Georgia Blu announces it’s closing (but isn’t blaming the economy)
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Children’s-clothing boutique Georgia Blu, on California next to KeyBank, has just announced it’s closing after 2 1/2 years. This is the third Junction closure announced in the past two weeks, after Swee Swee Paperie (announced July 9) and Ama Ama Oyster Bar and Grill (announced last Sunday). Thanks to Robin for sharing the note that went out to Georgia Blu’s mailing list late tonight:
It is with a mixture of sadness and relief that I send this email out to you all. Georgia Blu will be closing our doors in September. Now I know that you are all thinking that we too are just another casualty of our stressed economy. However to believe that would be a disservice to our extremely loyal customer base. It’s true that our business has slowed down, like most business right now; but thanks to many of you – we are really hanging in there. Your devotion to supporting us – even in these tough times – is something that will stay with me for a very long time.
Instead, there are really two other reasons we’re closing. The first one is that our lease is up in September. I’ve debated back and forth for quite a while about whether or not to renew our lease but ultimately have decided this is a good time to close the store. The second reason – and probably the more pressing reason we are closing is that as a business owner and a mother of three, I find it harder and harder to do both jobs well. I’m sure many other mothers and fathers out there can relate. When I started GB I had a 4 year old, and a 1 year old. I now have a 7 year old, a 4 year old and a 9 month old. I have found it to be an increasingly huge challenge finding the time to be the kind of mother I wish to be, as well as a devoted shop owner of an always changing business.
This was not an easy decision, nor was it free of some heartache. But I do feel that it is the right decision.
The announcement continues after the jump:Read More
“We’re almost there”: A chat with Capco Plaza’s developer
After breaking the news about a prospective Whole Foods site buyer not pursuing the purchase, and then a restaurant closure, while looking into a couple of other reportedly stalled developments, it seemed like time to break things up by checking with a developer whose project IS proceeding and in fact is almost done: Leon Capelouto, longtime Junction entrepreneur who is building Capco Plaza/Altamira Apartments along SW Alaska between 41st and 42nd. We talked with him in his nearby office this afternoon.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A stone’s throw from the stalled project site dubbed “Hole Foods,” there’s a Junction development with a very different story to tell: Capco Plaza, the new home of QFC and Office Depot in The Junction, sharing its building with Altamira Luxury Apartments, is within a few months of opening for business.
In his office over nearby Matador, Leon Capelouto says he’s “very busy” with “hundreds of items” that need to be addressed before the building is done. He admits he’s very “hands on” – that’s part of his answer when we asked how he managed to keep this project on track when so many others of that scale have run into trouble. (Of course, financing is important too, he allows.)
The space where QFC will open a new store on the east side of his building has already been “turned over to the tenant,” Capelouto says – meaning the Kroger-owned store chain is now putting in its finishing touches. When we talked with a QFC spokesperson for our last update one month ago today, the company expected to open the store in “early fall,” ahead of schedule. Capelouto expects that is still the likelihood (we have a call out to QFC to doublecheck) – he showed us an e-mail exchange involving their scheduling of two Seattle Seahawks organization favorites, the Sea Gals and Blue Thunder drum line, for an event on October 10th that might be an official opening celebration after an earlier soft opening.
So what else is confirmed for the rest of the building?Read More
Wallflower: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
Today we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, Wallflower Custom Framing, located on the ground floor of the brand-new Mural building in The Junction. 
Here’s what they’d like you to know: Wallflower offers professional custom picture framing and creative design expertise, as well as providing a gallery setting for original art and photography, showcasing local artists. Courtney, Wallflower’s owner (left), brings nearly ten years of picture framing and management experience, and employs local artist Kelly Rae Cunningham to curate the art shows for the gallery space, known as the Shooting Gallery. At Wallflower, customers can learn about the benefits of preservation picture framing and can be comfortably involved in the design process. It can be accomplished outside of normal business hours by appointment, too! Show your annual membership with an organization that directly supports the arts or local artists at the time of purchase and get 10% off your custom framing project. The frame choices are broad in style and affordability. For those more adventurous types, Wallflower carries hand-crafted mouldings that are created especially for your piece down to the finish, from lines such as C&J, A-Street Frames, Mercier, and ecoCareT from Nurre Caxton, made from wood harvested from managed forests and finished with organic, water-based stains. Wallflower offers custom framing with a kick! Find them online at wallflowercustomframing.com, in person at 4735 42nd SW, by phone at 206.938.6332. Thanks to Wallflower Custom Framing for sponsoring 24/7 West Seattle news, information and discussion; the full sponsor team is listed here along with info on how to join!
Michelle Babb, MS, RD: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor
Today we’re welcoming a new sponsor, Michelle Babb, MS, RD, 
a Bastyr graduate and adjunct professor who consults on finding optimum health by improving nutrition. New sponsors are always offered the chance to share information with you regarding what they do; Michelle says, “Clients seek me out because they’re looking to change their lifestyle to address their health issues and restore vitality. They’re often very frustrated and worn out with traditional methods for weight loss and disease prevention, and they don’t know where to turn. Most people need a little information and a lot of motivation. I encourage them to make small, but meaningful changes and build up to an optimal diet and I provide support every step of the way. I also use therapeutic diets when warranted, and my patients commonly report feeling better than they have in years. Once they start seeing and feeling the results of restoring balance to the body through good nutrition, exercise and relaxation, that becomes its own motivation.” Michelle says that if you’ve been trying to lose weight or have been diagnosed with a digestive problem, she can work with you to find the right foods. She’s also in touch with naturopaths, medical doctors, acupuncturists and chiropractors to create a whole plan for better nutrition and health. Find Michelle Babb, MS, RD, online at eatplaybe.com. We welcome her to the WSB sponsor lineup, listed in full here along with information on how to become part of it.
Swee Swee Paperie says its Junction store is “going on vacation”
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Just in via the Swee Swee Paperie e-mail list — its Junction store is closing:
Summer is the season filled with fantastic days of sun and fun to glorious nights of long dusks, watching the sun slowing go down only to begin again in just a few short hours…
Well that got us thinking.. we are a little tired and we could use a little relaxation too, so with a little saddness in our hearts, we wanted to let you know that swee swee paperie and studio is going to take a little vacation at the end of July. We are going to use this time to relax, rethink and re-evaluate. It has been the most amazing three years, and we wanted to thank you for all of your support and appreciation of fine paper good and wrapping.
Now, do not think we are leaving you high and dry for those necessary paper fixes…we are revamping our online store and will be offering a wonder selection of goodies there. Look for our e-store reopening in September. The corporate gifting and wrapping is still going strong. And any custom work that we can help out on will be available as well.
The e-mail penned by owner Ann Conway says a big sale starts tomorrow, including “the antiques and fixtures that have adorned our store.”
West Seattle Dawg: Another new business in Morgan Junction
At left, Rex Post and Hunter paused just a second to pose (although Hunter’s a bit of a blur because he’s a fun dog who seldom sits still) amid the flurry of activity at the new business that Rex and Tove Wright are about to open in Morgan Junction, West Seattle Dawg – not only a dog day care, but also a dog party venue and retail dog-treat purveyor. It’s going into the peach-colored house (which has been commercial space for quite a while, home to businesses including Authentic Home in recent years) at California/Frontenac, just north of Stella Ruffington’s, a few doors down from Caffe Ladro. They’ll be selling baked dog treats – most made on site (some vegan, too!) – Tove says, “You’ll be able to walk in and smell them baking” – and even dog ice cream (yogurt-based, naturally sweetened, with flavors like berry and peanut butter/banana). They’ll be accepting applications starting next week for the dog day care, which will have 20 spots, available 7 am-7 pm – you can get an application on the West Seattle Dawg website, which just “went live” today. The grand opening party is 4-8 pm next Thursday, July 9.
Wyatt’s Jewelers: New WSB sponsor, with a new location soon
Today, we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Wyatt’s Jewelers. It’s WSB tradition to offer new sponsors the chance to share information about their business: Wyatt’s Jewelers is a full-service custom jeweler, located in Westwood Village. Wyatt’s specializes in affordable custom jewelry. 
They also carry fine jewelry in all price ranges and if you don’t see what you want they can make it. Wyatt’s carries a large selection of natural gemstones and diamonds; as well as offering a full range of repairs and services. Joni and Kirk Keppler say they want to create a comfortable shopping experience where people can expect personalized service. As Kirk says, “Jewelry is such a personal expression: Everyone has a story. We help people preserve memories and create new ones.” The Kepplers and their two sons live in West Seattle. Wanting to support the community, they donate all money from watch-battery replacements to local charities, like the White Center Food Bank. Wyatt’s is located in Westwood Village, in the courtyard, next to Bed Bath & Beyond – but has just announced that it’s moving to a new storefront, next to Chico’s, in September — with a larger showroom, “stylish new look,” and a larger selection of jewelry. Wyatt’s Jewelers is online at wyattsjewelers.com; we welcome them to the WSB sponsor team, listed in full on this page along with info on how to become part of it!
New sponsor: Kayle Shulenberger, Speech Language Pathologist
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Kayle Shulenberger, MA-CCC-SLP, 
Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Kayle has recently moved her office from the University District to West Seattle and she’s available to see children in their homes. If you have a child with speech production disorders and language delay, Kayle has a few openings for new clients right now.
Kayle has been in private practice for the majority of her career. She’s also had experience in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and as a clinical supervisor at Western Washington University. Her references are available upon request and she’s received positive reviews on Yelp. Also, Kayle bills Premera, Regence and Aetna insurance companies for covered speech pathology services. You’ll find her online – with contact information – at kaylespeech.com.
Thanks to Kayle Shulenberger, Licensed Speech Language Pathologist for supporting 24/7 community news/information/discussion by sponsoring WSB; our full sponsor lineup, and info on how to become part of it, is on our Advertise! page.
Lane resurfacing isn’t just for roads: West Seattle Bowl, too
While out in The Junction covering the car-on-side crash Tuesday afternoon, we noticed a forklift in action over by West Seattle Bowl. Further investigation revealed that, like nearby Fauntleroy Way, West Seattle Bowl is embarking on midst of lane-resurfacing work. Materials arrived yesterday and were moved into place, and prep work will continue for the rest of the week. West Seattle Bowl’s Jeff Swanson tells WSB that over the next three or four weeks, they’ll resurface two lanes at a time – all the others will be open, so no change in hours or operations expected.
Awards! West Seattle’s Ventana Construction, Weitzel Construction
Those are the “before” and “after” photos from an Eastside project that won a REX (Remodeling Excellence) Award – presented by the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties – for West Seattle’s Weitzel Construction (WSB sponsor) this past weekend. As Dave Weitzel explains …
… there were 64 entrants in 19 categories from best Universal Design to Major Rebuild over $500,000. Our entry was in the Major Remodel $300,000 to $600,000 and won in its category against 6 other entrants. Also, all the people attending the event have the opportunity to view all the entrants before the program begins and vote for their favorite entrant, called the People’s Choice Award, and we also won in that category.
Weitzel Construction has won REX Awards before – see the list on their website. Also winning a REX Award — this time for Kitchen Remodeling — another West Seattle builder and WSB sponsor, Ventana Construction – here’s their winning project:
Anne Higuera from Ventana explains:
Each year, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties and its Remodelors Council honor the best in local remodeling with the REX awards. Projects are judged on aesthetics, special or unique design solutions, quality workmanship, use of appropriate building material, budgetary consideration, and challenges and obstacles. Ventana was honored in the REX category for kitchen remodeling in the $75,000-$125,000 range, a category with 6 entrants. The project was part of a larger remodel on a 1923 home in Fremont.
You can read more about Ventana’s winning project here. Meantime, the full list of awards isn’t on the builders’ group’s website yet, but we’ll add it here when it is.
Swinery Deli in West Seattle: Change in location plan
When we reported nine days ago that Seattle chef Gabriel Claycamp was planning to open his Swinery Deli and cured-meat business as part of the Seattle Fish Company storefront in The Junction, it was noted that 
the deal hadn’t been finalized yet. This morning, WSB has learned that Claycamp has just signed a lease for a different West Seattle space: WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli, who has covered Claycamp’s endeavors before, reports that the Swinery’s planned deli and preparation kitchen will both be housed in the 3207 California SW location (left) that Muttley Crew Cuts is leaving for its new Admiral/42nd digs; the lease, according to what Claycamp told Christopher, was signed yesterday – they’ll meet with architects Monday, and are aiming for a mid-August opening. According to Christopher, “Gabriel says this location is better because they can consolidate their entire operation under one roof and divest themselves of the commercial kitchen space they recently started renting. He is excited about the potential of the outdoor courtyard too, as it will offer the opportunity for a ‘walk-up BBQ window’.” (For more details of what Claycamp is planning, see our June 12th report.)
New West Seattle Blog sponsor: Darling Skincare and Sugaring
Today we welcome Darling Skincare & Sugaring as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what they want to share about their business: Vanessa is excited to bring sugaring to West Seattle! 
Sugaring is an all-natural way to remove unwanted hair. It differs from traditional waxing methods in that it is applied lukewarm so it never burns the skin. This gentle application removes hair at all stages of growth (no little prickles the following week!) and caters to sensitive skin while tackling the coarsest follicles with ease. It is simply the best way to say goodbye to hair that you don’t want around! Darling Skincare & Sugaring offers a full range of organic skincare as well. They offer visible results for a variety of skin conditions including acne treatment and anti-aging care, and also features professional relaxation services. Vanessa would like to thank West Seattle for welcoming her to the area, adding that she discovered where the hip professionals have gone! As a Seattle native from Phinney Ridge, Vanessa appreciates the sense of community she found in her new neighborhood. Darling Skincare & Sugaring also provides bridal and permanent make-up services, and offers gift certificates for any occasion. Darling Skincare & Sugaring is located at 3620 California Avenue SW (map), 206-930-0823, and online at darlingskincare.com.
We welcome Darling Skincare & Sugaring to the WSB sponsor team; the latest lineup is here, along with information on how to grow your business by becoming part of it!
Grand opening Thursday: Curious Art Kids and Curious Party Kids
This Thursday night, 6-8 pm – whether or not you’re already in The Junction for the monthly Art Walk — the owner of Curious Kidstuff (WSB sponsor), Ann Walker, invites you to drop in for the grand opening of Curious Art Kids (photo above) and Curious Party Kids (photo below). She explains:
The Little Artist Studio has closed after years of giving children a place to enjoy, learn and create. We say goodbye to Penny Bellemans Smith and wish her well; we will miss you. (We) have worked hard to remodel and get prepared to teach toddler, preschool, summer camps and art for older kids as well as birthday parties.
We have created a festive room to celebrate birthday parties that include an art class and quality birthday favors. We even have Nail Time, who will provide a group of tweens with fingernail painting and a class on fashion design. I feel very fortune to have Rachel Jensen, Christina McDonell and Maria Esztergalyos as teachers for these classes. They have worked diligently to pull all this together; I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Please come Thursday, June 11th, from 6 pm to 8 pm to celebrate the opening of the studio and party room. You can sign up for classes if you would like or just have a cupcake and chat. Art Walk will be going on that evening as well. We have programs available now for art classes and birthday parties at the bottom of the stairs in Curious Kidstuff. Call and register – pay by phone if you’d like. Classes will fill up fast, so don’t wait too long.
Curious Kidstuff is at 4740 California SW (map), 206-937-8788.
Welcoming a WSB sponsor: My Family Doctor, in West Seattle
When a sponsor joins WSB, we traditionally offer them the chance to let you know something about their business: Today we welcome 
My Family Doctor, Dr. Terrill Harrington, whose office is at 3623 SW Alaska [map] in the Triangle area. Dr. Harrington’s practice is truly for the whole family – children to adults. He’s ready to talk to you about your medical questions, and to provide care that’s open to everyone, regardless of age. Dr. Harrington is proud that some of the babies he’s delivered are still coming to him years later for their regular care. He says that can be attributed to how people feel about the care they receive from him. While there are many options out there, Dr. Harrington believes people want to come to a place that treats them with the respect and dignity they deserve. Dr. Harrington says he has worked for some of the largest medical providers in the area and while he practiced with people who were well-trained and intelligent, he says there’s no substitute for a neighborhood doctor who can provide personal attention, which even includes the occasional house call. Dr. Harrington has had a practice in West Seattle for the past several years; he has served as team doctor for the Seattle Lutheran High School football team, and has provided hearing tests and other medical screening for elementary and middle schools in West Seattle. My Family Doctor is ready to be your family doctor; you can call 206-362-8674, and find out more online at myfamilydoctorws.com. We welcome Dr. Terrill Harrington to the WSB sponsor team; the latest lineup is here along with information on how to join them!
Music notes: WS wins KEXP Hood-to-Hood; Easy Street on Twitter
WEST SEATTLE WINS KEXP HOOD-TO-HOOD: Thanks to a note from Beth, we were able to share the news here last week about the KEXP radio pledge-drive Hood-to-Hood Challenge, offering a special event to whichever neighborhood had the most pledgers by the end of the drive last Friday night. Today we get word (thanks to David for the first word, confirmed on the KEXP home page) that West Seattle won! Working now to find out (a) by how much (not sure if this is the final tally), (b) who came in second, and (c) when/where that event will happen. 4:21 PM UPDATE: (a and b) answer, $70,000+ with Ballard in second at $65K+, (c) answer, sometime in the first quarter of next year, though many details remain to be worked out.
EASY STREET RECORDS ON TWITTER: The latest West Seattle business to hop onto Twitter is the legendary music store that started in the heart of The Junction. You’ll find them at twitter.com/easystrecords. (If you “follow” us at twitter.com/westseattleblog, you know we also send word when we spot any other West Seattle business/institution turning up – over the weekend, for example, Westwood Village restaurant Eats Market Cafe got on board – twitter.com/eatsmarketcafe – other West Seattle eateries on Twitter include WSB sponsors @skylarkcafe and @caferevo.) In addition to our human-powered, interactive account at @westseattleblog, if you just want links to WSB stories, follow us at twitter.com/westseattlenews. You can also see our “tweets” and others mentioning West Seattle on the WSB Twitter page.
Welcoming a new WSB sponsor: Desiree Loughlin
This weekend, we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Desiree Loughlin from Windermere Real Estate in The Junction. 
She is currently showing 5057 35th Ave SW in West Seattle. Desiree’s been at the Junction office since 2001; that’s where she teams with Domenica Lovaglia and Jessica Tavares. During this time she has learned not only that there is “fair market value” for every home but that how the home is presented is also key — see how this all comes together, Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm, at the open house for 5057 35th SW. She believes that real estate is financial AND emotional and when done properly is about building sustainable neighborhoods and communities. Desiree says this business philosophy is especially relevant in the current real estate market. “Right now, real estate needs sound judgment. Many clients are looking for overly optimistic assessments that are not warranted. My responsibility is to convey good information. I develop close relationships with my clients. Because I level with them, they know that they can make their decisions with confidence.” For a little background on Desiree, know that she’s mom to Jackson, a first-grader at Alki, and Ruby, a kindergartener at Lafayette. She laughs large, loves music and often plays at West Seattle’s many parks. This summer she’s looking forward to blue skies and the upcoming Hiawatha Summer Concerts (where she might even be performing). Here’s a map to Sunday’s open house site at 5057 35th SW.
Thanks to Desiree Loughlin for supporting community news, information and discussion on WSB; our current team of sponsors is on this page, along with information on how to join them!
Welcoming a new WSB sponsor: Keystone Windows and Doors
Today, we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor: Keystone Windows and Doors of Seattle, owned by Michan Rhodes, a West Seattle resident. This weekend Michan and her staff will be offering a free Milgard Smart Home Workshop on Saturday (May 30), 10 am-12 pm, at their showroom located just south of Safeco Field at 2215 4th Avenue South (map). Michan and crew will answer questions about how new windows and doors can save you money on your energy bill. Also, they’ll explain how to qualify for the new $1500 tax credit and Milgard’s energy rebate of up to $750. Keystone is family-owned and operated and has been in business for 20 years. Michan says the business started out with her going out and meeting each customer one-on-one, personally hiring the installers, and taking direct responsibility for each project. She says that process led to a steady stream of referrals, and she was able to open a showroom. She adds that all job estimates are free; Keystone is licensed, bonded and insured and in compliance with all Washington state laws. Also, Keystone is registered as a woman-owned business under the state of Washington’s Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) program. Find Keystone Windows and Doors online at keystonewindows.com, or call 206.860.8686.
Thanks to Keystone Windows and Doors for supporting 24/7 community news, information and discussion by sponsoring West Seattle Blog; our full list of sponsors is here, where you also can find out how to join them!
Thursday notes: West Seattle on cruise cam, and more
CRUISE CAM: Via Facebook, Marc points out the view of West Seattle from the aft end of the Pacific Princess, currently docked in Magnolia. Ever wonder which ship’s in when? The full schedule is here.
CAPERS CONSOLIDATING: It came up first in the WSB Forums. Then, Brian sent us this photo:
We finally got to stop in at Capers in The Junction today to ask what’s up. They’re not closing – they’re consolidating; after June 1st, the store will be in the southernmost (“lower”) level, including the spot that used to be its cafe. No word so far on what will take over the space Capers is vacating, but they tell us a wall will be put up to finish enclosing the shop’s resized space.
ANOTHER DEDICATION AT MORGAN COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Not only will Morgan Junction Park itself be dedicated during the Morgan Community Festival on June 13, so will the new sidewalk art project, “Salon,” by SuttonBeresCuller (ceremony scheduled for 10 am that day, according to an invite just in from the city’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs). The festival also will feature the “Bite of Morgan” and entertainment including the famed Bubbleman. (We’ll be reporting “live” from the festival, so looking forward to seeing you there.)
Wednesday links: More pizza; ReUsies on TV; low-tide gallery
MORE PIZZA: At partner site White Center Now, one of our fellow contributors, Ricardo from Cafe Rozella, breaks the news of more pizza heading this way: Proletariat Pizza, moving in across the street from Full Tilt Ice Cream, barely a block over the line from West Seattle. (P.S. More late-breaking White Center news: A groundbreaking ceremony is planned tomorrow for the White Center Square shopping-center development.)
REUSIES ON TV: You may have heard about ReUsies, cloth sandwich bags invented by West Seattle moms, now making a splash nationwide. KING5 has a story about them today – and the story notes that ReUsies are selling so well, they’ve “hired a manufacturer in Tukwila to help them keep up with demand.”
LOW-TIDE SIGHTS: Though the tide wasn’t as low today as yesterday, there were still sights to be seen, as evidenced by the Flickr gallery that Carrie e-mailed to share – check it out here. (She took her photos near the Alki Point lighthouse.)
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