West Seattle, Washington
12 Tuesday
Just checked on construction progress of the new Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor) HQ at 35th/Kenyon (above), while inquiring about the future of Swedish Automotive’s current building at 35th/Webster (map). Swedish proprietor Dave Winters tells WSB it just so happens he signed a lease this morning with a new tenant for the “old” building – but isn’t ready to identify them just yet. Meantime, if all continues to go well, September 2nd is the target completion date for the new building – that’s faster than predicted when we reported on the project as construction got under way in early March.
Lists courtesy of Square One Books
Every week, courtesy of Gretchen Montgomery @ Square One Books (WSB sponsor), we bring you her independent West Seattle bookstore’s 5 best-sellers in each of 4 key categories:
Hardcover:
1. Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson
2. Faithful Place by Tana French
3. No Way: Life and Death on K2 by Graham Bowley
4. The Lion by Nelson DeMille
5. Quiet Hero by Rita CosbyPaperback:
1. Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese
2. Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
3. Lit: A Memoir by Mary Karr
4. Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs
5. Border Songs by Jim LynchChildren/Young Adult:
1. City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Williams
2. Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman
3. Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary by Simon Beecroft
4. Zombie Chasers by John Kloepher
5. The Berenstain Bears Go On Vacation by Stan BerenstainTeen:
1. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
2. Pretty Little Liars (TV Tie-In) by Sara Shepard
3. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. The Cirque du Freak Series by Darren Shan
Square 1 Books is in The Junction – in Jefferson Square.
That’s Melanie Wells, proprietor of Pet Elements (6701 California SW) in Morgan Junction, who invites you to come on over and celebrate with hot dogs and birthday cake – her store is marking its 5th anniversary. And to celebrate, they’re encouraging you to reach out and help if you can – if you’re interested in adopting a cat or kitten, visit Kitty Harbor (on Harbor Ave. just north of The Bridge) today or tomorrow; if you adopt one, you’ll get a special adoption flyer to bring to Pet Elements for a free trial bag of cat food, plus a 10 percent discount on anything you buy for your new friend – if you spend $30 or more, you get another $5 off the bill. West Seattle-based Furry Faces Foundation often partners with Pet Elements and has info at the store about its two community programs, “It’s Hip to be Snipped” and “Oliver’s Fund.” Pet Elements is open till 6 tonight.
A few more West Seattle business notes this afternoon: 2 months after we reported Cellular World was moving into the former Tully’s spot at California/Fauntleroy, they’re now open. Also open: A brand-new outdoor patio – which goes beyond “a few tables and chairs” – at Alki Crab and Fish at Seacrest Pier:
Thanks to the tipsters who told us about that one, including Alki Crab and Fish’s neighbor Greg Whittaker from Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters. (You can check it out if you’re going to Tuesday night Stand-Up Paddleboarding tomorrow – here’s our recent story on that.)
Meantime, two notes about and from West Seattle-headquartered Prudential Northwest Realty: West Seattleite Irene Stewart, director of the Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens, tells us that Mike Gain and Don Bereiter from PNW Realty have stepped up to underwrite coffee and baked goods for Senior Coffee Hours – no longer in the city’s budget. Read the city’s announcement here. Plus, Prudential Northwest is celebrating their ranking as one of the Top 50 Prudential companies – the Prudential “Gilbraltar Circle.” Read their news release here.
That’s the staff at Tom’s Automotive Service in The Triangle, one of our newest WSB sponsors. Tom’s Automotive Service is run by Tom Smith and Kandie Jennings, who say their success has been built on treating people like family and talking to their customers in a plain, straightforward way. Tom says his whole staff works at making people feel comfortable by knowing that each car will get only the work it needs, and nothing more. Tom’s Automotive first opened up in 1971 at a location near Morgan Junction and moved to their current location near the West Seattle YMCA (also a WSB sponsor) a couple of years later. Their current building was completed in 1994. Over time, Tom’s has assembled a staff that’s stayed put for many years, so when you come to Tom’s, you can get the same service from the same people who have been taking car of your car and who have come to know you as well. Tom and Kandie belong to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce; Tom’s was the Chamber’s 2008 Business of the Year. Tom and Kandie are on the South Seattle Community College Automotive Technical Education Advisory Board. They’ve been longtime sponsors of teams for West Seattle girls’ pee-wee softball, and supporters of both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in West Seattle. Next time you take your car to Tom’s Automotive Service, bring three or more cans of food as a food-bank donation, and you’ll get $20 off. You’ll find Tom’s Automotive Service online at tomsautomotive.com, or call 206-973-0737.
We thank Tom’s Automotive Service for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Story and photos by Christopher Boffoli
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
That’s Diane Venti (left), who owns Alki Arts with her husband, Tom Wyrick, who is also a metal artist whose work is currently featured in the gallery. She told me this afternoon that their first day is going very well. There was certainly a steady stream of visitors while I was there.
She said that even before they opened, while they were in there painting the walls, people were knocking on the door to ask about it. And she said she has had to clean plenty of “nose prints” off the windows as people have apparently been peeking in to get a better look. They had their garage-style doors fully open today.
Venti tells me that she came up with the idea for a gallery in early June. (We first reported on the new business last Tuesday.) She is an artist herself, has experience working in galleries downtown, and wanted to own a space for real West Seattle working artists. The current crop of artists was assembled in about ten days. The way the system works is that artists rent the wall space from the gallery by the month. The gallery takes no commissions on whatever the artist sells. In addition, each artist can host an event/opening there on one night during the month their art is on display. The gallery can also be rented by the night for anyone who wishes to have events there.
Venti says the mission of Alki Arts is to feature West Seattle artists, sculptors and glass artists (but not photographers). Artists wishing to sell their work at Alki Arts are welcome to send an e-mail for more information, though there currently is a waiting list. Venti says that she works to carefully curate the art to make sure it is right for the gallery. Wall spaces rent out for between $500-$700 per month, though she said she has the flexibility to work with artists on a case-by-case basis if they just want to display a couple of pieces on commission. She said she is hoping to find some more sculptors and glass artists to fill some of the open floor space in the gallery. Venti says their goal is to have pieces that range in price from $200-$2,000.
Hours will be 12-8, Wednesday through Sunday.
We’d been checking on reports of activity in the former All The Best Pet Care (closed last November) space east of Cactus, at 2820 Alki SW – and this morning, there’s a small sign in the window solving the mystery. (Thanks very much to Pat for photographing and sharing it!) The sign announces Alki Arts and points to this website, promising “amazing art, affordably priced, from local artists” and also offering the space as a venue for events of up to 60 people. The website also says Alki Arts will open this Saturday (July 10). We have a message out seeking more info, which we’ll add here when we get it. ADDED 1:02 PM: Just in, co-proprietor Diane Venti answered our request for more details:
We will be a Co-op of artists – each renting wall space in the gallery. We have room for 3 more artists at this point, but the ones we have in place now are very talented! The proprietors are Tom Wyrick and Diane Venti-We are trying this space out for the summer to see how it is received and supported by West Seattle. The space still belongs to Susan Moss, owner of All the Best Pet Care, who has ‘gone above and beyond’ making it possible for us to fill the empty store front during the summer months. She really is helping to support this endeavor!
Our hours will be 12-8 Wed-Sun. We’re so excited to have people come in to enjoy all the amazing art, which includes oil paintings, water colors, metal work, glass, and photography – there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy!
Just four days till West Seattle’s biggest event of the summer – West Seattle Summer Fest (co-sponsored by WSB), three days of celebration, music, shopping, art, food, family activities, and more in the heart of The Junction, this Friday through Sunday. Quick note tonight from a Junction business with a message to famiiles with babies – Donna Ryan Photography (4218 SW Alaska, just east of Cupcake Royale [WSB sponsor]) will be hosting Summer Fest’s only “Parents’ Rest Stop” in her expansive studio space. She says it’s a place for breastfeeding moms to come nurse, and overall, “I welcome parents of babies who need a few minutes of privacy / quiet to drop in during festival hours.” What else is happening at Summer Fest, you ask? There’s tons of info on the official website – live music performances listed here, other live performances and activities listed here, vendors and exhibitors listed here …
Friday afternoon, we updated the news about the sudden departure of Swinery founder Gabriel Claycamp, after Christopher Boffoli talked with him. Subsequently, Christopher interviewed the man who’d been Claycamp’s partner – James Dillon. For those following the Swinery saga, here’s what he has to say.
Story and photo by Christopher Boffoli
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
James Dillon, The Swinery‘s “angel investor,” says that, since its founder Gabriel Claycamp announced his departure, he has stepped in “to ensure the success of the Swinery’s mission of continuing to provide high-quality, sustainably sourced products to the community.”
Dillon says right off the top that, for customers, nothing about the business will change. The Swinery is NOT closing (as is reiterated in a message today on one of its websites). Claycamp has indeed left and he says he has complete confidence in the capabilities of the staff they have in place. Their product lines and hours will remain the same.
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)
As proprietor Morgan Herzog (in the green shirt) promised, as of 11 am today, his brand-new Junction business The Beer Junction is open. The glassware in the foreground of the top photo is part of what he’s selling in addition to 640 different beers and more than 50 wines.
When we talked to Herzog for our story yesterday, he also mentioned other beverages including sake, mead, champagne and soda. Just back from the store (4707 42nd SW), Christopher Boffoli notes, “Customers may notice that they have blackout curtains up front and that the lights are out in all of the beer cases. The folks at The Beer Junction tell me that, much like the way beer bottles are usually a dark color of brown or green, the low light is to protect the quality of the beer.”
There’s more info about The Beer Junction’s hours in our Friday story. (Yes, they WILL be open tomorrow.)
Just got word from Beer Junction owner Morgan Herzog that his new store across from Jefferson Square (4707 42nd SW) opens tomorrow (Saturday) morning, 11 am. We brought you first word of the store-in-progress back in March.
4:58 PM UPDATE: Just spoke with Morgan to get full details on the merchandise and the hours as he opens – read on:Read More
(Swinery staffers photographed today by Christopher Boffoli: Head Butcher Joseph Brewer, Head Cook Garrett Doherty)
Another twist for the much-lauded West Seattle meat mecca The Swinery: Its founder, Gabriel Claycamp, announced via Facebook that he’s moved on, just one week after its “grand reopening.” He says he’s looking for work. But he also says he leaves it in “good hands” – it’s not closing. As we write, we’ve just heard from Christopher Boffoli, who has covered The Swinery extensively – he is there now and says this happened abruptly, adding that he’s been told the primary investor is at the bank now, changing ownership papers, and, “Employees here say the Swinery will continue and that this is a positive thing. Claycamp was not meeting payroll.” 4:05 PM UPDATE: Christopher has just spoken with Claycamp – read on for some of what he said:Read More
We haven’t yet formally welcomed one of our newest WSB sponsors – so, as is customary, today they get the chance to share information about their business with you: Bin 41, “your Junction wine shop.” Bin 41 co-proprietor T. Frick McNamara explains, “Jon and I are casual West Seattleites who just love wine. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, open atmosphere to discover. Based on a quote we once saw, we believe a meal or get-together without good wine and friends is like a day without sunshine. We want wine to be approachable and affordable so it can find a special place in everyday experiences.” She sees a parallel between this business and the work she has done as an urban designer: “I used to design socially sustainable places with a focus on community. Now we get to be a part firsthand in our community fabric. The most rewarding aspect of our new lives at bin 41 is meeting new faces from the community and getting to share and learn more about the world of wine with them. We love it when customers come back to provide feedback on the last bottle of wine we recommended to help us hand select wines to match their palate, their dinner menu or assist in finding the perfect gift item.” Their current community involvement includes being part of the West Seattle Junction Association and participating in the monthly West Seattle Art Walk (stop by to see them next time, July 8, night before West Seattle Summer Fest). And there are special occasions just about every week – with tastings at the shop – the schedule is here. Bin 41 is in The Junction at 4707 California SW, and online at bin41wine.com.
We thank bin 41 for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
A night for anniversary celebrations last night in The Junction – above left, that’s CAPERS‘ Lisa Myers with Lisa Barnes, toasting her store’s 25th anniversary. It’s gone through changes over the years – we’re still nostalgic for the pumpkin muffins! – but the end result is that it’s still alive and kicking – you can keep up with what’s new through the CAPERS website as well as Twitter. And across the street, it was anniversary night for one of West Seattle’s popular boutiques:
Note the champagne bottle – it’s the 7th anniversary for Sweetie and owner Joeanna Purdie, pictured with Karen Krupp and Heather Kirk Riley. Sweetie’s updates are online here, as well as on Facebook.
Volunteering can be fun! Jackie from Matson Navigation Company on Harbor Island e-mailed to share news of her office’s environmental-volunteer project – last night, a group of co-workers went to Alki to help stencil storm drains – and in the photo above, they were joined by a young helper they nicknamed the “Storm Drain Trooper.” Here’s a bucketless photo of the group:
Jackie says, “We couldn’t have chosen a nicer evening to be at the beach. The Alki community members were so friendly and thankful as we worked in their neighborhood to help fulfill the city’s goal to stencil every storm drain in Seattle with the ‘Dump No Waste, Drains to Lake, Stream, or Bay’ message.”
Share your news, any time – here’s how.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you walk the streets of certain other neighborhoods – oh, say, Capitol Hill – you’ll notice almost as many teahouses as coffee shops.
Not West Seattle. In fact, we’ve been without a teahouse since The T(ea) Gallery closed in Admiral in late 2007.
But tea lovers, rejoice – something new is brewing. Aimee Pellegrini, a member of La Rustica‘s founding family, is bringing the Tuscan Tea Room to The Junction – along with her thriving business Romanza Floral. She’s getting ready to move into a space in The Junction.
Longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction is celebrating three big remodeling-industry awards – and also getting ready for its next free monthly workshop (6 pm tomorrow at its offices between The Junction and Morgan Junction) – First, the awards. Ventana has won a Western Region Chrysalis Award and Master Builders Association Remodeling Excellence award for the West Seattle addition project shown above and at right, as well as another Remodeling Excellence award for a Mount Baker bathroom remodel. Architect for the West Seattle project was Sheri Newbold; for the Mount Baker project, Kim Goforth,
who partners with Ventana on their monthly workshops (and will be part of the one tomorrow night). “This was the first year they have entered the awards, and to take home top honors on the first attempt is impressive,” said Ken Kanline, Chrysalis Awards director. “We knew the home would be worthy of this kind of recognition when we first started. The focus on green building practices coupled with beautiful finishes and clients who brought unique talents to the project combined to create a really exceptional project, said Clarence and Anne Higuera, CGR, Ventana’s proprietors. Again, you can take advantage of their award-winning experience in a free workshop tomorrow night – info on remodeling and custom homebuilding, no obligation – RSVP by calling 206-932-3009.
(Future long-awaited West Seattle Trader Joe’s)
We’ve just spoken to Steve Huling, owner of the property that this morning has been confirmed as a new Trader Joe’s – the one we told you in late April was worth watching, after a notation appeared on the city DPD website – and he says he’s finally able to talk about the project, since the company this morning officially confirmed it: “Now that it’s out, I can finally start talking about it! They’re going to create a lot of new activity in the area. I think this is a great deal for the community.” First, here’s the news release from the company:
Trader Joe’s, a unique, neighborhood grocery store with foods and beverages from the exotic to the basic, has signed a lease to open a new West Seattle store located at 4545 Fauntleroy Way SW. The store is scheduled to open in 2011 and is approximately 14,200 square feet in size.
Trader Joe’s was originally named in recognition of its distinct grocery buying process, because they search the world for great values and distinctive products. Crew members (store employees) consider themselves “traders on the culinary seas.” Crewmembers sport brightly colored Hawaiian-themed shirts, adding to the light-hearted air of the store.
Many area residents after the store opens can expect to receive a copy of the Trader Joe’s “Fearless Flyer” in their mailboxes. The Fearless Flyer is a somewhat irreverent description of a timely selection of Trader Joe’s products. It’s been called a cross between Consumer Reports and Mad Magazine. Each edition highlights a selection of Trader Joe’s products that the company buyers believe are worthy of customer interest, including comfort foods and items that are organic or have other special attributes.
Trader Joe’s carries an extensive array of domestic and imported foods and beverages including fresh baked artisan breads, Arabica bean coffees, international frozen entrées, 100% juices, fresh crop nuts, deli items, and vitamins and supplements, as well as the basics, like milk and eggs – all at honest, low prices.
Trader Joe’s is truly a grocery store unlike any other. Trader Joe’s is a “store of stories,” meaning every item in the store has its own virtues — high quality ingredients, great flavor or simply an extraordinary price — many items often feature all of those qualities. Another significant point of difference, all of Trader Joe’s prices are everyday prices. Trader Joe’s doesn’t have “sales” for a few days, only to hike the prices back up again. Their prices change only when their costs change — there are no fancy promotions, discount cards or couponing wars.
So how does Trader Joe’s offer unique groceries at prices everyone can afford? By offering more than 1000 items under the Trader Joe’s private label, which includes Trader Darwin’s vitamins (For the Survival of the Fittest), Trader José’s salsas, Trader Giotto’s marinara sauces, in addition to specially purchased items.
Also, Trader Joe’s buys differently than other grocers – they purchase from manufacturers, not through distributors. They’ll take a brand name product, take out the preservatives and artificial colors and ingredients, and put it under their Trader Joe’s label to sell it at a real discount.
Trader Joe’s introduces approximately a dozen new items every week, heightening the store’s adventurous appeal. Our buyers travel around the world searching out unique products at great values. In order for an item to be sold in a Trader Joe’s store, it must pass the scrutiny of a discerning tasting panel. Thousands of items are tasted each year to find products that both appeal to the culinary adventurer and microwave aficionado.
Huling tells us it’s been tough to keep quiet until the company confirmed it publicly. He adds, “Since this has been announced, we’re hopeful there’ll be some additional activity in the area – I think this whole area (the Triangle) is getting ready to bust open. It’s nice, it’s a great community, and it’s nice to see all the growth and it sounds like it’s going to be done in a very respectful way.”
As for how soon construction will start – earlier this morning, we had spoken with Bryan Stevens at DPD. The construction permit has not yet been applied for – the “initial information collected” designation that remains on the DPD page means simply that conversations have been had, but no paperwork has been filed. ADDED 5:07 PM: This is the rendering provided by Trader Joe’s.
We spoke with the project architect before seeing it today and hope to speak with him again tomorrow to find out more about exactly where on the lot this is going, since the DPD notation was “minor exterior remodel,” and this would certainly go beyond that.
Two notes from West Seattle Nursery – First, today is the deadline to apply to be part of GreenLife at West Seattle Summer Fest, coming up in The Junction July 9-10-11. We first wrote about GreenLife last month; you can get an application form here. NOTE #2: If you’ll be out and about on Father’s Day afternoon this Sunday, how about beer and hot dogs at WS Nursery? They’ve just announced another Beerfest, with beer from White Center’s Big Al Brewing. 1-4 pm. Bring food donations for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks.
Two notes from and about the Duwamish River industrial corridor tonight:
First – we dropped by the Lafarge of North America cement plant in eastern West Seattle this morning after getting word of its “Safety Day” expo. Workers browsed exhibits discussing safety advice and protective equipment. Several local businesses were there to talk about safety and health, too.
Second – expect to hear more about this next week, but we thought you’d be interested in the media advisory from City Council President Richard Conlin‘s office:
Seattle – The Seattle City Council will be briefed on a new eco-industrial district concept for industrial lands and the Duwamish River corridor.
WHO: Office of Economic Development, Environmental Coalition of South Seattle, Full council, and Andreas Koenig, EcoIndustry
WHEN: Monday, June 14, 2010, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Seattle City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd floorThe Seattle industrial district along the Duwamish River valley and surrounding neighborhoods is one of the largest contiguous industrial areas in the U.S. With approximately 4,000 companies and 70,000 employees and its proximity to multimodal transportation options, this area continues to be a vital economic driver for our region.
The eco-industrial district concept helps industrial sectors and the neighborhoods in which they reside truly coexist, by preparing for future challenges, establishing sustainable development practices, allowing for efficiencies between companies and optimizing business performance and collaboration.
In addition to the full council briefing, Koenig will be part of a more detailed briefing before the Regional Development and Sustainability Committee on June 15, at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
After getting that advisory, we asked a followup – any geographical boundaries yet for this potential “eco-industrial district”? Rob Gala from the Conlin staff says, in short, no – so far, it’s just an idea, but they would love to hear what you think of it. We’ll have more on it next week, and you’ll also be able to watch these briefings via Seattle Channel if you can’t make it to City Hall.
They’re known best for the art of hairstyling – but tonight, Illusions Hair Design (longtime WSB sponsor) branched out, staying open a few hours extra to show and sell creations — including paintings and jewelry — from the Circle of Friends for Mental Health. Among those welcoming guests was Illusions proprietor Sue Lindblom, whose salon is celebrating its anniversary this month:
Circle of Friends offers classes in visual arts, music and writing to those dealing with mental illness – a category that the group says can include more than a fourth of all American adults in any given year. Visitors to Illusions tonight not only got to browse and view, they also were treated to live music:
The duo goes by Julia and Jack. Find out more about Circle of Friends by going here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A distinctive label describes the event Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) will host tomorrow night to mark its 4th anniversary: Not a party, not a bash … but a prom.
“After four years, we’re graduating … we’re seniors now!” laughs Skylark proprietor Jessie Summa-Kusiak.
Four is a special number for another reason. That’s how many Skylark staffers have been with the music club/restaurant/bar since Day 1 – including the bar manager and kitchen manager, and bartender Cheryl, who is the model in many of Skylark’s ads.
Why the longevity? Here’s one unexpected reason …Read More
(Photo courtesy Shaw Dixon)
More baked goods, anyone? First, Heavenly Pastry – now, meet Baked In Seattle. If you visit The Junction during the next West Seattle Art Walk – Thursday, June 10th – Shaw Dixon invites you to come in and help her celebrate the “grand opening” of Baked In Seattle, sharing “bake space” with Blue Willow Catering and Luncheonette in The Junction (4310 SW Oregon), as well as, Shaw tells WSB, “selling products at the gorgeous luncheonette (and) wholesaling to small, natural groceries around Seattle such as Ken’s and Ralph’s.” Between 6 and 9 the evening of June 10th, you can stop in for free appetizers, wine as well as her specialties – mini-cheesecakes and fruit-filled crumble pie. This is Shaw’s second career – she worked for FedEx for more than a decade, but after a bout with thyroid cancer, she decided to go into business doing something she loved – and that turned out to be dessert-making!
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