West Seattle businesses: U-Frame-It seeking new location after losing lease because of development plan

After 20 years, the U-Frame-It shop at 3239 California SW is looking for a new location in West Seattle. Back in December, we reported a residential-development proposal for the site that has been home to the framing shop all these years; now, U-Frame-It proprietor Tom Sweeney confirms to WSB that they were just given notice last week that they’ll have to clear out: “February 18, we were given a Notice to Terminate Tenancy, effective March 31, 2014.” The site has both a demolition permit and a lot/parcel-split application under review. It was rezoned to NC2-40 along with the rest of the block during the 2007-2010 upzone that also paved the way for the 3210 California SW mixed-use project across the street, but this particular part of the block is proposed for single-family homes/live-work units. The site also includes Amante Pizza, but we haven’t reached them yet to find out their plans.

West Seattle Hipster February 24, 2014 (5:15 pm)

Yay, more urban density without the infrastructure to support it!

I feel for the small business owners who are forced to relocate.

CanDo February 24, 2014 (5:40 pm)

They gave the business just a little over a month to vacate, find and secure a new place and move their entire operation? That’s rotten! I can’t imagine the hardship they are putting on this small business.

Bee February 24, 2014 (5:41 pm)

These are great businesses in this location. We will be looking for relocation information for U-Frame and Amantes!

Why have we been seeing so much tearing down and rebuilding in West Seattle the last few years. Was there a rezoning or something? West Seattle seems to be changing so fast with all of the big buildings being added. Family members have been here since 1962 and have not seen so much tearing down and rebuilding…they wonder also.

Jacob February 24, 2014 (5:41 pm)

what is replacing C.S.S. and Service Dog Academy?

cjboffoli February 24, 2014 (6:47 pm)

Lack of infrastructure, huh? There isn’t sufficient water, electricity, or sanitation to support anything more than these drab, utilitarian one story commercial buildings? Bollocks. Once again the knee jerk reaction about any kind of development or change in West Seattle is instantly framed within the confining geometry of how it will affect the driving and parking of cars.
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I walked past this section of California just the other day and it was absolutely dead with very little street activation at mid-day. Sure, the small businesses that will have to relocate will be inconvenienced. But the increased density will mean more patrons for small businesses along California.

West Seattle Hipster February 24, 2014 (7:33 pm)

Lack of infrastructure alludes to the lack of transit options in the area and access into and out of West Seattle.

What is your solution to those pressing needs?

David February 24, 2014 (8:44 pm)

California Ave doesn’t have enough transit to handle a new 4 story building? Come on. We eventually need off grade rail transit into West Seattle…but ironically we won’t get it UNTIL we get more size and density. It is a frustrating chicken and the egg thing. But New York didn’t build subways FIRST then build a city. They built subways ONCE the surface streets couldn’t handle the traffic. Saying we can’t build UNTIL we first have new transit systems isn’t how things work (for better or worse).

That being said, always sucks when a landlord gives short notice on a business. Sadly happens all the time. Wish we had a law requiring 6 month min or something.

cjboffoli February 24, 2014 (9:37 pm)

David: Well said.
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WSH: First, I reject the assumption that every new property in West Seattle automatically means more cars. But with that said, I think nothing drives (pun unintended) the agenda for better transit more than the threat of new cars on the roads. The same way that building new lanes on a freeway encourages people to use their cars, increased congestion provides people with more of an incentive to look for other options (bus, water taxi, bikes, car pools). I think the coverage in today’s Seattle Times about how central Seattle has in recent years has finally begun to outpace the population growth of the suburbs speaks to the trend of people getting so fed up with commuting that they’re looking for ways to live closer to work. Put simply, density makes for a better city in a number of ways and West Seattle has plenty of room to grow. More people are coming and personal car use is going to have to take a backseat.
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Considering that about 80% of the populace did not participate in the last election cycle, I’d say one solution would be for people to get off their duffs and start voting for local leaders who have the political temerity to support transit unequivocally.

chas redmond February 25, 2014 (12:11 am)

Absolutely,Chris! Thanks for that insight. Change is tough – we know that and yet knowing that still doesn’t prepare some of us for the moment of actual change!! And you’re right about the veritable ghost town that stretch is midday.

w.s. maverick February 25, 2014 (5:45 am)

booooooooooooooooooooo

Bettytheyeti February 25, 2014 (7:57 am)

As a patron of Tom Sweeney of many years I was terribly sadden by the news of his immanent forced relocation. The irony is in West Seattle there are few “affordable” storefront locations close to hubs. Which explains several of the exodus of businesses to White Center.

NW February 25, 2014 (8:18 am)

And the gentrification train rolls on ……..

james February 25, 2014 (9:34 am)

@NW… I don’t think that word means what you think it means.

NW February 25, 2014 (10:30 am)

I dont like seeing property values increase ,rent ,taxes and products in this area. But it’s also a benefit to see businesses that come in with a strong ability to survive in this theatre west seattle is transforming into. I am not for too polished and pushing out those who are less advantageous then others.

Max February 25, 2014 (5:14 pm)

Sorry to hear another business has to move due to the continued abuse of moving more people into over crowded West Seattle. Back around 20 years ago I was very concerned about all the projected growth in West Seattle with the talk of what was being called Urban Villages. I went to many meetings concerning this issue. Now like I said this was 20 years ago and maybe more. But a survey was done and it was found that the West Seattle Bridge was at either 120% or 130% of what the bridge was designed for and this is before the bus lane. At that time I moved out of West Seattle because I saw the writing on the wall but I feel very sorry for all the people being effected by what is happening to West Seattle.

Dr Kate February 25, 2014 (9:12 pm)

I’ve had many things framed by Tom Sweeney over the years. He’s such a nice man and does great work.

I really hope that he finds a new home for his business and gets to stay in West Seattle!

buckwheat February 25, 2014 (10:44 pm)

Well once the district council city positions begin hopefully whoever is elected for the WS area will finally fight for WS against all this crap that is being thrown up throughout the area.

Sorry, comment time is over.