When the “Coming Soon/Office Depot” banner went up on the fence at the megaproject site across from Jefferson Square, we wondered why not a “Coming Soon/QFC” banner too, since those are the two major announced retail tenants. Three weeks later, QFC is now flying its colors too:
FINALLY. Actual movement at one of the ugliest eyesores in West Seattle. Now if we can only do something about the abandoned/burned/empty old Shucks Auto on California. I know there’s a proposed land use action on it, but it seems like it’s sat there for 3 or 4 years. It’s amazing that a property on a street that busy would sit abandoned for so many years.
David…every once in a while, someone is there doing something. A few weeks ago they cleaned up some of the eyesore that was on the outside. But..I totally agree…let’s get on it…
Does anyone have an interest in trying to ban large-scale franchises/big boxes from the Alaska Junction area? Of course, this would do nothing for existing projects, but could help avoid a “McVillage” down the road.
To some degree, the market works in mysterious ways. Witness the case of the Ben & Jerry’s that failed in the spot where Cupcake Royale is now.
“Does anyone have an interest in trying to ban large-scale franchises/big boxes from the Alaska Junction area?”
What kind of threats do you have in mind?
IMO, with a Target, Marshall’s, Staples, BB&B, Barnes & Noble and more at Westwood Village, I don’t think there is much of a problem. I don’t know what a “McVillage” is, but a small JCPenney like we used to have would be nice. There’s probably more if we gave it some thought. It’s not like we have the space or the market for a Wal-Mart or anything like that.
I would like to retain the Alaska Junction’s uniqueness. I like that there are very few national chains in the Junction. A “McVillage” is like most places around town, including Westwood village, as you describe “old timer.”
If enough locals were interested, I would push the City Council for zoning restrictions to avoid a McVillage at the Alaska Junction.
Sorry, comment time is over.
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