By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Two of the three businesses told to clear out of 4480 Fauntleroy Way in The Triangle have found new locations nearby.
We first reported Sunday night that Diva Espresso, Maestro Motors, and Ace 1 Computer Repair had been told by the new owner of 4480 Fauntleroy Way that they had to be out by the end of August.
Though the new owner, a SODO real-estate broker, didn’t respond to our inquiry, we discovered a document on file with the city indicating that Rudy’s Barbershop, long seeking a West Seattle location, would be the new tenant.
Rudy’s has since confirmed that to WSB. But first – an update on the longtime businesses that have to move.
Just this morning, Maestro Motors’ owner Richard Reed signed a lease for a spot barely a block to the west, where he tells us that Ace-1 is moving to, too. We found out the news while stopping by 4480 Fauntleroy to photograph him as part of our planned followup (even before we learned about the new location).
Reed says it’s the building behind Fauntleroy Chiropractic (WSB sponsor) in the 4500 block of Fauntleroy Way. Previously, an Ace 1 spokesperson had told us by e-mail that they indeed had a location, but they didn’t specify the address, saying only, “We will be moving to a new location in West Seattle. We were happy to have served at this past location for the last 16 years, though! Also looking forward to keep serving our local clients.”
This is all new, so stand by for further details.
Meantime, Diva Espresso president Greg Hamper confirmed to WSB: “We indeed have been looking for a new location, but nothing has come up for now. Any input about possible available locations should be addressed to Greg Hamper at greg@divaespresso.com. We are sorry to go, and we will indeed miss our loyal customers for the past 18 years.” He added that Diva needs storage for its equipment while searching for a new location, so even if you can’t help with the latter, maybe you have an idea for that? Same contact, if you have a suggestion. Diva’s last day will be Sunday, August 17th.
Now, back to the building’s future. As noted here in multiple previous reports, it went on the market last fall – with the listing saying that its tenants wanted to stay but were currently on month-to-month leases – and was sold in April. While its 6300+-square-foot location is zoned for a much-denser/taller use than it has currently, it is NOT proposed for teardown/redevelopment. Instead, we learned from a “site plan” sketch in the city files labeled “Rudy’s West Seattle,” it’s proposed for remodeling into the first West Seattle outpost for the Seattle-based chain, which first confirmed to WSB almost two years ago that it was trying to find a spot here.
Some commenters asked if Rudy’s really needs all the space in the Fauntleroy Way building. Spokesperson Katie Trent replied regarding that and our overall request for confirmation:
At this time we cannot comment on the full scope of the project, but can confirm that we will be opening a Rudy’s Barbershop in the building, with opening projected for early 2015. Many of our longtime employees and customers are West Seattle residents, so it’s been our hope to find the right location for some time, now. The owner of the 4480 building is also our landlord at the Capitol Hill Rudy’s location, our very first shop which opened in 1993. We are excited to continue working with them as we join the West Seattle community in a building with great heritage and character.
More as we get it.
(Follow WSB business coverage here – and if you have a tip about a business that’s opening, closing, changing, please let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!)
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