Backhoes edge closer to ex-Butcher Block

| Development | West Seattle history

We know more now about what’s planned for the NW corner of Cali/Graham (across from the big condo conversion), where as we noted 3 months ago we will be sad to see the ex-Butcher Block Espresso, ex-butcher shop, etc. go:

Here’s what’s new: The application for a permit to reclassify the site as seven separate parcels, and the land-use application specifying what would go on those parcels: Three 3-story buildings, one described as a “commercial” building with 6 “live/work units,” the other two described as 3-story “townhouse structures” with 9 total units. And these filings reiterate that the “existing structures” will be demolished. Sigh.

NATINSTL July 20, 2007 (10:27 am)

I’m starting to feel like all the charm of West Seattle is disappearing every time they demolish one of these nice old buildings. Does anyone know the status of the two craftsman houses on California just south of Juneau Street? They’re right next door to the old Mexican restaurant. I live on Juneau and I think it’s a shame if they’re going to knock them down.

eric July 20, 2007 (10:56 am)

It is a neat old building, but there has been nothing really good there for as long as I can remember.

Growth is inevitable give our current land-use regulations. It’s just too bad they (developers\the city) can’t see the value in at least preserving the facades of old buildings or making something that would maintain some sembelence to the original character.

Ftrain July 20, 2007 (11:35 am)

The developers won’t be happy until they can start tearing down townhouses to make more townhouses. If they could build townhouses in the middle of roads they would. It would be like living on a ship.

Jan July 20, 2007 (11:56 am)

eric, I feel the same way..growth is inevitable. But…none of these people seem to have any sense of history, any vision, if you will, except the vision of dollar signs…it definitely makes one sigh deeply…

Chet July 23, 2007 (9:22 am)

nice ftrain .. it’s nice to hear people share the same views as me .. I quit “commenting” a few months ago when it seemed I was the only one concerned about development / over developement, loss of character and history etc, and no one “had my back” when the pro development “peeps” pointed their demolition tools my way.

Sorry, comment time is over.