West Seattle development: New Alzheimer’s care facility?

| Development | Health | West Seattle news

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
That’s 4515 41st SW, which has gone through several development proposals in recent years, and is now the subject of a new one, according to city online records. The Department of Planning and Development page for the site now has an early-stage filing described as follows:

Proposing construction of a new 50-60 unit Alzheimer’s care community in West Seattle. Questions relative to use in the L3 zone, setbacks, parking requirements, permit timeline, and where any other Alzheimer’s communities have been proposed and or are under development in West Seattle.

The second line appears to be a note about issues brought to the DPD in early discussions; the only date on the DPD page involves a fee payment on September 18th. One contact is listed for the potential project; we tracked down a phone number and have left multiple messages seeking further comment on the proposal and what stage it’s in, and will update whenever we hear back from them. The site is in the process of being sold, according to pages like this; we had reported back in June that it was on the market. Two years ago, it was the subject of a short-lived proposal for a 7-story apartment building; in 2006, it was envisioned as 70 apartments over a park-and-ride.

DF October 24, 2012 (6:42 pm)

We use to be full of rundown forgotten lots like this throughout 98116 now it’s all being bought out and developed. Long live dilapidated undevelped, undiscovered, unhip West Seattle.

DTK October 24, 2012 (7:41 pm)

How is it that the middle of the block is L2 zone but 40 yards away it becomes L3 zone?

West Seattle since 1979 October 24, 2012 (7:49 pm)

DF, this isn’t something hip. Sounds like it’s something that’s much needed.

Ow Shapiro October 24, 2012 (8:21 pm)

Unbelievable. Since the block is completely residential why not just pop a 60 unit building in the middle.

steve October 24, 2012 (8:48 pm)

50 units on that lot? Thats the block poops garden.

Cashmere October 24, 2012 (9:55 pm)

41st ave needs zone permit parking…the street parking has gotten ridiculous for residents

Mike October 24, 2012 (9:56 pm)

You think zoning laws are for developers…hahahahaha

Vanessa October 24, 2012 (10:55 pm)

Think about how many health care jobs that would create…

Nichole October 25, 2012 (7:01 am)

West Seattle needs a care facility this disease badly. Currently the Kenny offers 16 beds. That’s us the only current option for specialized care!

gina October 25, 2012 (7:22 am)

Would be good to have a place on this side of the bridge.

Wallace October 25, 2012 (8:12 am)

My house closes in 2 weeks in the Junction. I have been here 9 years and really liked it. The vast amount of traffic and lane reductions is laughable. The parking on that street already is packed. Imagine another handful of employees cars parking on that street? With the unimaginative apt buildings and rumor of yet another grocery store. The worst is yet to come. Bye West Seattle

Brandon October 25, 2012 (8:20 am)

If you build it they will come

schwaggy October 25, 2012 (8:37 am)

Another vote for zone permit parking. With all the employees from the grocery stores, the bowling alley patrons, and general parking for people visiting the Junction, residents are feeling the squeeze. Issue permits so those of us who live in the ‘hood can park!

DF October 25, 2012 (10:20 am)

Any city archives out there where we can see pictures of this property from its past? I can’t recall it being lived in. Great image by the way, poetic.

WSB October 25, 2012 (10:48 am)

If you look it up on the King County Parcel Viewer and follow the PROPERTY DETAIL link, you might find an archived image.

Robyn October 25, 2012 (11:09 am)

I’m a little surprised about the comments regarding methadone clinics and half-way houses. One thing I’ve always cherished about West Seattle is that it seems to value the elderly – there seems to be a strong elderly community when compared to other Seattle neighborhoods.

I wouldn’t classify people with alzheimers in the same category as recovering drug addicts or former convicts, even under the umbrella of care facilities. My Mother was recently diagnosed with the disease and it would be nice to have her close by knowing she is getting the care she needs.

This may not be the best location, but I hope that West Seattlites continue to welcome and support the elderly community, regardless of whatever diseases fate may have dealt them.

WSB October 25, 2012 (11:23 am)

Not to mention … for those of us who are boomers … for the next several decades, we will be around as a larger population of seniors than ever before, as I understand it. (Not a comment on the merits or the location of this project – still haven’t even heard back from the applicant – just a comment on Be Kind To/About Your Elders.)
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Robyn, best wishes for you and your mom. We can empathize; Alzheimer’s/dementia claimed my father-in-law’s life, and before that, he had lived independently and worked productively into his 80s … TR

Mike October 25, 2012 (11:18 am)

Good idea.

margaritaville October 25, 2012 (12:04 pm)

Unforunately, some of us are going to end up in an Altzheimer’s care facility. It would be reassuring to at least stay in the same neighborhood.

gina October 25, 2012 (12:59 pm)

Had to drive 40 mile roundtrips to visit my mother a facility that could handle alzheimers and low vision. There was no place in West Seattle that would accept her condition, because she was not immobile. A good facility that handles all levels of memory care is much needed here.

WS expat October 25, 2012 (1:14 pm)

Agree, the cheap shots about Alzheimer’s seem extraordinarily mean and petty. Sounds like fear talking.
I’ve walked past this address for years and always wondered about its neglected state. Provided the developers commit to off-street parking and are considerate of the neighbors, an quality Alzheimer’s facility would be an asset to West Seattle.

datamuse October 25, 2012 (1:57 pm)

Some of these comments are downright cruel. One in eight Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s; nearly half of people over 85 do. It’s very common and will become more so as our population ages, and people who have it require considerable care. Some of y’all sound like you’re arguing that we shouldn’t have a hospital in West Seattle because ambulances make noise.

jesse October 25, 2012 (3:02 pm)

I like it…. a couple people living in their townhomes near the site complaining. Wish the city had put moratorium on those. I sold my place and moved to arroyo heights…didn’t prefer to be surrounded by them.

wetone October 25, 2012 (3:54 pm)

My questions would be are they proposing construction of a new 50-60 unit Alzheimer’s facility into the mix to help facilitate the zoning upgrade with that piece of property ? Would they be held to building the Care facility if the get the rezone ? I’m no rocket scientist but I think once they get the rezone they can do what they want. Traffic and parking ……

ws bred October 25, 2012 (6:51 pm)

Some of these comments are just awful. God forbid any of you should develop alzheimers.

Kara October 25, 2012 (7:05 pm)

Everytime I walk past that location I imagine the beauty it once held and I’m happy to see something going in that will benefit our community.

WSB October 25, 2012 (7:16 pm)

The two frankly trollish comments from the same person have been deleted.

dawsonct October 25, 2012 (8:34 pm)

Bye Wallace. What’s funny, is that wherever you are moving to, you will be considered a newcomer, and a symbol of the deterioration of that community. Ironic, ain’t it?