Activity at West Seattle Whole Foods site: “Routine maintenance”

| Development | West Seattle news

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Thanks to Diane for calling, and mk for posting in the WSB Forums, about seeing activity today in the long-idle Fauntleroy/Alaska/39th pit nicknamed “Hole Foods” since it was supposed to become a residential/commercial development anchored by a Whole Foods store. WSB contributing journalist Christopher Boffoli went over to check it out; he took a few new photos (nothing visible that’s dramatically different from months ago) and talked to a worker who told him they were doing “routine maintenance.” As noted here yesterday in our report on WF opening its Interbay store, we are continuing to watch court documents, which have yielded the bulk of activity related to the project for some months now; the latest filings in the biggest combined lawsuit (the one including the foreclosure motion) involve arguments over whose financial claim takes precedence, the $21 million lender or a construction company.

CBell October 13, 2009 (6:38 pm)

So they spent 21 million digging that hole? Ouch.

JayDee October 13, 2009 (7:42 pm)

There was the article in the SeaTimes today(?) about the filling in of the hole at 2nd and Pine. What gets me about that is it that it is such a waste of effort. Sure Joe Diamond was a multimillionaire selling parking at premium footage rates, but filling an already dug hole is dumb. In the case of Starwood, I suspect they are trying to stop the hemorrhage and at least get a cash stream to offset the tax/mortgage nut.
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As far as “Hole Foods”, IMHO, the current party responsible for the site likely wanted to secure it to prevent unexpected flooding and sediment run-in. If they were to eventually fill it in, it would be in better shape than the 2nd and Pine hole because the walls are grouted rather than lumber-shored (the wood may rot if buried) whereas there maybe a few more years gained from the grouting. My two cents.

elevated concern October 13, 2009 (8:23 pm)

They should restore the small green space that fronts Fauntleroy that is currently hidden behind the chainlink fence. Lots of volunteers spent time establishing that patch of green. Anything to improve that site would be appreciated.

dawsonct October 14, 2009 (11:57 am)

What we really need is for Trader Joe’s to set up a tent on the sight…

Barb October 15, 2009 (12:35 pm)

Never wanted the “Whole Paycheck” anyway! There are already plenty of grocers here, esp. with the new QFC. What’s needed is a car parts place and a fabric store! Ever try to buy a box of pins or that special matching button in West Seattle? Of course, I think many would agree that Trader Joe would be welcome anywhere on our turf. Great stuff, great prices, fresh attitude.

dawsonct October 16, 2009 (1:12 pm)

Maybe a big glass dome with the first rain forest Trader Joe’s underneath. They could install a climate control system and harvest the rain water that makes its way into the pit and have the narrow little aisles wind through the tropical plantings. Maybe a few faux tiki-style huts scattered around for their shrink-wrapped produce department or the shrink-wrapped cheese department or the big tubs of gooey spreads department. That would be quaint. Kind of play off the globe-trotting explorer image they work so hard to build.
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Go to PFI.

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