BIZNOTE: Fauntleroy Way’s longest-running vacancy may finally be close to an end

(Google Street View image of 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW)

Almost two years ago, we happened onto city filings suggesting a Sherwin-Williams Paint store was planned for the ex-Midas space at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW. It’s been empty since 2019, after an abrupt shutdown initially suggested as temporary proved to be permanent. At the time we found those filings, a spokesperson for the Mercer Island investment company that owns the site told us the plan was just a possibility. They had bought the 11,000-square-foot site in 2023, three years after it was listed as a prospective mixed-use development parcel. Now the Sherwin-Williams plan has reappeared in files, including a sign-permit application, which tends to mean it’s a done deal, as was the case when the paint giant built and opened a store next to The Home Depot in Delridge in 2013. We’ll be following up regarding the timeline.

HTB January 10, 2026 (8:50 pm)

What is going into the ex West Seattle Brewery space? Seen some work going on there

WSB January 10, 2026 (10:08 pm)

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As I told two more people who emailed to ask today, we have been trying for weeks to find out. Gone there in person multiple times, given our contact info to the workers we found there once, scoured permit and license files, inquired with the building ownership. Perhaps someone reading this knows, or even happens to be the new tenant! westseattleblog@gmail.com with info if you don’t want to comment openly – TR

Jake January 10, 2026 (10:58 pm)

Ugh wanted it to be a Dick’s so damn bad

WSB January 11, 2026 (1:13 am)

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Hey, there’s still the ex-Pep Boys …

Villagreen January 11, 2026 (10:07 am)

Spoke to someone and Jones bbq next to the old WSB space and he told me it’s gonna be a Thai restaurant. I just can’t believe that’s the case. If so, it’s gotta be the dumbest business plan since Ben & Jerry’s opened across from Husky Deli..

WSB January 11, 2026 (11:53 am)

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They told one of our team members that too, when we asked a while back if they’d heard anything, and I had the same reaction, a Thai restaurant a stone’s throw from Buddha Ruksa? But anything’s possible. No evidence of that or any other particular focus so far, though…
- GH January 11, 2026 (7:38 pm)
  
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  I think some restaurants take the strategy of opening next to popular/busy places to hoping to get some of the overflow crowd… “Oh that place has a 45 minute wait, let’s go across the street.” Seems like a questionable strategy to me but I send emails most of the day so WTH do I know?

K January 11, 2026 (11:25 am)

I wonder if the location near Home Depot will close when this one opens. This is kind of a niche store to have two so close together.

Anyway January 11, 2026 (1:26 pm)

So darn hard to get into this location when it was Pep Boys ‘cuz traffic flow on Fauntleroy to the Bridge. Just as hard now to get to this location – circling the block isn’t a good use of anyone’s time. My prediction: short lived venture. Nothing can thrive in this location.

WSB January 11, 2026 (1:30 pm)

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This is the ex-Midas. The ex-Pep Boys is a different site, nearby.

IDC9 January 12, 2026 (8:07 pm)

Its a challenging location to be sure. But perhsps Sherwin-Williams will be able to be successful there. We’ll just have to wait and see. They have been opening new stores across our region in recent months, including in both Milton and Fredrickson, so they seem to believe we are a growth market for them.As for the Pep Boys site, I agree with everyone who wants Dick’s to take it over. What better addition could there be to West Seattle than what is arguably Seattle’s favorite hometown burger joint?

Cal January 13, 2026 (1:43 pm)

I want to take this opportunity for a Sherwin-Williams shout-out… We repainted pretty much all of the interiors in our house when we moved in, and always had a positive experience with them, no matter which location.

The last I checked, their employees also have a lively and helpful subreddit.