Highland Park Improvement Club’s new post-fire price tag: ‘If we can’t raise this money, we can’t rebuild the building’

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

(Rendering by Wittman Estes)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Almost a year and a half after fire gutted their historic headquarters, Highland Park Improvement Club has a design, an architect, and a new price tag: $3.1 million.

That’s four times the total amount they expect to get from insurance.

But if ever there was a can-do crew, it’s this one, and HPIC board members presented an optimistic, determined front at an online Town Hall tonight updating the community on the rebuilding plan – including how you can help even if you can’t donate a dime.

The new estimate came from architect Wittman Estes – whose designs were shown and discussed at previous Town Halls – and newly hired contractor Metis Construction. It’s for a building envisioned aw a “future connector and heart of our community” in multiple ways, not the least of which is as a performing-arts center. That’s important because of a big grant they’ve just landed: $400,000 from the Washington State Building for the Arts. This is a prestigious, competitive statewide grant, and HPIC trustees are ecstatic they got it. Add that sum to the expected insurance money and $55,000 already received in community donations, and they’re up to $1,205,000.

But they need community support to lock in that grant, as it requires State Legislature approval, so they’re asking for people to contact first Governor Inslee and then local legislators to ensure the grant goes through. The message: What HPIC means/has meant to you. It’s been a community center for more than a century, hosting celebrations, meetings, bazaars, workshops, performances, and in times of trouble – like the pandemic – campaigns to help, like emergency food distribution. If you don’t have your own message to convey, HPIC has a suggested template on its website, as well as information on how to get your message to the governor. Get a message to him by Thanksgiving, and then attention will turn to state legislators before they convene in Olympia early next year: Our area’s State Senator Joe Nguyen, State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, and State House Rep.-elect Emily Alvarado.

And while they mount a letter-writing campaign to secure that $400,000, HPIC board president Rhonda Smith said, “We need to start working in the direction to find (the rest of the) money – if we can’t raise this money, we can’t rebuild the building.” They’re acutely aware that the charred HPIC, at 12th/Holden, is an eyesore, and even if all goes well, will remain that way for a while – they have a tentative date to submit building permits in February, and once permits are granted, construction is likely to last a year. If necessary, they said, the building can be built in phases – even if only part of it can be occupied for starters.

While strategizing how to fundraise, they’re also grappling with how to continue serving and connecting the community despite the lack of a building, They’re welcoming “fresh ideas” and more volunteers on that front as well as the search for dollars. If you are interested in helping – or have an idea about funding sources – hpic1919@gmail.com is how to contact them. And watch hpic1919.org for updates.

ADDED FRIDAY: HPIC has uploaded its video recording of the meeting here.

Share This

Scenes from tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, including Desmond Hansen’s guest appearance

November 10, 2022 8:31 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Every time we’ve seen West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, he’s been out along a street, in protective gear, painting a signal box. Tonight, a different setting, and some of his other work:

As previewed here earlier this week, Hansen is the featured artist tonight for the West Seattle Art Walk debut of the new West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) office at 2715 California SW. He painted a Seacrest Pier mural on the office’s north interior wall, and other creations of his are on display tonight and throughout the month – including these:

Around the corner from West Seattle Realty, we found Carla Dreams Nitkey at Good Society (2701 California SW), showing her abstract/expressionist work inspired by feng shui principles:

Three Art of Music performances enhanced tonight’s Art Walk, too – we caught part of Sarah Brunner‘s set at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):

Next month’s Art Walk is an ectra-festive holiday edition, Thursday, December 8th.

Share This

FUN WAY TO HELP: Friendsgiving fundraiser Sunday with Mode Music and Performing Arts – get your tickets ASAP!

November 10, 2022 6:37 pm

| Comments Off on FUN WAY TO HELP: Friendsgiving fundraiser Sunday with Mode Music and Performing Arts – get your tickets ASAP!

| How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you’re not already ticketed for the Mode Music and Performing Arts Friendsgiving Fundraiser this Sunday (November 13), you can still buy tickets tonight! Here’s the announcement:

We’re celebrating Thanksgiving early this Sunday at our Friendsgiving Fundraiser, and we’re most thankful for YOU, the community members who make up the Mode/MMPA extended family.

We still have more tickets available for purchase, and we’re hoping for a full house! Our ticketing site turns back into a pumpkin on Thursday at midnight, so act fast! Need convincing? Here’s some exciting details to get you to smash that “buy tickets” button at the end of this email.

PRICELESS Experiences Available At Our Live Auction

How would you like to host a private house show by Seattle girl rock band THEM?

Or maybe you’d like some VIP tickets for you and the family to attend Bluey’s Big Play at The Paramount?

What about an entire summer’s worth of FREE MMPA day camps?

All this and more is up for grabs at our Live Auction!

Live Performances From Mode/MMPA Teachers and Students

We’ll be hosting performances by some of Mode and MMPA’s talented teachers, as well as a set by our student rock band It’s All Happening. And we’ll end the night with a killer playlist to bring you to the dance floor, curated by our superstar emcee, KEXP DJ Troy Nelson.

Delicious Food From Our Friends at Skylark Cafe

Our neighbors and pals over at Skylark will be serving up a tasty taco bar, and we’ll also have a cash bar with beer and wine from some local spots! Come eat, drink and be merry!

We’d LOVE to see you there!

Join us THIS Sunday (November 13) from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. We can’t wait to celebrate with our community!

BUY TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mmpa-friendsgiving-fundraiser-tickets-429906651367

Mode Music and Performing Arts is the nonprofit sibling of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), headquartered in North Delridge.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Return of Thriftway’s ‘Holiday Taste’

November 10, 2022 4:37 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Return of Thriftway’s ‘Holiday Taste’

| Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two weeks until Thanksgiving. That means it’s peak time for menu planning, and that’s why West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) has brought back its Holiday Taste sampling event, happening in-store right now through 7 pm. There’s also a deal if you do some shopping while you’re there:

More pics shortly. P.S. You can also let Thriftway do the holiday cooking for you – orders are being accepted for Thanksgiving through November 21st.

ADDED 5:35 PM: And in fact, you can get a taste of the turkey dinner during this event:

Much of what you can sample is Thriftway-made – but some vendors are there too, including Nola’s Catering, with tastes of ginger pork:

If you order holiday food, you can pick it up as late as Thanksgiving afternoon.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: 2 updates on ‘affordable apartments’ project for Westwood driver-licensing office site

November 10, 2022 2:49 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news | Westwood

(King County Assessor photo)

Five months ago, we reported on an early-stage “affordable apartments” project planned for 8830 25th SW, currently the site of the West Seattle driver-licensing office, across the street from the east side of Westwood Village. Today, we have two updates: First, the plan is now open for comments as part of the Administrative Design Review process – no public meetings, but public feedback is requested. The project is now described as “a 6-story, 144-unit apartment building (with p)arking for 20 vehicles proposed.” You have two weeks to get comments in for project 3040124-EG. (We’re still trying to find the actual design document and will add it here when we do.) Second, the Department of Licensing says it’s found a new West Seattle location that’s “very close” to this one. However, a DOL spokesperson told us today, they haven’t finalized the plan so they’re not yet disclosing where it is. But if all goes well, they expect to move “in spring or summer” of next year.

Share This

TRAFFIC ALERT: Two new 4-way stops in The Junction

November 10, 2022 12:09 pm

| 54 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

12:09 PM: Thanks to Jake and E, who both sent tips and photos after SDOT crews showed up this morning to convert 40th/Edmunds and 41st/Edmunds into 4-way-stop intersections. E, whose photos are above and below, wrote, “As a pedestrian who has almost been run down by the range of distracted-to-malicious drivers, I am ecstatic that SDOT is painting zebra stripes and installing 4-way stop signs along Edmunds this morning.”

Both noted that some drivers seem not to have noticed the new signage yet. West of these new installations, 42nd/Edmunds is a 4-way, and California/Edmunds is signalized.

ADDED 6:10 PM: We went through the area late this afternoon and noted that crosswalks are painted on all four sides of both of these intersections.

Share This

CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth IHS celebrates student athletes’ success

November 10, 2022 11:50 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Chief Sealth International High School celebrated fall-sports success with its seasonal banquet last night, In addition to its sport-by-sport award, they also celebrated two college signings – softball player Jing Gardner has signed with the University of Washington:

Soccer player Vivian Gaither is headed to Quincy University, one of several successful student athletes in her family, which joined her to celebrate – mom Michelle and brothers Kyler and Chase – with coach Michael Rillo:

Vivian also won the individual award for soccer.

Now, the other individual award winners: Slow-pitch softball winner was also Metro League 3A co-MVP, Puna Faga, shown with Metro League Coach of the Year Sergio Lopez:

The football honoree was Demiko Bousley, shown with coach Daron Camacho:

For volleyball, Charlotte Lindow, with coach Desiree Johnson:

For golf, Nevin Pivar, with coach George Cano:

For swimming, Emma Osgood, with coach Stephanie Hunt:

And for cross country, Violet Beck with coach Miguel Bautista:

Congratulations to the athletes and coaches, and to Chief Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio!

Share This

West Seattle Art Walk with music, HPIC town hall, Thriftway Taste, theater at WSHS, more for your Thursday

November 10, 2022 10:30 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Tonight’s marquee event – this month’s West Seattle Art Walk! Here’s the list/map:

Artists and venues are spotlighted in this month’s preview – which features food and drink specials as well as art-hosting venues. Highlights include three Art of Music performances – Sarah Brunner at West Seattle Grounds in North Admiral (2141 California SW), Kristen Marlo at John L. Scott Real Estate in The Junction (4445 California SW), and Joshua Dennis at Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction (6413 California SW). The Art Walk starts at 5 pm; the musical performances run concurrently, 6 pm-7:45 pm, at all three venues.

Another highlight, as featured here Wednesday – the grand opening of West Seattle Realty‘s new office, featuring a reception for West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen and a chance to see his new mural inside the WSR space, as well as some of his other work.

Now, here’s what else is happening today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WREATH ORDER DEADLINE: Last day to order a wreath in The Bridge School‘s fundraiser.

HAVE PIZZA, HELP A SCHOOL: Louisa Boren STEM K-8 benefits from a dine-out fundraiser 10:30 am-11 pm at MOD Pizza in Westwood Village (2800 SW Barton).

WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY HOLIDAY TASTE: With two weeks to go until Thanksgiving, you can visit West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) 4 pm-7 pm tonight for the return of its annual sampling event.

WORDS, WRITERS, & SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society presents longtime broadcaster Ross Reynolds, talking about “How Audio Technology Changed the World.” Our preview includes the registration link you can use to sign up for attendance info.

BOARD GAME NIGHT: Go play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), starting at 6:30 pm.

HPIC TOWN HALL/REBUILD UPDATE: 7 pm, find out the latest on Highland Park Improvement Club‘s post-fire rebuilding plans during an online Town Hall. Connecting/call-in info is on the HPIC website.

BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: “Sassiest bingo party in town,” starting at 7 pm. (2306 California SW)

‘THE CURIOUS MRS. SAVAGE’: Opening night for the West Seattle High School production, 7:30 pm in the school theater (3000 California SW). Our calendar listing has the synopsis and ticket link (note that this production offers a streaming option too).

Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Fauntleroy Creek salmon count now in triple digits

November 10, 2022 9:31 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

The main reason the Southern Resident Killer Whales are often back in central Puget Sound this time of year is the pursuit of their preferred food – salmon. Not far from the orcas’ recent passes, coho spawners continue returning to Fauntleroy Creek. The video above by Tom Trulin shows fish in the surf near the creek’s mouth by the ferry dock. And creek steward Judy Pickens reports that as of Wednesday, volunteer watchers had counted 155 spawners! In comparison, by mid-November last year, volunteer watchers had only seen – and then a sudden surge brought in a near-record total of 244; the year before that, only two were seen.

Share This

WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle, day 4

November 10, 2022 7:46 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

7:46 AM: Orcas are in the area again today! They just passed “super close” ro Constellation Park, southbound, Kersti Muul tells us. And now they’re in view from Emma Schmitz Overlook (4500 block of Beach Drive).

(Added: Photo tweeted by @i8ipod)

8:30 AM: Off Fauntleroy, still SB per comments/emails (thank you!).

9:40 AM: Commenter Kris says at least some have turned back northbound.

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday begins

November 10, 2022 6:03 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, November 10th.

WEATHER

Partly sunny today – high in the 40s. (Wednesday’s high was 45, 9 degrees below what’s normal for that date; the low was 32, ten degrees below normal.)

ROAD WORK

-West Seattle Bridge lane closures again tonight: “11 PM Thursday to 5 AM Friday: All westbound travel lanes on the Spokane St Viaduct approaching the West Seattle bridge will be closed. Access to westbound lanes on the West Seattle Bridge from southbound SR 99 will be maintained during this time. People driving should detour to the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) to avoid delays and construction.”

-The east end of Sylvan Way just west of the Home Depot entrance remains closed for drainage work.

VETERANS DAY FRIDAY

No school; no Water Taxi.

TRANSIT STATUS

–Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi resumes service today, running its fall/winter schedule (still daily, all dayparts, but no late Friday/Saturday runs). No service Friday for Veterans Day.

-Still a 2-boat schedule for WSF’s Triangle Route (check here for alerts/updates).

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (if SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).

Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The alternate route.

Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

Share This