Via the WSB Forums: Christopher’s Salon and Massage in south Morgan Junction has announced that it’s closed after 10 years in business. The announcement cites the owner’s health challenges. (Our archives show that four years ago, then-neighboring business owners announced a benefit on his behalf.) The salon was at 7009 California SW.

(SDOT “live” image from Easy Street’s corner at California/Alaska)
As one WSB commenter put it after the kerfuffle earlier this week over the removal of the Easy Street Records awning (WSB coverage here), the big question was – what next? At the time, ESR owner Matt Vaughan said he didn’t know – it was up to the “landlord,” who was the one who decided to take it down. Vaughan has just posted this update as a comment following our original story:

Thanks all for thinking about us and this corner. I’m looking forward to creating another beautiful corner. We know this corner and intersection is special to all of you, I know that maybe more than anybody and I appreciate your years of patronage and good positive thoughts…even when you’re just walking by “all ways,” of course. So, with that being said …..here is the UPDATE.

It was impossible to know what the corner would look like until the canopy was removed. The landlord didn’t know, I didn’t know. I didn’t think it would look good, I knew that much, but what I did know is that it would present some ideas. The canopy had been on the Hamm Building for almost 70 years. Do keep in mind, maybe the big reason that we all loved this corner was not necessarily just the canopy and overhang, but it was the neon signage and under lighting we attached to it back in ’92 or so. I do understand that the canopy also represented a period of time, another era, childhood memories etc.. and that is also why there is sentiment.

When the Alaska St side awning was removed 3 years ago, there wasn’t a peep and that was even more sq footage than what was recently removed. Without good signage complementing the canopy, there wasn’t much of an allure, especially as the years wore on.

I have to say though and maybe some of you could agree.. these last 5 years have not looked all that good. The canopy took some big hits and our neon was continuously broken and under repair. With that being said, I was a proponent in saving the framework and repairing and improving it, but there were some potential issues and unknown costs going down that road too. I am not the owner of the building, the Yen Family is and has been for 30+ years or so. The property manager is WM Mgmt. Neither live in West Seattle, so they may not understand some things we do as residents and inhabitants of the building, but what they were aware of and why they felt committed to demolishing it was that it was essentially red-tagged. It was becoming increasingly dangerous. Lead paint, loose and exposed electrical, rusted and corroded framework. In the end, as vintage and retro as we all like to imagine ourselves, there comes a time where we have to be practical and pragmatic. This was just one of those kind of decisions that had to be made, as difficult as it was for me to surrender to.

We had originally invested $20k into the signage and neon throughout the 90′s … and that doesn’t include the annual repairs over the ’00 years, but retro-styled neon is becoming an old form and more costly as the years go on. As for why I didn’t save any of it, it was just too costly to do so. Neon is brittle, it was literally attached to the flashing and trim, would’ve been an expensive and tedious job.

Keep in mind, when I closed our Queen Anne store, that signage was considered “iconic” as well. It wasn’t really all that special of a building we were in, but we made it seem as though it was. I paid $3k to have it removed before I left the building, I couldn’t let it get demo’d.

The landlords think the storefront looks best without a canopy and they’ve told me as of yesterday that they will not invest in a replacement. However, I need to protect my storefront, I need to allow customers to sit outside our cafe in the spring/summer months, I need to protect our product from the elements during our sidewalk sales. I need to protect all of you when our instore performances spill outside the garage store, I need to ensure that people don’t slip and fall in front of our store during the rainy months, we’ll need sidewalk lighting for passerby’s and our storefront. I need to protect our storefront from the sun, the heat, the rain, the sleet, and snow. The maintenance would be overwhelming without protection, so…I will be putting a design together and will invest in creating an attractive corner…again.

Faithfully Yours, Matt Vaughan

(UPDATED 1:48 AM with removal of the rest of the awning)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It’s been battered over the years, but not broken. Now, though, Easy Street Records‘ famous neon-decorated awning is coming down.

Half gone already, as of a little while ago, when we took these photos, and the demolition crew is still on the job.

It was more than half a century old, according to Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan, and it’s a wonder it lasted this long: Almost three years ago, a truck hit a tree, which in turn took out part of the neon. At the time, Vaughan commented via Twitter that the neon had only just been fixed from the last time it was affected by truck trouble. (We’re not sure if that was the 2008 incident on which we also reported.) But overall, we were told at the store this afternoon, the awning was just flat old and rusty.

Beloved just the same – news of the awning’s imminent removal caused an uproar on Facebook this afternoon – as of this writing, 133 comments on Easy Street’s page, and more than 45 comments on the WSB Facebook page, where we had shared the ESR update.

Some concerned commenters asked if the awning could get protection from the city’s historic-preservation authorities. Short answer – Not without the building having landmark status. When the city inventoried local properties several years back, it offered the opinion that the Hamm Building – the 1926 home to Easy Street and other businesses – might merit that protection. To our knowledge, that hasn’t been sought. City records even show a demolition/development proposal dating back to 2007, though it doesn’t appear to have advanced from the early stages.

As for what if anything will replace the awning, ESR isn’t sure yet, they told us when we first inquired this afternoon. But one thing’s for sure – many West Seattleites, most of whom probably haven’t even heard of its in-progress removal, will miss it – as the understory of the sign that stands over the awning so often offering messages reflecting the community mood, even simple holiday greetings like the one in our November 2009 photo:

We’ll follow up to see what happens from here.

1:48 AM UPDATE: Thanks to Dennis for sending photos of the California SW-side removal:

And that side of the building, awningless:

The famous marquee remains:

ADDED TUESDAY: Thanks to WSB’er Datamuse for pointing out in comments that Easy Street’s website has this expanded statement on the awning situation.

Getting engaged? Married? Or, just looking for new jewelry art to wear? Award-winning designer Karen Konzuk has you covered, and until 5 pm today, you can meet her, as we did, at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, where her engagement and wedding rings are debuting, with her line of concrete jewelry. (Click! is at 4540 California SW.)

Thanks to Cathie for asking about “heavy equipment” in the northwest corner of the West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) parking lot, then reporting a chat with construction workers yielded the news a freestanding ATM was on the way. We subsequently checked the city permit files, which reveal that it’s going to be a Bank of America ATM.

Who would you like to see win one of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s annual Westside Awards when they are presented June 6th? The nomination period is now open, and you can participate via this simple online form (even if you’re not a WSCofC member). Read on for more information about the awards and the breakfast at which recipients will be honored:

Read More

Last October, we stopped by Easy Street Records in The Junction to talk with proprietor Matt Vaughan about ESR being honored as King County Executive’s Small Business of the Year. This afternoon, he hosted County Executive Dow Constantine in the Easy Street café for the announcement that it’s time for the next round of nominations:

You can nominate a business with 50 or fewer employees that’s been in business, in King County, for at least three years. For the news release announcing that it’s nomination time (with a link to send in yours), click ahead:

Read More

More than 40 of your friendly neighborhood Junction merchants have smiles and deals for you today – the West Seattle Junction Association‘s annual 10-percent-off “Tax-Free Day.” For example – in the mood for flowers, or indoor-garden items? Go see proprietor Sam and assistant Devon at Fleurt (4536 California SW; WSB sponsor). As mentioned here on Friday, Fleurt is celebrating Earth Day this weekend too; bring in a planter or vase to recycle and you’ll get a mini-plant in exchange. Across the street, we stopped by Jan’s Beauty Supply:

Alissa, Sheri, and Melanie are there to help you have a beautiful Tax-Free Day – Jan’s merchandise includes jewelry and other items beyond their many lines of personal-care products. Head for The Junction, look for red balloons outside participants’ storefronts (they’re listed here too), and have fun while supporting your local independent businesses (including some food/drink establishments with deals, too).

BIG day on Saturday in The Junction:

TAX-FREE DAY: It’s an April tradition – big day of discounts, with participating businesses pledging 10 percent off, to, in effect, pick up the tax bill. The updated list of participants is here – note that along with 10%-off retailers, the list includes food and drink establishments that are offering special deals.

EARTH DAY: Both tomorrow and Sunday, Fleurt (WSB sponsor) is celebrating Earth Day (weekend) by giving you a free mini-plant if you recycle a vase or planter.

RECORD STORE DAY: Always a big day at Easy Street Records, but even bigger this year because their original West Seattle store is now their one and only. Lots of special features during the day – here’s the update they just e-mailed.

As part of its 25th-anniversary celebration, West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) gave away a shopping spree – and you’re invited to watch it happen this Saturday morning. Rob Dent gets four minutes at 10 am Saturday (April 20) to fill a cart (maybe more) with up to $500 in Western Family merchandise, and then it’ll be followed up by a ceremony with the West Seattle Food Bank receiving a check for the proceeds of the benefit raffle in which he won the spree – $2,200 donated by WS Thriftway customers. Go root for Rob *and* the Food Bank!

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today, we’re welcoming Emerald City Smoothie, located inside West Seattle Athletic Club, as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

(WSB photo: Team member Ariaan at Emerald City Smoothie – West Seattle)
Emerald City Smoothie encourages healthy lifestyles by having a tasty blend of fruits, supplements, and protein in hand. Have particular allergies or diet restrictions? Are you diabetic, vegan, or have an ultimate fitness goal to reach? Emerald City Smoothie offers something for various diverse individuals. We would love the opportunity to meet and serve you!

Our love for Emerald City Smoothie bloomed more than 8 years ago, as we ourselves were repeat customers. We became owners of our first Emerald City Smoothie over a year ago in Covington and not too long after, we fell in love with the West Seattle community and took ownership of our second store inside the West Seattle Athletic Club facility.

As a new customer, you will experience an incredibly friendly, warm, and welcoming experience, with staff eager to help with immediate attention. Repeat customers love the enthusiastic energy that fills the atmosphere, and the personable customer service is worth the visit, not to mention the delicious and healthy smoothies you came for in the first place! Our smoothies are “none compared” to anything else, they’re simply “the best to replace a meal, change up to improve ‘poor’ eating habits, a substitution to coffee in the morning.” Whatever your desire is for coming in, we have something for you!

Emerald City Smoothie is inside the WS Athletic Club at 2629 SW Andover (you do NOT have to be a member to go in!); you can find their hours, menu, and other information online here – and a $1-off coupon on the WSB Coupons page.

We thank Emerald City Smoothie for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
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9:09 AM: Just announced on Facebook and via e-mail, the Junction clothing boutique Sweetie is closing at the end of this month. The announcement:

After ten wonderful years in West Seattle, Sweetie will be closing its doors at the end of April. Thank you so much for your passion, your spirit, your kind support.

I love being part of the West Seattle community, with all of my heart, and I adore the time spent with each and every one of you. It’s been an honor and a pleasure dressing you all. You are my Sweeties, and I will miss you very much.

Wishing you the very best this amazing world has to offer.

Love,
Joeanna

PS – Stay tuned for special events in April…!

ADDED 2:42 PM: We stopped by Sweetie to follow up with Joeanna, who’s in our photo above. She says she’s closing because of a combination of factors – her lease was up, and she has a five-year-old she would love to spend more time with.

(John Smersh from WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits with balloons on 2012 “Tax-Free Day”)
It’s become an annual post-tax-day tradition – one big day of “Tax-Free” sales in The Junction. The official announcement this morning notes that more than 40 businesses will participate in this year’s event on Saturday, April 20th, and as always, you’ll know which ones by looking for red balloons outside participating businesses. You can always plan ahead by checking the list here – note that some food/beverage establishments are offering specials, too. (Of course it’s not really “tax-free” – just means the merchants are covering the ~10 percent you would otherwise pay in sales taxes – but that’s a notable discount.)

(Photos by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
Happy 3rd anniversary to Lori and Tim McConnell and their business West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), celebrating with a sale through tomorrow! (That’s Hombre the greyhound with them in our photo.) When we first reported on their plan in February 2010, it was the most-commented-on new-business report ever – with WSB’ers enthusing that the area really needed this kind of shop, not just for the retail, but also for a coalescing point for the running community. Their milestones along the way have even included co-launching a brand-new event, the Float Dodger 5K preceding the West Seattle Grand Parade; the second annual FD5K is in the works for July 20th. Speaking of 5K’s, if you make it to West Seattle Runner before 4 pm today, it’s one last chance at an earlybird-discount signup for the West Seattle 5K, which is coming up May 19th:

(WS5K race director Jeff Mensing at left with WSHS PTSA president Tracy Burrows and Jim Donovan)
The WS5K is a benefit for the West Seattle High School PTSA, and will kick off a doubleheader of Alki events again this year, with Seattle Summer Streets following the run/walk. (WSB has been a proud sponsor every year since it launched in 2009.) If you can’t get to WS Runner before 4, you’ve got plenty of time to sign up online, at the regular rate

Back in November, we reported on West Seattle Office Junction – local entrepreneurs Christine Bartels and Stefan Hansmire (above) working to find a space on the peninsula to set up a co-working enterprise, someplace that at-home/telecommuting, or otherwise office-less, workers could use, not just as a working space, but as a place to collaborate with and enjoy the workday company of others.

The Junction space they were close to leasing at the time didn’t work out – but after an extensive search, they have locked down a brand-new multi-level unit just south of the Junction, and tomorrow (Monday, April 1st) is opening day. It’s a space with a view:

We photographed Stefan, Christine, and the view from West Seattle Office Junction’s rooftop deck during an open house they had last Thursday night for those who have been participating in co-working meetups and other events while the quest for a permanent location has been under way.

For opening day tomorrow, you are invited to drop in – for a few minutes, or even a few hours – free, to give the space a try. It’s a free day for everyone. West Seattle Office Junction is at 5230 California SW, unit B (map). See many more photos in their gallery here – the WSOJ website also includes information on amenities, membership levels, and rates here, chronicles of meetups and other events along the path to WSOJ becoming reality, and more.