West Seattle development updates: Shoremont; Trader Joe’s

| Development | West Seattle news | West Seattle Trader Joe's

Two updates this afternoon on sites from the WSB watch list:

SHOREMONT APARTMENTS: Thanks to Patricia for sending the photo after spotting the land-use sign that went up in the past day or so outside the once-targeted-for-demolition Shoremont (2464 Alki SW). We reported back in December that a Mercer Island investor’s deal to buy it had closed; that purchase followed a period of bank (and even federal) ownership, which in turn followed a proposal 3 years ago to demolish it and put up an ultramodern complex. The new proposal is described on the sign and on the DPD website as adding one unit to each of two three-unit buildings, for eight units total. To find out what exactly that entails, we’ll likely have to check the files downtown (which we had done a few weeks ago, knowing a proposal was in the works, but nothing had been filed yet). The DPD website says a formal comment period will open with this Thursday’s Land Use Information Bulletin.

TRADER JOE’S SITE: It’s been three whole weeks since our last update, so if you’re among those starved for incremental info, here’s the latest bit of news: The DPD officially “accepted the application” last Thursday for the main part of the project to turn the old Huling Brothers Buick showroom site (4545 Fauntleroy Way) into a new Trader Joe’s store (rendering at right). As we had written last month, there had been some back-and-forth about parking on the site and other details, but “application accepted” is one milestone toward the permit being granted. As we noted while reviewing the file last month, TJ’s thinks construction will take about six months, so assuming a permit’s granted before long, the current realistic timetable for opening is probably fall.

valvashon March 1, 2011 (2:03 pm)

Yay for the Shoremont! It seems as if a cool old building will be saved for once. Why couldn’t this be the case even in a hot real estate market?

coffee March 1, 2011 (4:51 pm)

I am SO happy for the Shoremont! And TJ’s…eh. I was in the Burien TJ’s 2 weeks ago and promptly left with nothing. It did absolutely nothing for me.

Sandra Melo March 1, 2011 (10:19 pm)

I’m thrilled that TJ’s is finally coming our neck of the woods! We’ve been saving money by eating out less often, while exploring the huge selection of interesting foods from TJ’s.

sun*e March 2, 2011 (8:49 am)

I’m shocked that there’s only ONE positive comment here about TJ’s. After all of the comments I’ve read in the past, I would have expected more excitement and fanfare now that it’s finally going to happen. Where are all the TJ fans?
.
I do like the fact that something is finally replacing the vacant Huling building but I actually have to admit I’m with coffe’s comment: “TJ’s…eh” I have never really understood the appeal but when it’s actually in my neighborhood I’ll give it another try.

Noelle March 2, 2011 (9:54 am)

Speaking of great markets, is Whole Food looking for another location in West Seattle?

WSB March 2, 2011 (9:57 am)

They were when last time we spoke. Will have to check in with them again.

Jo March 2, 2011 (10:18 am)

What am I missing?
I thought the Shoremont could come down and an uber-modern complex was proposed for that site.
???

WSB March 2, 2011 (10:24 am)

That’s all addressed in the story, as well as in previous coverage to which we link therein. Short version: The company that had bought it and proposed the modern project had money trouble. Site was foreclosed. Bank owned it (federal government even owned it for a few minutes since the bank was taken over). It went up for sale. Mercer Island investor bought it, now apparently is going to fix it up and NOT demolish it.

Newish March 2, 2011 (10:54 am)

So… What’s the history of the Shoremont ? I searched,but found little. How did it fall in to disrepair? When was it last legally occupied by tenants? Did some horror or tragedy befall the old building,human or nature wise?? Who/Where are the property owners?

WSB March 2, 2011 (11:07 am)

if you search our site for shoremont, you should find ample info on all of the above, at least the past three years worth. I believe it was already in somewhat sad shape before the owners-who-couldn’t-keep-it bought it. The guy who bought it a couple months ago is a Mercer Island investor who, as we reported in December, also owns some other WS property (a complex in Morgan Junction). I have sent them inquiries looking for more info and haven’t received replies so next time I’m downtown, it’s off to the DPD files again …

Jo March 2, 2011 (11:27 am)

Okay, thanks for clarifying WSB.
I love that building. It would be a shame to lose it.
Jo

MJ March 2, 2011 (12:02 pm)

TJ’s fan or not, I think it’s great that there is a large, viable business moving into that space. The area around the intersection of Fauntleroy and Alaska was virtually vacant (although there are signs of life!) If it weren’t so wet here, I expect there would be a few tumbleweeds blowing by…

kirsty March 2, 2011 (1:27 pm)

I think the shoremont had a couple of double-sized units in it, 2 kitchens, etc. It makes sense for each building to have 4 symmetrical units.

As a neighbor, I am thrilled that they’re keeping the old building, and that it may be occupied someday soon.

WSB March 2, 2011 (2:11 pm)

Looking back into its history, the top floor of each building was consolidated from two units into one some years back, at least according to the DPD records, so it appears they’re just returning to something resembling the old configuration – TR

will o' wisp March 2, 2011 (3:01 pm)

Thanks WSB, I was in the buildings during a showing about a year ago. It looked like it already had four units per building. I guess that was just the original floor plan. Hopefully they can make the numbers work. It is a heck of a location. A bit ‘busy’ in the summer however.

Noelle March 2, 2011 (4:52 pm)

Thank you for keeping us up to date on all the market info in our little West Seattle!

Noelle March 2, 2011 (4:57 pm)

my last post does not seem to want to post. Usually it does a count down and then posts the comment but today it is not. I just wanted to let you know that and say thank you for checking on Whole Foods market.

NotMe March 2, 2011 (7:19 pm)

Hey sun*e… if you think the lack of positive comments is something, wait until you see how most people don’t bother shopping there.

sun*e March 2, 2011 (11:46 pm)

@NotMe – Yeah, I pretty much agree with ya there. Like I said – I have never really understood the appeal to TJ’s and that’s why I agreed with coffee’s comment: “TJ’s…eh” I am open minded though so when they get here I’ll check ’em out again and see if they can win me over.

James March 3, 2011 (2:43 am)

I think people around here are too stuck in hanging onto everything old….spending more time fighting to preserve an old house or building instead of fighting government doesn’t make sense. Is it really going to affect your life so much if the old Shoremont building would have been torn down? Who cares anyway? You have to EVOLVE people…. just be glad your not paying taxes on that relic.

James March 3, 2011 (2:52 am)

And………thank God after a century of debating and red tape TJ’s is finally making some progress. Almost anything is better that that stagnant situation there.

NotMe March 3, 2011 (10:00 am)

I agree that it will be nice to have something in what has become a “dead area” – but I wish it was something better, something local.

Laura March 4, 2011 (9:26 pm)

I for one am excited the we are getting a TJ’s. I shop at several of their stores and appreciate getting good food at a great price. For those that don’t like it, go somewhere else. It just means I can get through the lines quicker.

Jeff March 9, 2011 (8:12 am)

I know several realtorx who have checked out the Shoremont and from what they say, it’s beyond salvaging and should probably be a complete teardown. I hope the new owner isn’t biting off more than he can chew. It will be nice to have a nice building there. I always feel so bad for the neighbors when I walk by.

Yay for TJs finally getting to move ahead. Sad that it’s not going to open by spring or summer as we thought originally.

Sorry, comment time is over.