PCC wraps up, showcases West Seattle remodeling

Five months after first word of the remodeling project at PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor), the store celebrated its completion this week. We stopped by for a quick tour with PCC’s Diana Crane, who showed us the results – some of which are so subtle you might not notice till someone points it out. In the top photo, of course, what you see in the background can’t be missed – new deli offerings, including pizza and gelato. Closer to the foreground – the cheese case, like refrigeration/freezer cases all over the store, now has LED lighting, which is cooler and more energy-efficient. Ahead, some of what else is new:

You can watch the pizza oven by looking right behind the counter; Diana tells us it’s another case of sourcing locally – made in Western Washington. And inside the nearby cold-deli cases, here’s a change you might not notice till it’s pointed out:

New square bowls mean there’s more on display, and you can get a better look at what’s there. Visibility is a theme for much of the remodeling touches – note the windows alongside the relocated produce section, with a view to and from California SW:

Here’s a closer look at a dramatic change that’s just south of the produce – the store’s new space for the PCC Cooks classes:

It’s entirely behind glass, so shoppers can see in and class-takers can see out; energy-efficient appliances are in the teaching kitchen. The space also multitasks as tables for in-store deli diners, who previously had just a few spots to jockey over, by the checkstands. And for the summer, there’s a new patio where the loading dock used to be – from there, a view into the deli:

Outside that view, there are garage-door-style rollup windows that will make the patio truly open-air when the weather permits. Back inside, there are new restrooms on the west side of the store – with dual-flush toilets and paperless hand-drying:

Changing tables in both restrooms, too. Other changes include porcelain floor tiles that don’t have to be waxed (important for keeping the store as organic and chemical-free as possible, Diana notes), cabinetry made locally from recycled wood fiber, other woodwork in the store made from bamboo, and lower shelving/wider aisles throughout the store. One more major piece of remodeling work remains – Diana tells us the front of the 21-year-old store will get a new look soon. (P.S. If you’re new in West Seattle and haven’t been to PCC yet, it’s at 2749 California SW.)

Kate K January 16, 2011 (10:34 am)

My favorite grocery store is now even better. Love the changes, especially the natural light in the produce section. And the pizza oven!

catlady January 16, 2011 (11:57 am)

This may be a dumb question, but is this a membership store? I’ve lived in WS for 25 years and have never been, but now that I saw the Panini sign I want to check it out.

WSB January 16, 2011 (12:17 pm)

Catlady – you do not need to be a member to shop at PCC. Way back when, you did; we joined shortly after moving to West Seattle 20 years ago, and I remember paying off our “membership investment” over a long span of months. They do offer some membership perks – but there’s no card-showing when you walk in the door, or anything like that – TR

Hungry January 16, 2011 (1:59 pm)

The one thing that I’ve been noticing since the remodel is a lot more people eating in class space. It’s becoming a community meeting space which is very cool to see. Families meeting neighbors and people just introducing themselves across the tables. I can hardly wait till the summer so that we’ll be able to sit in that new patio. Can you believe they did all this and didn’t close the store! That took some serious planning.

Lorelee January 16, 2011 (3:24 pm)

Love the remodel. I thought we were getting draft kombucha but haven’t seen it. Anyone know?

nighthawk January 16, 2011 (4:56 pm)

PCC does offer membership but it’s not required as was already stated.

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/join/now/

is their link with details.

Bluesmom January 16, 2011 (7:42 pm)

I kinda miss the small grocery feel of the old PCC, the remodel – while lovely – feels cold and less friendly. I actually don’t like seeing the staff eat in the open area – it feels like I am invading their privacy. The bulk area is very small and hard to maneuver around – was hoping that area would expand rather than diminish.
I love the staff there and appreciate how hard they worked to help customers find items during the remodel and that is the main reason I will always love the place!

Paul January 16, 2011 (11:36 pm)

It seems a bit hectic trying to maneuver around, but not as bad as the maze which is metropolitan ( I have had people bump into me as I am trying to fill my salad bowl. watch it mister!!) anyhow if charging me a dollar or so more for the already overpriced Greek salad contributes to the betterment of society so be it. On a side note would it be possible for me to grab a soup before you fill your 5th free sample . Thank you

throughthelens January 17, 2011 (12:18 am)

I love PCC Market. Membership costs very little. I think I have paid $5 or $8 or something like that. You get a %10 off coupon in the mail once a month, discounts on classes, and %5 off when you shop on the 15th of every month. They have great soups, too!!