BIZNOTES: Moved out, moved in, not moving in …

Three West Seattle business notes:

FUNERAL HOME’S NEW HOME: The “for lease” sign just went up this week outside what had been Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home at 35th/Ida in Gatewood. The H-K website noted an address on Rainier Avenue. So we contacted Len Burton-Hardin with H-K, who confirms, “The owners sold the property. Howden-Kennedy and myself are affiliated with our sister funeral home Columbia Funeral Home.” H-K, founded a century ago, had been in Gatewood since 2013, when they left their longtime Fauntleroy/Alaska location, part of the site that now holds The Whittaker.

NOW OPEN: The fitness business continues booming in West Seattle. Another opening – Body by Impulse, in the ActivSpace building at 3400 Harbor SW. It’s the second Seattle location for the studio, which specializes in workouts featuring “electro-muscle stimulation.” (Thanks to Reid for the tip.)

CANCELED: Back in July, we mentioned city permit applications for two potential new tenants at Westwood Village. One of those applications, for the nationwide chain America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, has been withdrawn, according to city files; the docket notation says, “Lease negotiations did not move forward & client cancelled the project.”

Apey November 7, 2019 (2:08 pm)

Westwood Village is a disaster. I guess they really prefer to have empty storefronts, rather than offer reasonable lease rates? That big, beautiful former Barnes & Noble space just sits there empty, along with several other spaces. I feel like there must be some other story going on here…it’s like the ownership is just willing this place to fail so they can move on with other plans.

WSB November 7, 2019 (2:22 pm)

As reported in the July story linked above, the other potential tenant was Ross, for the ex-B&N space. Not sure about their status, though; they got a sign permit a couple months ago but the permit file’s been pretty quiet. But the new MOD Pizza permit file is very active, so that’s proceeding.
old timer November 7, 2019 (3:01 pm)

Maybe an opportunity to convert some of that empty space to a family shelter. Already equipped with rest rooms and heat, add showers. Lots of children sleeping in cars with their moms and dads. http://nochildsleepsoutside.org
- Question Authority November 7, 2019 (10:02 pm)
  
  That privately held property is just that, no different then your private home being used for the same cause.

Anne November 7, 2019 (2:31 pm)

It would not surprise me if owner wasn’t waiting for big developer to pay big $$ for the entirety of WWV. Being so close to transit it would be ideal spot for housing/retail mix.Dont get me wrong- would love for owner to invest in more retail/restaurants etc. & make WWV a more vibrant place- there’s lots of potential- just doesn’t seem like owners have been interested in updating/upgrading.

KM November 7, 2019 (2:51 pm)

35th and Holden/Ida–any chance these property owners might be joining together to create a bigger development? I know the former mechanic’s site has started design. Would be great to see more businesses in this area. There’s room for a lot more on that lot the (former) funeral home is on.

LCH November 7, 2019 (7:13 pm)

KM, yes, the former Complete Auto Repair (7617 35th Ave SW) property next door to Howden Kennedy as well as the (7603 35th Ave SW property), as well as the house behind the funeral home( at 3507 SW Ida St.) has all been sold to the same people. They are planning to build a large apartment complex with retail on the ground floor.
- KM November 7, 2019 (9:12 pm)
  
  Thanks! I thought the apartment was only slated for the car repair place, appreciate the clarification.
  - WSB November 7, 2019 (9:20 pm)
    
    Please note, there is nothing on file about any new plan so far. The auto-repair site project went dormant after going part of the way through Design Review.

Ryan L November 7, 2019 (4:48 pm)

Westwood is no bueno – A few weeks ago I witnessed a young lady shoplifting and reported to a store employee and manager – both said they could do nothing and a few days ago a group of young boys were shoplifting at Marshalls , same thing they could not do anything about it. It’s a Mecca for crime and it’s also empowering those who steal to become criminals without consequences. A breeding ground for crime. At least Target has security at the door. Too bad

Jort November 7, 2019 (10:00 pm)

But … it has so much PARKING! I’ve been told repeatedly that parking is the single most important factor in a successful business. Failed recurring political candidate Phil Tavel even said that parking was “District One’s Unique Quality.” How could Westwood Village fail if it has an overabundance of so much glorious and ample PARKING?!

Rick November 9, 2019 (5:08 am)

Westwood is returning to the swamp it once was many years ago,just in a different form.

Terremoto November 9, 2019 (10:35 am)

So much doom and gloom. Westwood is fine although I do miss Barnes and Noble. Many other stores don’t stop shoplifters for fear of scaring actual customers with police presence and/or whatever ruckus shoplifters would kick off. Safeway nationally has been on the news for not stopping shoplifters. Thorny issue. I go to WWV all the time. Marshalls has a great variety of goods.

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