Troubled times for one of the few national non-food/drink retailers with multiple stores in West Seattle. Radio Shack announced this morning that it’s closing up to 1,100 “underperforming” stores across the country – about a fifth of its locations. The company did not announce which stores it’ll close, so we don’t know whether either local outlet (Junction, Westwood Village) will be affected. The announcement came as Radio Shack announced a sales drop and operating loss last quarter. (Thanks to Bob for the tip.)

(WSB file photo of future site)
New details just in from Áegis Living about its plan for the former Life Care Center site at 47th/Admiral. We first reported the purchase last November; we also talked that month with Áegis Living CEO Dwayne Clark; and in December, we reported the land deal had closed for $3,650,000. Today, a formal announcement from Áegis, including a projected completion date and specific number of units:

Áegis Living, a national leader in assisted living and memory care communities, is pleased to announce the recent purchase of a property in West Seattle.

The West Seattle location is the latest addition for the company, which has implemented a growth plan to serve the increasing need for senior housing throughout the West Coast. Set to open in 2017, the new community will offer assisted living and memory care for seniors.

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Thanks to the tipster who just pointed this out: Less than a year after Emeritus Senior Living took over 38 Merrill Gardens retirement centers, including the two in West Seattle, Emeritus itself has just been sold. The buyer is Tennessee-based Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, whose closest current facility is in Federal Way. Details from our partners at The Seattle Times; here’s the official announcement from Emeritus.

As mentioned in our West Seattle Thursday calendar highlights, $15-minimum-wage supporters promised demonstrations outside local McDonald’s today while calling for a one-day boycott of that chain as well as Wendy’s and Burger King (neither of which has West Seattle stores). We went by all local McDonald’s at lunchtime and found no protesters; one finally turned up at the South Admiral store; and then a media alert went out about a rally after 5 pm. So we checked it out; about two dozen demonstrators and plenty of citywide media. They were planning to be there until about 5:45. On the political side, the city’s Select Committee on Minimum Wage and Income Inequity has its first meeting March 5th – details on its schedule and mission here.

Since Safeway has three stores in West Seattle, more than any other grocery chain, this might be of interest: The 1,300+-store chain announced today that it’s in talks with a potential buyer. Here’s one of the more thorough stories we’ve seen so far, published close to Safeway’s Bay Area headquarters. Safeway didn’t identify the prospective buyer, and no official deal has been announced yet, but industry observers are reported to believe it’s a private-equity firm. The 28th/Roxbury Safeway is the only local one for which the company owns the land, six acres worth; its Jefferson Square store is on a leased site, and it leases the land its Admiral store is on, after selling the site to American Realty Advisors one year after building the big new store.

(Laura Schneider with the banner that’ll hold a place outside until signage is installed)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The space vacated when Anytime Fitness moved from Charlestown Center to the ex-Admiral Blockbuster already has a new tenant.

In fact, Laura Schneider signed the lease last fall and has been eagerly waiting to get in and get going.

This spring, Schneider plans to open Meeples Games in the northern second-floor space of the California/Charlestown building, next to West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor).

No, “games” does not mean an electronic arcade. Schneider declares that Meeples will be “all analog, all the time.” Not that she is opposed to electronics – she is a former software executive – but she researched the region while deciding where to open the business she has long dreamed of running, and this is a niche unserved in West Seattle, a place to buy and play board, card, and role-playing games, both informally and during organized events. She envisions seminars, too. And more:

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Next month, a new Seattle City Council committee starts hearings on income inequality, an issue that has been focused lately on potentially raising the minimum wage. The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce brought in a panel to discuss the issue at its lunch meeting today, and you can see that discussion in its entirety in our video, above. The panel, moderated by George Allen of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, included Janet Ali from Nucor Steel, Craig Dawson from Retail Lockbox, Matt Landers from the Greater Seattle Business Association, Andres Mantilla from CBE Strategic, and Josh McDonald of the Seattle Restaurant Alliance.

Questions included what participants see as the pros/cons of an increase. They also discussed the survey that went public on Wednesday, showing that two-thirds of likely voters polled in Seattle supported the $15 concept. (Here is the survey firm’s memo, shared by Working Wasington.) The Chamber also is circulating this online-survey link, in connection with other neighborhood business organizations around the city – it’s open until Friday afternoon, and you’re invited to take it, whether you’re an entrepreneur or employee.

(UPDATED with landlord’s lawyer confirming complaint has been dropped)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 1:25 PM: We’re getting inquiries, so here’s what we can tell you so far:

9 am this morning, West Seattle Athletic Club owner Sam Adams and his landlord H-P Properties were on the schedule at the Regional Justice Center in Kent for what court documents described as an “eviction hearing,” as first reported here last month. We arrived early to cover it. The updated electronic schedule scrolling in the courthouse lobby – something like those status boards at airports – listed Adams’ name and case.

For an hour, we watched King County Superior Court Commissioner Carlos Velategui run through a variety of other cases. After 10 am, the clerk announced morning recess; we asked what had happened to the case, and the clerk told us no one from either side ever checked in. Asked what that means to the case, the clerk said they usually give people a half-hour grace period, but if they don’t show, the case “just falls off the calendar.”

The newest documents in the online court file as of this writing were filed by Adams’ lawyers just yesterday, arguing that the case should be dismissed because the original December 20th eviction notice hadn’t been sent to/posted at the sites required by law. Those documents also reiterated his contention that the delinquent rent payments were ultimately the fault of the two companies he is suing, as also reported in our January story, Allstate Financial Group (which describes itself as providing billing and management services for health clubs) and Barratt Leasing. So what now? We’re trying to reach lawyers for comment, and will also continue to watch the court file.

1:45 PM: Just heard back from the landlord’s lawyer, David Tall. He says West Seattle Athletic Club “came up with a payment sufficient to reinstate the lease,” so this complaint has been dropped.

Even if you’re not a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, you’re invited to its February lunch meeting this Thursday, focused on one of the city’s most hotly debated current topics – raising the minimum wage. A panel discussion will be part of the meeting 11:30 am-1 pm Thursday (February 13th) at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor). The Chamber announcement says the panel will include “people studying potential impacts … and business owners that will be impacted.” You can register online here (discounted early registration through tomorrow). Whether or not you attend, you’re invited to take an online survey created by a group of business associations in the city; it’ll be open through February 14th, and the link is here.

A sudden shutdown at Westwood Village – this is the last night of operation for Jamba Juice, which is on the east end of the shopping center’s east-west breezeway. After a tip from Edgar (thanks!), we went over to talk with the staff and confirmed the imminent closure (about half an hour from now).

The staff said they had only found out a day or so ago. We heard too late in the day to check with center management about whether another tenant is lined up for the space.

SIDE NOTE: Other changes are under way at Westwood – the liquor store has moved from the center of the mall to a space on the north side by DaVita; a Carter’s children’s-clothing store is still on the way, as we first reported in November, and is now affirmed on the Carter’s website (and the WWV leasing map). City permits say it’s going into the space the liquor store vacated.

It’s not ready for game-watching this time, but when the Seahawks return to the Super Bowl NEXT YEAR … viewing venues are likely to include The Westy Sports and Spirits, under construction at 7908 35th SW. Its crowdfunding campaign – loans, not donations, as reported here four weeks ago – just passed its first goal and is still in play, as co-proprietor Paul Ritums explains:

It has been an exciting month for Seattle Sports fans and it all culminates with the Seahawks playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday. While we are all anxiously awaiting kickoff on Feb 2nd, scoping out the prime spots at the bar or preparing our cheering section, The Westy Sports & Spirits is finishing its scoring drive. As of this printing we have scored a touchdown and reached our minimum goal of $20,000 through our Community Sourced Capital campaign. We want to thank all of our friends, family, and the community for participating and helping us to get closer to opening our doors.

It has been a privilege to be CSC’s first brand-new business and see the whole process unfold before us. With reaching our minimum we have guaranteed that the loan will be fulfilled, but we aren’t done yet. We are entering overtime, as our campaign ends just before the Seahawks storm the field. Our maximum target for our campaign is $40,000 and it would be great to see how close we can get in the remaining few days. The Seahawks and their fans wouldn’t settle for a tie, but go for the big win, and we aim to do the same.

This crowdfunding campaign is different from the rest, as with this campaign, whatever you contribute, you get back 100%. And all of our supporters will be rewarded for their efforts. So please take the time to check out the campaign page.

With everyone’s continued support, this time next year, West Seattle will have another prime location for the 12th Man to scope out a spot at the bar and cheer on the soon to be defending Super Bowl Champions.

Go Hawks!

BENI HOSHI SAGA, THE NEXT CHAPTER: Almost two weeks ago, after a WSB reader tip, we noted that Beni Hoshi Teriyaki had abruptly disappeared from 35th/Fauntleroy; property owner Seattle City Light told us that BH had been subleasing, so SCL had no info on what happened. Now a “FOR LEASE” sign has appeared. We aren’t seeing a listing yet so have an inquiry out to the broker to ask if they’re looking for another restaurant or casting a wider net.

3 MORE INSURERS FOR M3 BODYWORKS: Longtime WSB sponsor M3 Bodyworks says it’s expanded the list of insurers with which it’s working:

M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic is now accepting three new insurance plans. We now have contracts with Group Health, United Healthcare and First Choice Health Network. This is in addition to Premera/Lifewise, Regence/Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. We are pleased to be able to serve our community with these new offerings. To book an appointment, go to M3bodyworks.com and click on “Book your appointment now!” Then select the plan that matches your insurance card. Our online scheduling system will book you with a therapist that is currently contracted with your insurance plan.

You should always call the customer service number on the back of your card to ensure massage therapy is a covered benefit. We will do our best to assist you in finding the answers for you as well. Feel free to contact our front desk staff with any questions you may have about your new insurance. M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic is a longtime supporter of the West Seattle Blog. We are located at 5236 California Ave SW, Suite D. We look forward to welcoming these new insurance clients to our practice!

NEW WINE-TASTING ROOM: Wine fans have a new option on the peninsula:

Two Brothers Winery is proud to announce that its new tasting room is now officially open to the public.

We are located in the lower unit of Belli Capelli Salon, 3902 California SW; the entrance is off Bradford Street. We will be open most Friday and Saturdays from 3:00-6:00 PM. We look forward to expanding the hours as the year progresses. Please feel free to contact us to set up both private and group tastings.

STRAIGHT BLAST GYM FOOD DRIVE: Sonia at Straight Blast Gym (5050 Delridge Way SW) says they’ve having a food drive until Valentine’s Day, hoping to collect more than a ton of food. There’s an incentive – they’re having a drawing among donors to give away an iPad mini, and you get one drawing ticket for every 10 food items you bring in. Stop by Straight Blast 6 am-8 am or 2-9:30 pm Mondays-Fridays, 8:30 am-1 pm Saturdays, 5 pm-8 pm Sundays.

Celebrating the grand opening of FASTSIGNS of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) Thursday night, owners James Pike and Jessica Lee posed with new WS Chamber of Commerce CEO Lynn Dennis. Chamber members came to join the party, holding their monthly After Hours event in conjunction with the grand-opening festivities. As noted here last month, FASTSIGNS’ goal is to “make it as easy as possible for the customer to achieve all of their visual communication goals, needs, and desires” and it offers many ways to do that. Many of its offerings were shown off last night, and some were given away as door prizes, including the local item FASTSIGNS’ Christine Greene is showing off in our photo:

Missed the event? Find them at 6323 35th SW, and online here.

West Seattle’s easternmost arterial has two items of note today – not related aside from the street they share:

3601 WEST MARGINAL WAY ‘URBAN FARM’: Last month, while the state was taking applications from prospective recreational-marijuana businesses, we mentioned that two applicants were seeking to produce marijuana in a building at 3601 West Marginal Way, alongside the West Seattle Bridge.

(King County Assessor photo)
There are now two permit applications in with the Department of Planning and Development – one filed in December to “change use of a portion of existing floor and mezzanine from heavy manufacturing to urban farm in existing commercial building,” one filed this week for an interior wall. The state has not yet announced its final licensing decisions.

7116 WEST MARGINAL WAY DECISION NEAR: Four months after the homeless encampment cleared out, this partly-city-owned site’s future might become clearer next week. We just checked with Food Lifeline to see if its proposal to build a regional center there for its hunger-relief work was still in play; the organization tells WSB this is one of two sites it has been reviewing and that its board is expected to make a decision this month about which to pursue.

(WSB photo added 5:24 pm: New Chamber CEO Lynn Dennis with past chair =Dave Montoure)
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has just announced its new board lineup and its newly hired CEO, successor to longtime leader Patti Mullen, who left two years ago. Here’s the announcement from the Chamber’s new chair Nancy Woodland:

Today the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Lynn Dennis as its full-time Chief Executive Officer.

The Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for the business community in West Seattle, connecting business owners, providing networking and educational resource opportunities and supporting the vibrancy of the diverse local business community.

“The CEO is the first person many new employers, business owners, developers, citizens and legislators contact when investigating the many economic strengths of our region. Lynn has exactly the right skill set to represent the Chamber as we continue to move forward to provide even more value to our members and the West Seattle community,” says Nancy Woodland, 2014 Chamber Board Chair.

Ms. Dennis served for the past year in an interim capacity, with the Chamber, focused on strengthening the Chamber’s infrastructure, establishing systems and setting the stage for future growth. She comes with more than 30 years’ experience in management positions with expertise in strategic planning, operations management, marketing, community outreach and systems implementation. As Ms. Dennis moves into the role of CEO, Mary Cropley will continue as the Chamber’s part-time Financial Manager.

“The Chamber is a sought-after voice with local government, community leadership.and our local business community,” shares Dave Montoure, immediate Past Board Chair. “Lynn’s experience as both a small business owner and in corporate management strengthens the voice of our local Chamber. We know we are in good hands as we work towards bolstering our engagement with local businesses, government and the greater West Seattle community. ”

In addition, the Chamber announces its 2014 Board of Directors and Executive Officers

Officers

Chair: Nancy Woodland – WestSide Baby [WSB file photo at left]
1st Vice Chair: Hamilton Gardiner – Holmquist & Gardiner
Treasurer: Ryan Letson – Jackson, Morgan & Hunt
Secretary: Paul Prentice – Prentice Design
Past Chair: Dave Montoure – West 5

Directors

Wendy Damoth – Flower Lab
Sally del Fierro – Port of Seattle
Patrick Jablonski – Nucor Steel
Dana Perreault – Red 27 Engraving
Michael Pivar – Cornerstone Financial Group
Elizabeth Pluhta – South Seattle Community College
Trish Throop – Eldercare Consulting

To learn more about your West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, please contact Lynn Dennis, CEO at lynn@wschamber.com or call 206-932-5685. The Chamber’s next After-Hours event is at the Fast Signs Grand Opening on Thursday, January 16, and the 2014 Member Annual Meeting luncheon will be Thursday, January 30 (location TBD).

Four local-business notes to share tonight:

WEST SEATTLE FABRIC COMPANY STREAMLINES: North of Morgan Junction, you might have noticed the former Stitch and Sew Studio location at 5910 California SW has a “for lease” sign in the window. After 14 months, proprietor Monica Skov tells WSB she has decided to streamline and host classes out of their ongoing flagship retail location, West Seattle Fabric Company in The Admiral District. Monica tells WSB, “The Stitch & Sew Studio was a great experience for us to know exactly what our customers want – and simple, small, ‘learn to sew’ classes are what are needed.” So that’s what they will be offering, out of WSFC from now on, at 2210 California SW.

NEW OWNER FOR SMALLCLOTHES: The children’s store smallclothes at 3215 California SW has a new owner, Anne Thompson, who invites you to stop in and say hi. If you haven’t been there before, Anne says smallclothes is known best for “very well maintained, brand name, used clothing” for kids. She is a mom of two daughters and was looking to return to work outside the home after four years “when this opportunity came across my lap … I just couldn’t pass up the chance to own my own business.” She says smallclothes is now open on Sundays and while it’s under new ownership, its popular staffers are still there, and she’s added an additional staffer to help with logistics.

BENI HOSHI FOLLOWUP: We first noted in Monday night’s business roundup that Beni Hoshi Teriyaki by the 35th/Fauntleroy bridge entrance had suddenly gone out of business and removed its signs. We have since checked with the property owner, Seattle City Light, whose spokesperson Tyson Lin says the building was leased by the owner of a prior business and subleased to Beni Hoshi, so SCL has no direct knowledge of what happened. He also says the 2011 mention of studying the site for low-income housing development didn’t go anywhere: “(The site) was considered, but in the end was not included as an opportunity for this purpose.” So we still don’t know what happened and what’s next for the building.

ZIPPY’S TRIBUTE/BENEFIT: While writing this roundup, we noticed the following, posted on Facebook by Zippy’s Giant Burgers:

Our special burger (not really a burger in the traditional sense) for the month will be the pork tenderloin. This special is to honor Rahel’s father, who passed away over the weekend. He was an Iowa boy and the pork tenderloin sandwich is an Iowa favorite. On a trip to Wapello Iowa last spring we met with the local butcher and he gave us the lowdown on how to make this deep-fried treat. Simple and tasty.

*pounded out and tenderized piece of center cut pork loin. marinated in seasoned buttermilk over night. coated in cracker crumbs (we were directed to make our own cracker crumbs using regular old saltines)
*deep fried.
*served up on a bun simply dressed with yellow mustard, pickles and lettuce.
$8 – one dollar from each sandwich sold will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter.

Zippy’s is at 9614 14th SW.

With outbound traffic like today, telecommuting might look more appealing than ever. But you don’t want to just sit around typing all alone. And even going to a coffee shop doesn’t solve the problem. So how about co-working? West Seattle’s first and only co-working space, West Seattle Office Junction – WSB’s newest sponsor – offers more than space – it offers camaraderie, collaboration, and inspiration. Here’s what else they’d like you to know:

If you’re considering co-working at West Seattle Office Junction, you can consider the question: “Would you rather work in a clean, quiet, professional office space with high-quality office chairs, high-speed internet, meeting room, fax, copier, scanner, color printer, free coffee, tea, and beer, plus a friendly community of independent professionals … or alone at home distracted by dishes and laundry?”

Most of our members sought us out because they felt isolated at home. They need less distraction, more structure and more human interaction. They keep coming back because we provide the essential office services that independent professionals, creative and telecommuters and entrepreneurs need plus a supportive community.

West Seattle Office Junction members tell us about a wide range of changes in their lives. These include increased productivity, new-found business relationships, skill sharing, new friends, and even personal growth. They say: “…this is a great deal.”, “…I love it.”, “I need to get out of the house.” and “Thank you!”.

We want to be known as a collaborative space where people come together, share, bounce ideas, get active, celebrate accomplishments, help each other. We want to be a home base for local business owners, community groups and home office professionals. We actively work against the ‘Seattle Freeze’ by bringing the community closer together and supporting local businesses.

The Office Junction is a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle Collaborative Space Alliance, and West Seattle Women in Charge. We also support, and are part of, local PTAs and we host meetup groups to foster collaboration and networking for West Seattle professionals.

Some of the events coming up at WS Office Junction: We will continue to host our free, bi-weekly Coworking meetups every other Wednesday at noon (next – tomorrow, January 8th) to network, share, talk about business ideas, projects, get feedback, build community and make new friends and business partners. The 4-week Krypton Community College course ‘The Happiness Project’ just began, enabling groups of people to come together for brief, powerful, in-person learning experiences. Watch for future session info here.

Office Junction also offers periodic free-coworking days – next one on January 15th, 10 am-3 pm. And you can visit this Thursday (January 9th) during West Seattle Art Walk night. We have just installed new art from local artist Andrew Miller. Andrew will be with us for this opening. We will also use this evening to showcase several small, local businesses offering new and unique services to help you enjoy 2014. WS Office Junction is at 5230-B California SW.

We thank West Seattle Office Junction for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Four West Seattle biznotes tonight:

VIDIOT OPENS IN EX-SHIPWRECK TAVERN: You might call it a “barcade” – you can play AND sip at Vidiot, which is in a soft-opening phase at 4210 SW Admiral Way, vacant since the Shipwreck Tavern closed more than a year ago. A new-liquor-license flyer had been up in the window for a few weeks; then Friday, Vidiot soft-opened, according to co-proprietor Tony Mitchum, with whom we spoke tonight. Its centerpiece: Games, some there now, more to come. On the main floor, you’ll find older arcade games such as Pac-Man and Defender (photo above); pinball machines are coming in later this week; the upstairs loft will have classic Atari and Nintendo consoles, as well as board games. Vidiot is open 5 pm-2 am nightly, cash only for starters.

EDIE’S SHOES CLOSING IN JUNCTION, CONTINUING ON CAPITOL HILL: In the window at Edie’s Shoes in The Junction is a hand-lettered sign reading “END-OF-LEASE SALE.” When that sale is over – no firm date yet – proprietor Erin says, she will close the 4310 SW Alaska shop after nine years, and focus entirely on her Capitol Hill location.

BENI HOSHI TERIYAKI OUT OF BUSINESS? After WSB Forums member BubbleGumMom posted that question earlier tonight, we went over for a look.

Indeed, as BGM posted, the signs are gone (or turned over), except for the sign-board slogan; the phone number is disconnected. Nothing in public records offers a hint about why – but we do recall this story from two years ago. At the time, now-former City Councilmember Richard Conlin wrote that the city was studying the possibility of public/private development on the site, a former substation (NOT one of the ones on the current “surplus” list). So City Light is one source with whom we’ll follow up tomorrow to try to find out what happened and/or what’s next.

VENTANA CHANGES WORKSHOP DATE – THANKS TO SEAHAWKS! WSB sponsor Ventana Construction has changed the date for its next free remodeling/custom-building workshop, by fan demand – Seahawks fans! The workshop WAS planned for next Saturday, but then the Seahawks’ playoff game was scheduled, so now the workshop is set for the next day, 2 pm Sunday, January 12th, at Ventana’s offices (California/Findlay). RSVP if you’re interested – 206-932-3009.

Moving on with some other news now that the big power outage is mostly over:

A major real-estate deal in West Seattle has closed. Eastside-headquartered Aegis Living has completed its purchase of the former Life Care Center site at 47th/Admiral, for $3,650,000. We first reported almost two months ago that Aegis was the prospective buyer; then Aegis CEO Dwayne Clark talked with WSB just before Thanksgiving, saying they’re planning to tear down the old building and build a new complex with 72 to 80 units, some assisted living, some memory care. No city permit applications yet; Clark told us last month that they expected to finish design work within three months or so of closing the deal. His company has 30 senior-living complexes in three states.