One week after Square One Books proprietor Gretchen Montgomery announced they had shut down for good, without getting to say goodbye in person – she just e-mailed with word of a chance for you to stop by, particularly if you’re interested in the following free and for-sale items:

Square One Books is giving away all of our bookshelves. We have a variety of sizes. Some are freestanding, but most need to be attached to a wall. We have already disassembled most of them. We will be here on Friday and Saturday from 1-3. The shelves are free, but donations are greatly appreciated. You must be able to haul them away. They tallest shelves are 84″ long, but we have some that are a bit smaller. Please bring a drill with a phillips head bit just in case you want one of the shelves that has not been taken down yet. If you cannot come during the times we will be here on Friday and Saturday, let me know and I will make other arrangements with you.

We also have many of our store decorations for sale as well as other items such as folding chairs. We hope to see you here! This would be a great time to say goodbye as well.

If you’d never been there – Square One is along the east interior side of Jefferson Square.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

On Friday morning, Swedish Automotive owner Dave Winters looked out the front windows of his almost-finished new location at 7901 35th SW, as Seattle City Light crews hooked up the power – another milestone on the way to move-in day.

It’s been under construction six months (here’s our report from when the work began), but Swedish (a longtime WSB sponsor) has had this on the drawing board a lot longer.

This coming Friday, Winters and his team are scheduled to do their last work at their long-outgrown old site a few blocks north, before a weekend of moving. We visited him the other day to take a look at the new space, which you’ll be able to tour during a community celebration/open house on September 25th (that coincidentally is after the same day’s morning open house at the new campus of Chief Sealth International High School, which happens to be Winters’ alma mater).

He was one of three tour guides with us on Friday – joined by Sören, who’s handling parts, and daughter Farleigh, who was about to head back to the University of Oregon, where she’s studying architecture (while home for the summer, she’d done some work with project architect Curtis McGuire).

Click ahead for a look at some of Swedish Automotive’s new features, with a sustainability focus – plus what we’ve learned about who will move into its old site (when we first reported the lease-signing in late July, the tenant wasn’t ready to go public):Read More

(Photo added 9:31 am – the letter is posted on the Square One storefront door)
The one-week closure announced by Square One Books in Jefferson Square has turned out to be permanent. Square One’s Gretchen Montgomery made the announcement this morning, asking us to share this letter with you:

I want to let all of my wonderful customers know that Square One Books is closing. I am greatly saddened to have to do this to our West Seattle community of booklovers who have been supporting the store for nearly 23 years. One of the hardest parts of the closing is that I have been unable to let you all know in advance. I wanted to be able to tell all of you and at least have had a closing sale where we could all reminisce and say our goodbyes.

Unfortunately, on the advice of my lawyer, I was unable to do this. I needed to close the store promptly, which meant not be able to say anything to you all when you expressed concern and asked if we were ok.

For the almost 8 years that I have owned the store, I have been trying my hardest to keep the store afloat. Many factors disadvantaged us: the opening of the Westwood Barnes and Noble, increased online purchasing, books being sold everywhere at steep discounts, the economy, high rent, and the recent trend toward e-books.

For years I have taken no salary and have personally taken on more financial debt to keep the store going. I cannot continue to struggle to pay my bills and to be constantly consumed with stress due to my situation. As much as I love the bookstore and my customers, owning the bookstore was no longer good for my mental health, my family and my financial state.

We have had the store for sale for 1.5 years, and while many people want to own a bookstore, there was no interest in purchasing a store with the overhead costs we are carrying at this location. I believe that a new, independent bookstore is needed in West Seattle and that one could succeed in a more favorable spot. I wish I could be the one to move and start again, but I cannot, and I hope that someone is willing to give it a try.

We, myself and my staff, hope to see you all around West Seattle as we have gotten to know so many of you so well over the years. We will miss our bookstore friends; you are all very special people to us. Again, I wish I could have stayed in business for you, and I thank you all for your years of support. I know you tried very hard to keep us here.

Take care,
Gretchen & the Square One Books Staff

ADDED 2:39 PM: We contacted Gretchen to ask a few questions that surfaced in comments and/or were directly e-mailed to us. Here’s her reply:

I will put up info on our door about how gift cards can be handled. … I am in the process of contacting everyone personally that I had special orders for, and if people have any questions, they can email me at gtm@square1books.com or leave a message on our store voicemail at (206) 935-5764, and I will get back to them as soon as I can.

For the second time today, we have news of a longtime WSB sponsor moving to a new location: This morning, it was M3 Bodyworks (story here); tonight, Click! Design That Fits. After six years in the Admiral District, Click! just announced it’s moving south, to the West Seattle Junction storefront recently vacated by Friends and Company (4540 California SW). John Smersh from Click! tells WSB, “We’re excited to move to the Junction and be a part of its retail core. Our blend of contemporary home accents, jewelry, accessories and gifts will be a great complement to the businesses there.” The Junction storefront is bigger, which means Click! can offer some new items, including an expansion of what John calls “the cornerstone of our business” – Smersh Design Jewelry – and more of the contemporary home furnishings for which they’ve become known, including the lighting that’s been a hit in their Admiral store. John says, “We plan to open as soon as possible in early October. We will remain open in our current location through the month of September – unless our buildout goes faster than expected and we move early! Our opening party is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th.” (P.S. Click! has a new art show coming up in its current location, with artist Alena Hennessy on hand for a reception next Saturday night.)

Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Eric Thomas’ Red Cup Espresso (which he co-owns with his wife Tricia DiBernardo) has come to be known by many as the “hybrid” coffee shop, because of its rooftop array of photovoltaic panels.

But he isn’t just a solar customer — he also owns Solar Epiphany which provides education on solar energy, and installs professional-grade solar energy systems.

Thanks to a WSB’er tip about the newly painted shop window (photo at left), we discovered that Thomas is expanding his solar enterprise into the former site of Puget Sound Key & Lock at 6016 California SW. The space will be an educational showroom where potential customers will not only see solar panels and learn how they work, but they’ll also be able to learn about government incentives that make going solar more affordable.

Thomas has been installing solar electrical and water-heating systems for three years, for both residential and commercial customers. He says, “The biggest obstacle to installing solar is that people don’t know how it works or how much it will cost.”

Thomas hopes to have his new storefront open the weekend after Labor Day. They plan to be open by appointment during the week and open to the public on weekends.

This morning, we’re welcoming the Wax Bar, which recently expanded to West Seattle, as our newest WSB sponsor. Here’s what they’d like you to know about their business and services: The Wax Bar is located at the corner of 37th and Fauntleroy, between West Seattle Brake Service and the shoe-repair shop. The Wax Bar is a skin-care lounge that offers full-service spa treatments and head-to-toe waxing. Any waxing service or facial will have you feeling smooth and refreshed when you leave —but we want you to feel that way every day! At the Wax Bar we offer three different skin-care lines to cater to all skin types: Aveda, Dermalogica, and Somme. Veteran wax specialists Lynaia (West Seattle local), Bevan, and Sarah are here to make the experience a bit more enjoyable. With the Wax Bar lounge now open, come sip one of our raspberry beers or a specialty beer before your service. “Relax and get waxed,” owner Karen Jahn often says. In keeping with the bar theme, come visit during our “happy hour” specials from 1 pm-3 pm Tuesday through Friday. Find us online at thewaxbarseattle.com, in person at 4462 37th Ave. SW, or by phone at 206-935-4990.

We thank the Wax Bar for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Redline owner Scott Goerig, who was unavailable for comment yesterday, e-mailed to clarify today that while the “Goodbye Redline” party IS on for Sept. 10-11, he has NOT set an actual closing date yet.

ORIGINAL MONDAY REPORT: We found out today that Redline Music & Sports Bar will be closing permanently after next week. As per a message on their Facebook page, they’ll be having a “Goodbye Redline Weekend” party on Friday and Saturday, September 10th-11th.

Here’s an excerpt from Facebook:

Hi friends~ many of you have supported me for the past 3 years and through MANY awards and MEMORIES it’s finally time to move on! (tear)
Thank you so much, especially those of you who sipped tea with me late into the night while moppin up…

**LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND** FRIDAY / SATURDAY 10TH/11TH

Come say goodbye to Redline all weekend long from sun-up to sundown! I know we can’t fit everyone in one day, hence if Friday doesn’t work just cruise on in Saturday instead!

BE ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR MY NEXT ADVENTURE! :)

A development proposal for the site including Redline surfaced last year – here’s our coverage of the Design Review meeting held for the proposal last November – there’s no indication the permit process has progressed further, though.

Also, just received word from Gretchen at Square One Books (WSB sponsor) about their temporary closure beginning next week: 

Square One Books will be closed for 1 week, from September 1st-September 7th for inventory and an update of our computer systems. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Today, we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Stacey Riley of Stacey Riley Interiors. She says her approach to design is to be both fun and flexible. Stacey explains, “I think design should be a successful endeavor between client and designer, of course. But having fun and choosing a designer that they have a good connection with is equally as important. There are so many beautiful things to look at and select from in the design world, and this experience should be fun! Also, if they have kids and/or pets they should try to select someone that is patient and also has kids and pets! Which I do.” Stacey adds, “Most of my clients have said that I am fun to work with, and that I always keep their needs in mind before style. Fashion is important when planning a design, but function is always more important. Clients also feel that they can work with me at their pace. If they need to take a break or just take a breather mid-project, it will be easy to get back in touch with me and begin working again.”

Stacey says she believes a third-party perspective can bring solid results. She says working with clients and being able to step back from a given project has given people the ability to let clients work through their own ideas or be open to her suggestions. As a pet lover, she is also aware of what pet-friendly material are out there and how your new design can work for the whole family. Stacey also has a column, Dish on Design, which appears in the West Seattle Herald. You can find Stacey Riley Interiors online at staceyrileyinteriors.com, or call 206-200-5951.

We thank Stacey Riley Interiors for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

This afternoon we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Envy on Alki skin boutique. In the WSB sponsor-welcome tradition, here’s what they want you to know about Envy on Alki: With personalized service from owner and aesthetician Trudy Muller, Envy on Alki has become Alki’s premier skin boutique, featuring services for both women and men, ranging from face and body waxing to facial treatments, peels, and enhancement services, such as, brow and lash tinting. As a native of West Seattle, Trudy is active in her community and currently working with others in her Alki neighborhood to raise money for breast cancer and prepare for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure with Team Tracy (the3day.org/goto/Trudy.Muller). Clients not only come from the West Seattle area but also travel from all over Washington for the personal touch and services provided by this quaint boutique. Should you find yourself needing to be pampered, or to provide a unique experience to share with others for any occasion – whether a celebration, a gift to your bridesmaids, or just a night out on the town – Envy on Alki also provides private parties. Appointments are highly recommended (which we suggest you make in advance) to ensure your much-deserved quality time with Trudy. If by chance Trudy is available for a walk-in client, you might catch her at her most shining moment, should you need a quick brow or bikini wax. Don’t underestimate this little boutique located in the heart of Alki at 2613 58th Ave. SW (map), because what you’ll find is a quaint boutique marbled with lots of character and tons of personality!

We thank Envy on Alki for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

On the fourth day of temporary Admiral Safeway-lessness in north West Seattle, we’ve received a few updates from Sara Corn at Safeway’s regional headquarters. First and foremost, they’re announcing the launch of the project-info website they had promised earlier – see it here. That’s also where you’ll see a construction webcam once demolition begins (update: she projects end of September), as well as everything from a floor plan for the new store to information about its quest to become West Seattle’s first LEED-certified supermarket.

In hopes that Admiral shoppers will use the Jefferson Square store till the new one here is up and running, Corn also shared these notes:

-Jefferson Square Safeway will continue the “Senior Coffee” hour that Admiral has hosted for years. This is a social hour on Tuesday, 10 am-11 am. Safeway provides the coffee and the seniors bring treats to share.

-3 of our career checkers have transferred to Jefferson Square for the duration of the construction:
· Barb Fuda – 40 years with Admiral Safeway
· Chris Murray – 37 years with Admiral Safeway
· Sheryl Bogie – 27 years with Admiral Safeway
26 additional Admiral Safeway employees have also transferred to the Jefferson Square Safeway.

– Our fuel station is still open and offering the 10 cent discount for store purchases of $50 or more;
– The pharmacy is open in a trailer on the Admiral site;
– Jefferson Square Safeway now has free underground parking available for our customers.

She also mentioned that local Safeways have fundraisers ahead, including J-Square Safeway hosting a Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser at Roxbury Lanes tomorrow, 6-9 pm, $10 for unlimited bowling and shoes, and starting its annual Christmas Ham Drive for West Seattle Food Bank right after Thanksgiving.

This afternoon, we’re welcoming Shanti Salon & Spa as one of our newest WSB sponsors. As per WSB tradition, new sponsors have the opportunity to share information about their business: Shanti (pronounced Shŏntē) Salon & Spa has operated in West Seattle continuously since 1996. The salon was recently purchased by a West Seattle family: Tim and Heidi Reynolds, daughter Lillian, and a close family friend purchased the salon in mid-May of this year. Tim and Heidi have three daughters, all of whom are involved in the business. Erica graduated from the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute several years ago and is a stylist at Shanti. Carlene, the middle daughter, is keeping the books and helps with marketing. When you visit Shanti, you will notice some exciting changes to both the exterior and interior of the salon and spa. Heidi and Tim are intent on maintaining an atmosphere conducive to pampering their clients and providing the highest level of service and products. In maintaining the Aveda mission, the owners of Shanti value and care for the world we live in and are taking steps to become more environmentally friendly, as well as supporting other local West Seattle vendors. Shanti Salon & Spa offers full-service hair treatment, nail service, waxing, facials, lash extensions, and a wide range of massage treatments. Visit the Shanti website to sign up on the e-mail list and receive a discount for spa or salon services. Shanti Salon & Spa is located at 2138 California SW, two blocks north of the Admiral Junction; for an appointment, call 206.932.5988.

We thank Shanti Salon & Spa for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“Suite Arrangements is the result of many things coming together at once: personal interests, family experience, our evolving cultural ethic, and macro-economic picture, and the availability of a great location,” says Geoffrey Abdian, talking about the furniture store he’s about to bring to The Junction.

Where, you ask? If you are a keen observer of storefront changes, you probably noticed the “for lease” signs being replaced this weekend by butcher paper (photo at left) in the windows of Suite Arrangements‘ future storefront at 4706 California SW – formerly Funky Jane’s Consignment (which moved a block and a half north), then briefly Heavenly Wholesale/Leslie’s. Appropriately enough given the space’s history, Suite Arrangements will be a consignment store too – furniture consignment (among other specialties).

We’d been trying to track down this story for a few weeks, after getting tipped to a Craigslist ad seeking employees for a “small furniture store” planned for the heart of West Seattle. Our inquiry to the blind box in that CL post went unanswered, but then a few days ago, a more general announcement of the future enterprise appeared, and our second request for information was answered, amply, by Abdian.

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Never mind those cloudy forecasts, the sun has come out in time for The Junction’s big multi-merchant sale. The Big Bonanza is continuing till 5. Above, that’s Linda Walsh outside her shop, Clementine, famed for its shoes (and note the ones she’s sporting); it’s one of dozens of sale displays you’ll find Junction-wide. The Junction’s newest shops are participating too, like Bin 41 (WSB sponsor) and knows perfume, whose proprietor Christen Cottam was putting the finishing touches on her table:

You can find deals for your pet today, too – here’s the setup outside Next to Nature:

At Cupcake Royale (WSB sponsor), wardrobe additions are the frosting on the (cup)cake:

As you wander The Junction, just look for the bandana and/or red balloons like the ones outside Square One Books:

For Square One, Big Bonanza falls right in the middle of a big four-day sale – drop in for a deal on almost anything in the store. And for coupons delivering bonus deals, drop by the Big Bonanza HQ tent on the southwest corner of California/Alaska. The sales are in full swing till 5 pm.

Three quick shopping notes for tomorrow — As announced last month, Saturday is closing day for Admiral Safeway, soon to be torn down for a project centered on a new store almost twice the size of the current one. Safeway has told us the store will be open till midnight tomorrow night. Shoppers are discussing its closeout sales right now in the WSB Forums … Saturday also is the NEW closing day for Friends and Company in The Junction, the rubber stamps/craft store that is consolidating operations at its newer Issaquah location. That’s a few days earlier than first announced. … Tomorrow’s a big day for shopping in The Junction overall, with more than 40 merchants participating in the second annual end-of-summer “Big Bonanza” sale – with discounts and prizes. Here’s the list (which includes WSB sponsors Bin 41, Brunette Mix, Cupcake Royale, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, and Square One Books).

Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“We’re not the center of your universe yet, but we will be,” quips Virginia Bowen, owner of Seattle Yarn (5633 California SW). This global takeover has begun with the launch of Seattle Yarn’s new online store, which offers many of the yarns, needles, hooks and books featured in the store.

Employee Marguerite Lynch (at right in the top photo with Virginia), who created the online venture, says: “We did this because people were requesting it. Our customers would bring their friends and family who were visiting from out of town and who still wanted to be able to shop our store when they went back home.”

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