had to close last year for several weeks after freezing weather broke a pipe and led to flooding. Duke’s had been open on Alki for a quarter-century. As for the sale mentioned in the closure announcement, records show the building – once owned by Duke’s founder Duke Moscrip – sold two years ago, but nothing more recent than that is on record that we’ve found so far. We’re still researching.
5:17 PM: A spokesperson for Duke’s confirms the restaurant is what was sold, not the property, and that a new restaurant is taking over. Working on those details next.
ORIGINAL TUESDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tip. Another automotive business in The Triangle has announced it’s closing. This time it’s Pep Boys (4441 Fauntleroy Way SW). We talked with manager Natasha, who confirmed that May 2 will be the business’s last day. They say the company’s closing this location (which it leases) because of impending light-rail construction; we’re checking with Sound Transit, as 2027 has long been cited as the expected start of construction – the project’s Environmental Impact Statement notes that this site would have been affected by any of the alternatives considered including tunneling into The Junction, which is what the “preferred alternative” calls for. The manager told us one of their employees will retire and the rest will have an option to move to Pep Boys’ SODO location (1961 4th Avenue S.). If you’ve been around more than a few years, you might recall that this was formerly Elliott Tire/Goodyear, until the Pep Boys rebranding in 2018. The closure news comes less than a month after Advance Auto Parts shuttered a short distance north, a closure that company said was part of a West Coast wave of closures. Between AAP and PB is the long-vacant former Midas site.
UPDATE ADDED WEDNESDAY: We asked Sound Transit spokesperson Henry Bendon about this site’s status. He reaffirmed that West Seattle light-rail construction is NOT starting in 2026, and added, “Our real property team has indicated they have not begun acquisition communications with that property (I do not know if they will or if it is impacted, but if it is, they have not started the process yet).”
(Photo courtesy Alki Kayak Tours)
Warm weather is in view and it’s time to get out on the water, so Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) is open for the season! Here’s the announcement from Gill at AKT:
We’re excited to share that Alki Kayak Tours (AKT) is officially open for the 2025 season! With the first 70° day of the year upon us this weekend, we’re ready to help the West Seattle Community make a splash and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Here’s what folks can look forward to at AKT:
•Lessons and instruction available 7 days a week, by appointment
•Hourly rental walk-ups this Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6:00 PM (rentals appts available on website)
Come join us at Alki Kayak Tours to soak up the sun and make unforgettable memories on the water!
AKT is based at Seacrest Pier, along with Marination ma kai and the West Seattle Water Taxi dock.
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