Followup: New location for West Seattle Junction liquor store

A new development today in the saga of the West Seattle Junction state liquor store, which we’ve been following since the state confirmed last May that the store might move; in October, that became “will move.” The new location is official, according to Anne Radford with the Liquor Control Board; this summer, the store will move into Capco Plaza (41st/Alaska), the same building as the Junction QFC. (As reported here in late December, the California SW location’s lease was extended till the end of June.)

47 Replies to "Followup: New location for West Seattle Junction liquor store"

  • GAnative February 15, 2011 (4:17 pm)

    Whatever happened to the Office Depot that was supposed to go in that building?

  • Alki Area February 15, 2011 (4:45 pm)

    Yeah, that bottom floor is huge (was going to be an Office Depot). The liquor store won’t take 1/4 of that. That space isn’t really setup to be “dividable”. Has one elevator entrance, and such. Wonder if they’re going to just give up and leave most of it empty for the next couple years.

  • Star 55 February 15, 2011 (4:48 pm)

    The parking there is the worst. Rotten loaction for the liquor store!

  • coffee February 15, 2011 (4:57 pm)

    Ya, I have been to that QFC 2 times and both times were for 1 or 2 items and it was not worth my time. I am happy for the new store in Westwood!

  • transplantella February 15, 2011 (5:03 pm)

    I’m betting that a shiny new store won’t reduce the surliness factor of the employees.

    The soviet ambiance of the state liquor stores and their curmudgeon employees are the main reason we now mail order all our booze from California. It’s a lot cheaper too.

    Bah humbug to state run retailing operations.

  • Genesee Hill February 15, 2011 (5:18 pm)

    transplantella:

    I somewhat agree with you on the demeanor of the Washington State Liquor Store employees, although I seriously doubt the soviet ambience is the MAIN reason for mail ordering your liquor! I bet the “cheaper factor” is the MAIN reason.

  • seafj February 15, 2011 (6:10 pm)

    do you have a link to mail order liquor from CA?

  • AdmiralRob February 15, 2011 (6:16 pm)

    I thought we were looking at one for Admiral. Come on!!! I’ll never go to QFC – can’t park!

  • Elevated Concern February 15, 2011 (7:44 pm)

    Remember this the next time a large commercial space is proposed in a new development. They told the Design Review Citizen Committee that the space would open up onto the sidewalk with a major street friendly approach. It was determined to be a requirement for building permits. The city did not honor that determination. No concern about future uses that could be much smaller than an Office Depot. Well, it didn’t work out as planned. Instead of a friendly second entrance into the QFC the property owner promised, they gave us the side door to the cigarette counter at QFC. They could have had 4 smaller businesses in the Office Depot space for years now but due to the property owner being too optimistic, he has empty space he can’t fill. We all lose when design review fails to be honored.

  • transplantella February 15, 2011 (7:56 pm)

    “do you have a link to mail order liquor from CA?”

    email me: expat09721 at hushmail.com and I’ll give you the info on the place with which we’ve been doing a happy and service friendly business.

  • WSJeep February 15, 2011 (8:03 pm)

    There is is plenty of parking at and around qfc. On 42nd less then 200 ft is free parking just like they have behind the current liquor store.

  • NotMe February 15, 2011 (8:08 pm)

    This will be awesome!
    .
    It still amazes me how quickly the “bad” comments start up. There is ALWAYS something wrong with every single major news item. Actually, “amaze” isn’t the right word to describe it. “Scare” is more accurate. I find myself looking at people and wondering, “is that the person that left the negative, nasty comment on the WSB’s article about such-and-such the other day?”

    • WSB February 15, 2011 (10:19 pm)

      The wonderful meta of a comment complaining about negative comments :) Thank you all for being here, positive, negative, neutral, enlightening, humorous, etc. :)

  • Alki Area February 15, 2011 (8:11 pm)

    @Star 55
    “The parking there is the worst.”

    By that you mean there’s lots of free covered parking right? There’s always spaces, and especially during yesterdays downpour it’s nice to have covered parking. How is that bad?

    ——————–
    @transplantella

    “The soviet ambiance of the state liquor stores and their curmudgeon employees are the main reason we now mail order all our booze from California.”

    Remember, we TRIED to get rid of the state liquor stores last election, and it passed here in West Seattle, and liberal Seattle in general. It was defeated by the Republicans in rural eastern Washington. In this case they voted for keeping big government to control “morals” over less government and private competition. This is why I don’t gamble, I would have bet that vote should have been 80-20 to get rid of the state stores. The liberals in Seattle didn’t want them, and Republicans my entire life have talked about the evils of “big government” and getting gov out of the way of private business, but it didn’t happen. Shocking.

  • Ritch February 15, 2011 (8:23 pm)

    I am in agreement with NotMe, there is such negativity! All is gloom!!! Well I’m quiet it excited to have a liquor store in this location as I love and shop often at this QFC!!! Parking is just fine!!!!!

  • Paul February 15, 2011 (8:24 pm)

    big whoop!

  • kc February 15, 2011 (9:14 pm)

    It sounds like a lot of WSB’ers are in bad moods today. Why even comment if its just to make an ignorant comment? Ive been to this QFC probably 20 times and have never had a problem finding a free, covered, indoor spot close to the door. Where are you people trying to park anyway?

  • NoseyWSer February 15, 2011 (9:14 pm)

    I don’t know what you folks are talking about re: “terrible parking” at QFC. Are you kidding me? The building has TWO completely FREE, covered garages, not to mention a good number of street spaces. I don’t see anything terrible about that. I’m quite appreciative of it, actually.

    I’ll take the QFC garages over that Jefferson Square lot any day.

  • Joan February 15, 2011 (9:49 pm)

    Try shopping the White Center liquor store. They’re very friendly and helpful there.

  • WS fan February 15, 2011 (10:52 pm)

    My Goodness! I guess many of us are feeling blue tonight! Everytime I have gone to the Junction QFC I have been able to park, find the employees very helpful, and enjoy the tremendous selection they have. If it’s raining, it is my “go to” grocercy if I have to go shopping because the parking is so easy! I will say though, that I usually don’t try to park during “rush hour” and perhaps that is when folks find it a difficult place to find an empty stall for the car.

  • mj February 15, 2011 (11:38 pm)

    Parking isn’t an issue when you walk or ride your bike. From the Admiral district, it would take you all of 15 minutes to ride there and with some groceries, maybe 20 to get home. just sayin.

  • sun*e February 15, 2011 (11:40 pm)

    @WS fan – I totally agree “If it’s raining, QFC is my “go to” grocery if I have to go shopping because the parking is so easy”! I prefer the lower garage cuz it’s a quick in and out. However, one night we were disappointed when the elevator wasn’t working and we couldn’t find any stairs so we had to move to street parking. Otherwise, until Admiral Safeway is built, the Junction QFC is our “go to” place. Especially now with the liquor store moving close by it’ll be our one stop shop. Which, oddly enough “Alki Area” is exactly what I, a Republican in West Seattle, voted for – to have the convenience of purchasing liquor at the grocery store instead of the state run liquor store. Nothing against any of the employees; they’re all nice and helpful. I just like the idea of one stop shoppin’.

  • rachel February 16, 2011 (1:42 am)

    can someone tell me the benefits of a state run liquor store? Seriously, I’m trying to figure it out.

  • Stacy February 16, 2011 (7:24 am)

    and *every*one at the liquor store up by westwood village has always been really nice to me and very helpful!

  • Genessee neighbor February 16, 2011 (8:05 am)

    I love the new QFC and never have a parking issue there. This is a much better site for the liquor store than the other option the employees told me was an option – Jefferson Square! Talk about BAD PARKING!!!! I avoid going there at all costs because of the bad lot design and crazy drivers there.

  • Kayleigh February 16, 2011 (8:08 am)

    I’m trying to wrap my brain around mustering up cosmic whines about where I get my liquor, how I get my liquor, how smiley the people are who hand me my liquor, how far I have to walk to get my liquor, what color is the cash register where I get my liquor, is the big bad government controlling my liquor, etc.
    .
    But I can’t muster such a whine, because I’m too busy laughing. This thread is classic. All we need is somebody complaining about off-leash dogs or Amanda Knox’s persecution. :)

  • Alki Area February 16, 2011 (8:10 am)

    @rachel

    None. We had this “debate” last election when we had TWO initiatives up to remove the state stores. The state shouldn’t be “selling” any product. Private business should sell it (if it’s legal). The state can tax it from 0.01% to 150%, however they want, but there’s no need to have ‘stores’ run by the state. They can license liquor sales permits for private business just like they do bars (which are all private, not run by the state), to limit the number and where they are…so it’s a SILLY holdover from the prohibition error. But both initiatives failed because the church going conservatives find liquor a moral evil and want it controlled, and if it takes big government to do that, so be it. We used to have state run liquor stores when I grew up in Iowa in the 70s…even they got rid of those. We’re one of the last states with this silly system. It’s absolutely crazy for the state to run actual business storefronts selling liquor, blue jeans, cigarettes, coffee, iPods or anything else. The state should TAX and regulate (if needed) products, not sell them.

  • fauntleroyfairy February 16, 2011 (8:52 am)

    Why do things turn political with liberals? I wouldn’t be posting if the remark by Alki Area wasn’t so stupid. THIS Republican voted down state run liquor stores and I know more Democrats that voted in favor of the status quo than Republicans. The margins of the vote were very close when it was broken down by “party”. Since this is a very BLUE state, I am assuming that, dispursed throughout the state, it was mostly Democrats that voted it down. BUT the bigger picture is not which party is to blame. It is the individual voters who listened to the rhetoric of big unions and big business who are responsible – regardless of party.

    What is not being mentioned, is that the state is moving the store to a MUCH higher per square foot cost in a time when they claim there is no more money to be cut and are looking at raising taxes again. If someone were able to look into it, I bet they would find that the state agreed to lease the entire space even though they might not use it all. It would be interesting to find out…

  • Amy February 16, 2011 (9:34 am)

    I love the new QFC! Plus, having the liquor store located there as well will be great. One stop shopping.

    Now, let’s discuss the parking at Jefferson Square….THAT is a major fail.

  • Ann February 16, 2011 (10:43 am)

    A clerk at the current Alaska Junction store was very helpful to me when I needed a quarter cup of rum for a rumcake. Two minis did it. (I don’t drink much.)
    And I love the QFC for its parking — no need to put on a coat to go from my covered condo parking to QFC’s covered parking and back. (Sometimes I wish I’d worn a coat in the produce department — and wonder how much energy is wasted keeping things cool.)

  • JAT February 16, 2011 (11:08 am)

    transplantella, you don’t mind if someone passes on that email address to the enforcement division of the state liquor control board, do ya’? Sounds like you’re evading taxes, and in the current budget crisis that’s pretty poor citizenship.

    I love the new QFC; the parking garage is challenging, but certainly not awful. the bike rack is under cover – that’s a nice thing.

  • CandrewB February 16, 2011 (12:19 pm)

    I’ve always found the State cashiers helpful when asked. Thinking back to my days in Chicago’s liquor stores; they were always surly and usually behind bullet-proof glass.

  • eigenwijs February 16, 2011 (12:56 pm)

    So is the Office Deport a no go for that space then? I can’t find anything about the status of this project. I was really hoping that OD would move in there, but frankly, anything is good – that space has been empty for too long.

    • WSB February 16, 2011 (1:15 pm)

      Best I can tell you at the moment is ‘apparently.’

  • NotMe February 16, 2011 (2:02 pm)

    Hey FauntleroyFairy… where did you get any of your facts? You are just upset and feeling lonely.
    .
    Let’s start on the costs per square foot. One ‘fact’ is – the rent in the Junction location was to go up when the lease ended, and is
    likely not cheaper than the new location, especially since it has been empty all along. Also, I thought there was something about the current location that they had to move soon. Is that not the case?
    .
    Also, why did you feel it was necessary to generalize “liberals” in your opinionated comment? I am a very lefty-type, and I voted the same on the prop! So, what does that say? Also, big business backed the “freedom” of liquor. Want another fact? Safeway, uh a union shop, wanted the option of selling liquor, too. It was the “small businesses” – for example, the wineries, that spent lots of money collectively to mislead people. This keeps their prices higher since they are more “fixed” and don’t have competition.
    .
    Your other statement about Washington being a “very blue state” is also not accurate. The urban areas are generally pretty blue, but outside the cities is generally very red.

  • Devon February 16, 2011 (2:25 pm)

    So, after turning my residential street (41st) into a thoroughfare for 18 wheelers and box trucks delivering QFC supplies at all hours of the day and night, I now get to look forward to a liquor store and all the wonderful things that it will bring to my once quiet and safe block. Livin’ the dream…

  • que_so February 16, 2011 (4:44 pm)

    @ Genessee neighbor – you crack me up. Jefferson Sq. parking lot is the most hysterical parking lot design I have ever driven my car into. I think the idea is to get people stuck there so they have to keep shopping.
    The design is just like a roach motel if you know what I mean?

    What is it that people need from liquor store employees except to ring up their booze? They necessary now just like the mailman.

  • redblack February 16, 2011 (8:56 pm)

    regarding the current junction liquor store: i have found those people to be nothing but very friendly and helpful.
    .
    “soviet style” shopping? seriously?
    .
    why? because there’s no bombardment of advertising? no buy-one-get-one-free? what, do you have some kind of corporate stockholm syndrome?
    .
    give me a break.
    .
    regarding the size of the space and what’s needed: has no one been to the new sodo liquor store? it’s the size of a medium-sized grocery store.
    .
    as a matter of fact, the state must be doing something right, because the WSLCB stores are all undergoing facelifts, if not complete moves to bigger, better, and cleaner locations. and it probably has something to do with the fact that they don’t have any competition.
    .
    “but, oh noes! we can’t have our minors buying liquor at the 7-11!” :)

  • sun*e February 17, 2011 (12:35 am)

    @Alki Area – Since you made things political, I have to agree with fauntleroyfairy’s post. Democrats ARE the majority in this state, especially in West Seattle. Therefore, I’d have to believe that is the reason the state/government run liquor stores were favored/voted for over the private/NOT government run liquor stores – majority rules… unfortunately!
    .
    @Devon – Yeah, that’s a bummer and that’s (41st) also my favorite approach/garage into QFC… sorry!
    .
    All I can say is I can hardly wait for Admiral Safeway to open back up cuz Jefferson Square is a NIGHTMARE! And, maybe one of those new Admiral retail spaces will be a liquor store. :)

  • sun*e February 17, 2011 (1:16 am)

    @redblack – once again, you crack me up! :lol:
    .
    Yes, you’re right we do have some nice new WSLCB Stores which I appreciate on one level but at what cost? Our tax dollars? Truly, wouldn’t it be more cost effective to have liquor available in a store that already exists rather than a store JUST for liquor? Hmmmm?
    .
    And, if anyone is going to play the “but we shouldn’t make alcohol so convenient” card then what do you think is beer and wine?
    .
    We have such odd liquor laws in Washington! We have to build “beer gardens” but then anyone and everyone can drink beer next to each other at sporting events. What’s up with that? Where’s the logic?
    .
    Okay, that’s enough venting for one night.
    .
    Your turn!

  • redblack February 17, 2011 (6:03 am)

    sun-e: i was being sarcastic about the 7-11. i actually think it would be okay if liquor was available inside the QFC. but since it’s not, under the QFC is just fine.
    .
    as long as it’s available 7 days a week – and not subjected to some archaic law based on church days – state-run stores are fine by me. you know, since voters are too child-centric to approve private sales.

  • CandrewB February 17, 2011 (10:13 am)

    It was most counties on the East side of the state that voted this down. King County only added 20,000 votes to the “No” side. Personally I didn’t really care either way.

    http://vote.wa.gov/Elections/WEI/ResultsByCounty.aspx?ElectionID=37&RaceID=103961&CountyCode=%20&JurisdictionTypeID=-2&RaceTypeCode=M&ViewMode=Results

  • fauntleroyfairy February 17, 2011 (12:13 pm)

    @NotMe

    HAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaa……good one….

  • MMB February 17, 2011 (6:26 pm)

    I’d like to stick up for the friendly employees at the Westwood WSLCB. They are nice, and helpful. I’ve never had a problem parking at the new QFC either, though I don’t go there often.

  • poovie February 20, 2011 (4:43 pm)

    @JAT- OMG since when is saving money a crime? I’d love to buy anything I could in a cheaper state; and I do when I can. I don’t buy clothes and shoes here, why should I be forced to buy cars and booze here?

  • JC March 8, 2011 (7:16 pm)

    Apparently OFFICE DEPOT is NOT going to happen.

    • WSB March 8, 2011 (7:25 pm)

      JC – we reported that in another story a day or two later – Petco is going into that space, not the originally planned Office Depot.

Sorry, comment time is over.