West Seattle, Washington
26 Thursday
Story and photos by Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Alki Lumber will make its final sale in West Seattle sometime this Friday afternoon, after more than 100 years as the peninsula’s only full-service lumber yard. Preparation for the move to their new building in South Park has been under way since last month, but they’ve been open for business at 4422 36th Ave SW even as the shelves continue to empty. They will reopen as Alki Marine Lumber on Monday morning at 558 S. Kenyon Street.
(Alki Lumber’s retail area has little left on its shelves in West Seattle)
“It’s an odd mix between sad and exciting,” says Korey Love, Alki Marine Lumber president. Love has worked for Alki Lumber for 18 years, and says the goal at the new location is to keep things as they have always been—just in a new place. “We’re going to do our best to not change anything: Same service. Same product.”
Love says the new location has 2,500 sf of office and retail, a 17,500 sf warehouse and the lumber yard, for a total of 2 acres. In comparison, the West Seattle location, essentially the same size at 1.98 acres, is made up of multiple buildings and lumber storage yards with a street in between them following the angles of the triangle area. That means the size of the new location will be familiar, just consolidated and more efficient.
(Charlie moves fixtures bound for South Park using a forklift)
There’s a lot of history here, most of it far beyond even the longest employees’ memories. That’s what happens with a business founded in 1921. Charlie, who was hired for his first job at Alki in 1980, points out the building just east of Alki’s retail entrance that looks like a house. He says it was moved from across the street to its current location many years back. Alki Lumber’s website identifies that as the building it operated out of on 36th and Avalon after leaving its first location on Harbor Avenue. It was subsequently moved to its current location in 1957. Just as Alki Lumber moved again and again in its early years, Charlie sees Alki Lumber’s move to South Park as part of the inevitable change that happens with growth. “The city wants progress. The city doesn’t want a lumber yard. It’s a key development area — the writing was on the wall.”
After owning it for 110 years, the Sweeney family sold Alki Lumber to Marine Lumber in late 2021. “The plan was always to merge the two into one location,” says Love. That plan was spurred along by the Sweeney family’s plan to develop the West Seattle acreage into hundreds of apartment units called the Sweeney Blocks. Despite Alki vacating the property this year, there is not yet a projected date for demolition or groundbreaking for the development, family spokesperson Lynn Sweeney told WSB last month. Alki’s new building is right next to Marine Lumber’s longtime location with an address on S. Chicago Street. Marine Lumber’s operations will stay where they are, but the office staff will join Alki’s in the new building. “Come Monday, everyone will be under one roof.”
(Alki Marine Lumber President Kory Love at the West Seattle sales desk)
As Love took a phone order today, framed photos of 3 generations of Sweeneys still hang above the counter, along with vintage tools on the nearby wall. Some of it will go to the new location, and some will become keepsakes. Practical fixtures, like the drawer system for specialty nuts, bolts and other hardware is being wrapped up on pallets, ready to move to the new space. Other things won’t be making the trip. “We purged some of the inventory we’ve had for 20 years and haven’t moved,” Love said, smiling. Jerry, who’s worked at the store since 1999, quipped, “We’ll have a clean store this time.”
(Blue-wrapped fixtures ready to be moved to South Park location with Alki’s original building from 36th & Avalon in the background)
Moving all of the inventory will be a monumental effort, and Love says some of their vendors are offering up their own delivery trucks to help make it happen. He’s aiming for the middle of April to have it all cleared out. While Alki Lumber has a lot of loyal West Seattle customers, they only make up about 30% of sales, so they will actually be closer to the majority of their customers and to their own employees’ homes in the new location. Love says he hopes West Seattleites will find the trek down the hill worth it. “We’re bringing the coffee pot and we’ll still have doughnut Wednesdays,” and he says if the 10-minute drive is too much, “We deliver.” A grand-opening celebration will be planned for late spring.
Meantime, the West Seattle location was not noticeably less busy two days before it is permanently closed. Love says the new space will be an improvement for operations, but the old location won’t be forgotten. “This has 70 years of dirt and dust and all the other good stuff.”
If there’s a person, business, or organization you think deserves one of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westside Awards, here’s your chance! The Chamber has just announced that nominations are open:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Westside Awards, the annual program honoring the businesses, nonprofits, and individuals whose work has shaped the West Seattle community over the past year.
Nominations close April 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. across four categories:
• Westside Business of the Year recognizes an established business (3 or more years in operation) demonstrating growth, excellence in customer service, and meaningful community involvement.
• Westside Emerging Business of the Year honors a newer business (under 3 years) already making its presence felt through innovation, community engagement and gaining momentum.
• Westside Not for Profit of the Year highlights a nonprofit whose dedication to service and social good has left a visible mark on West Seattle.
• Westsider of the Year recognizes an individual whose leadership, volunteerism, or service has strengthened the community.
“Every year, the nominations remind us just how much is happening in this community. The Westside Awards exist to make sure that work gets the recognition it deserves,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber. “We encourage anyone who has witnessed dedication to West Seattle to put in a nomination.”
Winners will be selected by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
Nominations are free and open to the public. Submit at https://loom.ly/j2lcDkM
For more information about the Westside Awards, contact Rachel Porter at rachel@wschamber.com.
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that has served the West Seattle business community since 1923. The Chamber advocates for local businesses, connects members, and works to strengthen the economic foundation that makes West Seattle a place where commerce and community grow together.
Here’s our coverage of last year’s awards breakfast; see the list of past winners here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Over the course of its first year, Mr. B’s Mead Center has evolved into another kind of center:
Community.
Dropping in to talk with Mr. B – Brandon Eller – and Mrs. B – Krista Eller, we learned that’s what Year One has brought.
As you might have noticed on our Event Calendar – not to mention theirs – Mr. B’s Mead Center, in what used to be Center Tool Rental at 9444 Delridge Way SW, is a hub of happenings. (That includes their first-anniversary party this Saturday [March 21], 2-8 pm.)
“Lots of art events – it’s a really inclusive space.” Particularly because they don’t charge for use of the space.”They keep their profits; we sell mead,” reasons Brandon. The no-charge policy applies not only to public events but also private parties – from birthdays to memorial services.
Though they didn’t expect this evolution, they’re pleased to facilitate it. “It’s what the community wants,” Brandon says.
They’re also happy to support new artists, and new events, with affordable fees for participants. One example that’s just launching, a Sip and Sculpt session on first Sundays, $15 for participants, whose finished work will be. professionally fired. (Next one, April 5.)
They’re also working with White Center Solidarity, hosting some of their events, like a mending session.
Live music is part of the mix too – “often it’s their first show, or if they’re new to the area.
They’re also supporting new businesses – like in-the-works Duchess Mini-Café (here’s our previous report on that), soon to open on their site – and collaborating with White Center winery Wolfpack Cellars (WSB sponsor).
Speaking of beverages, we wondered how the reception has been for the first mead-focused venue in the area. Customers are embracing it as “something different” that they’re “glad to have nearby,” Brandon reports. (The original Mr. B’s Meadery is still humming along in Fremont, in case you find yourself on that side of the city, though Brandon admits they have been focusing more on this location.)
They say they’ve received the same kind of reception that they’ve been offering to the artists, vendors, and others they’ve opened their doors to – encouragement and support. And they’re hoping to offer more – Krista has applied for grants to support more classes and pay performing artists. For year two, Brandon’s goal is to be able to save money for more repair work that the space needs – “we did a lot of small repairs” to get open and stay open, but now the ex-tool shop needs a little more love.
What’s ahead in the immediate future? They’ve been participating in the Rat City Art and Food Walk – third Thursdays during most of the year, though it’s been on winter hiatus – and plan to host 17 artists for its return in April. But before then, stop by Saturday to wish them happy anniversary (or check Mr. B’s out sooner – tonight, for example, is the weekly Rock Band Gaming night!).
Thanks for tips about changes at West Seattle’s QFC stores, adding a railing and swinging gates inside the entrance. We stopped by the Junction QFC (4550 42nd Ave SW) to find out about them.
We caught up there with manager Niko, who explained that the new gate brings the store in line with most other QFCs, which already have these installed as an “anti-theft” device to deter shoplifting. The Junction location took a little longer because of the unusual configuration of the store, with the main entrance on a corner that includes an elevator arriving from other floors.
The new railing, installed a couple of weeks ago, extends from the in-store Starbucks to the registers and has an automatic gate that swings in to allow entry. From the store side, the signage identifies it as an emergency exit only. “There’s a weird beeping sound but it’s doing what’s intended,” says Niko. Once a customer enters, the intended exit is via the register area.
The Junction QFC has also made some other changes over the years, including labeling the SW Alaska Street side entrance as an emergency door and installing a locking liquor cabinet at the front of the store. They also have a security guard on duty during the 20 hours they are open, from 5 am to 1 am. The location opened September 16, 2009, and is owned by Kroger.
As noted earlier, it’s International Women’s Day. One way to celebrate: Register for a free workshop West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and community partners are offering in a week and a half. From West Seattle Runner co-proprietor Lori McConnell:
This is an event for women who run and walk and work out to come together to learn more about ways to support our unique health needs. Thursday, March 19th, 6 pm.
This year, we will be supporting a charity. We chose Girls on the Run! They will be at the event so you can learn more about the program, ways to volunteer, support and more. West Seattle Runner will be donating 10% of sales for the evening to Girls on the Run.
We will have 3 presenters. Michelle Babb MS, RD, CD, is a registered dietitian who holds a Master’s degree in nutrition from Bastyr University. She provides clients with the tools they need to achieve optimal health through nutrition education, creative fitness, and emotional balance. We have asked Michelle to speak about nutrition as it pertains to hormones of the female athlete.
Lina Sims, PT, DPT, is passionate about women’s health and related pelvic-floor conditions. Her interest in women’s health comes from her own pregnancies and postpartum experiences with her two children. Lina will be teaching us pelvic floor exercises.
Dr. Stefie Deeds, MD FACP, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine specialist in West Seattle, will cover perimenopause/menopause (Role of HRT for joints/sleep), strength training needs (bone health/ what the research shows), and the role of recovery/sleep in performance.
We will have Seattle Sports Performance at the event so you can learn about an opportunity for strength training.
Rosemary, owner of Nailspa2u, will be here to help with healthy tips for Healthy Feet. While her schedule is often full, maybe you can slide onto her calendar…she is talented and skilled in treating runner’s feet and lost nails from all those miles.
We will have a demo fleet of Brooks bras! Justine will get you fitted in a bra and we will do a couple laps at the track to wear test them. We will also raffle off a couple bras! We also will provide snacks and beverages.
Again, this is all free, but WSR requests RSVP so they can plan – email lori@westseattlerunner.com – then be at the shop that night, 2743 California SW.
Another new business location that just turned up in city permit filings this week already has put up signage. Thanks to Stacy for the tip on that; we went by 3902 California SW this afternoon to see the site for forthcoming Delphinium Delicatessen. It’s planned for the space inhabited by West Seattle Tattoo before that business joined the exodus to The Junction. Here’s a closer look at what the signage says:
(If you can’t read the fine print, it promises, “A specialty market with fine groceries and goods.”) On its early-stage website, Delphinium also promises “whole-wheel cheeses.” The site plan shows a kitchen – might that mean prepared food? We have a message out to the proprietor to find out more.
Ever since the “for lease” sign came down and the window-covering paper went up a few weeks ago, readers have been asking us if we know who’s moving into 4736 California SW (most recently home to My Three Little Birds, which is now at West Seattle Mercantile about a mile north). Tonight we finally know, thanks to a new city permit filing. It’s an extension of the trend for businesses to move into The Junction from elsewhere in West Seattle. In this case, it’s the dance, fitness, and capoeira studio – and community cultural space – VivaArts, currently at 4421 Fauntleroy Way SW. Proprietor Jennifer Hobbs tells WSB, “This move will be an expansion for VivaArts – the new location will have a reception area, two studio rooms, changing areas, an ADA bathroom and in-studio bathrooms. We hope to expand our programming and to reach more folks in West Seattle to bring our cultural arts, dance, and fitness programming for all ages.” When will they move? “VivaArts will stay at our Fauntleroy location most likely until the end of July or early August when we expect the construction to be completed at the new space in the Junction.” Other businesses that have moved relatively recently into the heart of The Junction – California between Oregon and Edmunds – from elsewhere in West Seattle include WSB sponsor Paper Boat Booksellers (from Morgan Junction), The Missing Piece (from just north of Arbor Heights), and Emerald Water Anglers (from 42nd/Oregon).
Though the official “grand opening” celebration isn’t until Saturday, Mud Bay‘s Admiral store is expected to open for business in its new location – the two-years-empty ex-Wells Fargo kitty-corner from the pet-supply store’s old location – tomorrow. Crews are moving the merchandise into the new location right now. Grand-opening festivities are scheduled to start at 9 am Saturday. Their now-former space will be the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop later this year.
Thanks for the tips! “We’re Moving Soon” banners like the one in our photo have gone up around the longtime Alki Lumber yard in The Triangle. So, readers asked, how soon is “soon”? The exact date isn’t finalized yet but “very” soon, Alki Lumber tells us, likely within weeks, with more details expected shortly. As we first reported four years ago, Alki Lumber is owned by Marine Lumber, sold by the Sweeney family after a century. Its new location is in South Park – 558 S. Kenyon. It’s been seven years since the Sweeneys announced they were studying options for their Triangle property’s future; they subsequently made plans for two buildings on what became known as the Sweeney Blocks, with hundreds of apartments.
(2021 rendering, with potential location for historic neon sign)
The projects finished going through Design Review in 2021 (as we reported here and here); some, but not all, major permits have since been issued.
(WSB photo from October)
Another Jefferson Square business flooded by last October’s CVS pipe break is finally getting back into its space. We told you earlier this month about Dream Dinners West Seattle‘s reopening following flooding repairs; now we just got word from neighboring School of Rock West Seattle‘s proprietor Phil Gustavson that they’re ready to reopen too:
School of Rock West Seattle is hosting a grand re-opening event March 7th, 2026 noon-3 pm.
After being forced to close in October of 2025 due to water damage from a leaking pipe in the CVS pharmacy above the school, School of Rock West Seattle is thrilled to announce that the school will be rebuilt and ready for students starting March 7th. New students who sign up at the grand opening event will receive 50% off their first month’s tuition and 20% off summer camps!
The event will have live music as the house band rehearses during the event. Free trial lessons will also be available to those who pre-book by calling the school at 206.294.3175. Tours of the school and refreshments will be available as well as awesome door prizes including a brand-new Boss overdrive guitar effect pedal for one lucky guest! Guests may enter the door prize drawing for free and do not need to be present for the drawing at 3 pm in order to win.
School of Rock is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square, at 41st SW and SW Alaska.
(Photos courtesy West Seattle Nursery)
That’s the newest thing flowering for West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) – their Grand Prize trophy from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival! You might recall their call – and community members’ response – for books to include. Here’s what they became:
Here’s how WSN announced the win:
Many long days went into building this display, and we are so proud of what our crew created. Thank you to every person who worked tirelessly to bring our garden library shed concept to life.
The care poured into every small (and not so small) detail is what makes this woodland escape feel so effortlessly homey.
“Where Stories Take Root” was designed as a cozy reading retreat nestled among ferns, shade-loving shrubs, and trees, a space where structure and landscape blur together. A deck extends over a gently moving pond, wooden bowls drift and softly knock against one another, and a sunken seating circle invites you to slow down and stay a while. Look up and you’ll find a chandelier crafted from books. Look closer and you’ll see pages fanned into floral forms. Every detail has a story.
Also:
People often ask where those big Madrone branches on the corners came from. One of our employees has Madrones in his yard and these were broken off during a wind storm.
You can see how many of those donated books were used. Again, thank you to the community for stepping up and helping.
You can see the display firsthand at the Flower and Garden Festival – at the Convention Center downtown – through Sunday (February 22).
As sunny days like today remind us that gardening season is near, West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) is inviting more kids to join the Growing Gardeners Club, which will be involved with a demonstration garden that WSN will launch soon. WSN’s Marie McKinsey explains, “This month we are inviting kids to decide what we will be planting in the garden. We have a questionnaire for them to fill out, and we will announce the ‘winners’ in early March.” Kids can answer the questionnaire at the nursery (5275 California SW), and it’s also in the first issue of a new Growing Gardeners Club newsletter for parents, which Marie explains “will enable us to share more content, like videos and links to various resources.” If there’s a budding gardener in your home, sign up for the newsletter here – and see the first edition (with the aforementioned questionnaire) here.
Thanks to Desiree for the tip! That sign in the window of the former Row House space at the AJ Apartments (southwest corner of 42nd SW and SW Oregon) uncloaks the new tenant: Arthur Murray Dance Studio. If you’re of a certain age, you might recognize that as a name with decades of dance-teaching history worldwide. Here in West Seattle, the studio owners are Tina Marie and Gretchen Malone. Tina also co-owns the Downtown Seattle location; when we asked her why expand to West Seattle?, she replied, “We have a few students that currently live in West Seattle and have often thought that there must be more people that could use some dancing in their lives! We’ve come to find those people!” First lesson in the new space is Thursday (February 17). They’re teaching 30 styles of dance, with private lessons as well as group classes.
As announced last April, Mud Bay is moving kitty-corner at the Admiral Junction. And now they’ve set the date. Here’s the announcement we received today:
Mud Bay is excited to announce the official Grand Opening of its relocated Admiral store in West Seattle.
The former Wells Fargo Bank building at the corner of Admiral Way and California Ave has been thoughtfully transformed into a brand-new Mud Bay location designed to better serve the neighborhood.
When this space became available, we were thrilled by the opportunity to create a more accessible shopping experience for the West Seattle community, including five dedicated parking spaces for customers. The new layout offers more accessible square footage and updated fixtures, providing more room on the sales floor for customers to shop. The store will also feature an expanded assortment of small animal products and a larger selection of minimally processed frozen pet food.
Join us on February 28th to celebrate our Grand Opening!
The first 100 customers will receive an exclusive Mud Bay tote bag filled with special gifts and giveaways … Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
New Address:
2358 California Ave SW
As announced on New Year’s Day, the historic Ashcroft Building that Mud Bay is leaving will become the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop; it’s now owned by TRG proprietor Frank Gross
More than a decade after the first announcement of the plan for pet-friendly The Hydrant in The Junction – “a gathering place for people and pups” – it’s officially open. We reported just after Christmas that they were close, and today proprietor Beya Mark emailed to tell us about the opening at 4541 California SW.
Here’s how she announced it:
I am super-excited to let you know that The Hydrant is open!
After what feels like an eternity (seriously, did we take a trip through a time warp?), we’re open!!
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a craft beer aficionado, or just in need of a cozy spot to enjoy some cider or coffee, we’ve got you covered! And the best part? We’re pet friendly! Bring your furry friends along for the fun — because they deserve a treat too!
We’re not just open; we’re conveniently located in the heart of the Junction!
Get ready for a fantastic experience! Along with our rotating lineup of craft beers and fine wines, bring in own mouth-watering bites from local restaurants.
But wait, there’s more! We’ve got games lined up and are ready to host events that will keep the good times rolling. So gather your friends, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together! Can’t wait to see you all here! Let’s make up for lost time together. Cheers!
We went by for photos after the email from Beya, who, with husband Cliff, owns Next-to-Nature next door. Note that The Hydrant – whose delays were detailed in our December update – is 21+. It’s open seven days a week, still finalizing the hours but in the 11 am-7 pm vicinity, earlier and later on weekends.
ADDED: Here’s the current wine/beer menu.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Friday the 13th will be Meghan Hogan‘s lucky day.
That’s when she’ll officially reopen Dream Dinners West Seattle on the lower east-facing side of Jefferson Square (4701 41st SW).
We reported in late October on the flooding from a plumbing problem in the nearby CVS store that affected her meal-prep business and other neighboring businesses.
We didn’t realize until recently that Dream Dinners and neighboring School of Rock have remained closed for repairs since then.
Earlier this week, we visited Meghan as she, husband Mark Hogan, and employees continued cleaning the store to get ready for reopening, following weeks of work replacing everything from ceiling tiles to drywall to flooring to equipment.
While it retains the name of what was once a national-franchise business, Dream Dinners West Seattle went indie last year (not long before the flooding shutdown). And while their model, pre-pandemic, was primarily for customers to come in and assemble meals from prepped ingredients, it now remains mostly take-and-bake (or take-thaw-and-bake). And what they offer from a menu that changes monthly is more than dinners – also lunch and breakfast dishes and desserts. You order online, then arrange to pick up.
The first week is sold out, but beyond that, Meghan is hopefully their customers will return, and that they’ll acquire new ones. They got some help from a Dream Dinners store in Vancouver, WA, filling orders and meeting customers nearby twice a month, but that wasn’t anywhere near the volume they had been doing. “We’d love the community to come back and support us,” says Meghan, with hope. Not just support her – but also their staff, all part-timers, all of whom are coming back to rejoin the team with the reopening. (“All West Seattle kids!” Meghan notes.) Some were helping out during our conversation this week (which followed a staff meeting). The store – which the Hogans bought in 2019 – has a two-decades-plus history.
If you haven’t tried Dream Dinners before – or if you have – Meghan says you should know that it’s not a subscription service, and that the order sizes have changed – you have smaller and larger options; it’s not just family-sized. And the monthly menu usually has meatless options. Most items cook in 30 minutes or less, though they also have crock-pot-type offerings. The menu of options changes monthly, so if nothing sounds good one month, check back the next! The pickup/storefront-open times include some evening and Saturday hours, so you have multiple options. You can get Dream Dinners food delivered, too.
But even if you do, Meghan hopes you will remember there’s a local difference – her and those “West Seattle kids” on staff – “There’s a face” behind your order, someone who prepped your meal in West Seattle, “not just somebody dropping a box off at your door.” She’s thrilled, meantime, to be reopening her door to you again,
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A food pop-up with some tantalizing offerings is in the process of creating a permanent home in South Delridge as early as this spring. Duchess Mini Cafe is in permitting to open a walkup-style cafe in a building that’s owned by Mr. B’s Mead Center, whose second location at 9444 Delridge Way SW just opened last year.
Poffertjes mini pancakes cooking–photos by Jennifer Worges unless otherwise noted
Duchess Mini Dutch Pancakes has been a regular popup at Mr. B’s Mead Center over the last several months, serving Dutch pancakes, poffertjes, and other treats. Owner Jennifer Worges says she’s been serving her unique menu at markets and festivals for 3 years while also working a restaurant job and is excited to have a space where she doesn’t have to set up and break down every day. “Popups are a lot of work,” she says.
The future Duchess Mini Cafe currently has a red and white facade–WSB photo
The future home of the cafe is petite, at just 10’x10’, but Worges is confident it will work, and was thrilled that the owners of Mr. B’s offered her a lease. “I’m super excited to be able to expand.” Because the footprint is too small for customers to be inside, she is planning a walk-up service window to order espresso drinks, juices, and teas, along with a variety of sweet and savory foods.
Mango Tiramisu Poffertjes
Worges is planning to include many of the items that have been a hit during the popups. Poffertjes are mini Dutch pancakes that she makes with a sweet cream batter. Toppings can be as simple as butter and powdered sugar, or nutella, but she’s also been making a mango tiramisu topping, a goat cheese/cream cheese/vanilla mix and something she calls the Angry Goat: goat cheese with pickled strawberries, thyme, honey, and a little hot sauce.
Hoisin Garlic Chicken Gua Bao with fresh pickled sweet and sour veggies
Another featured item is her take on the Taiwanese street food guabao, which is a bao-like bun wrapped around a savory filling. “I’ve been testing it out at the last couple of popups,” she says, stuffing the buns with combos like gochujang pork, with sweet and sour pickled veggie, with more options to come. “My plan is to have breakfast ones, stuffed with bacon and eggs and cheese.”
Worges is juggling permitting and building out the space while still holding down her job as kitchen manager at the nearby Lumber Yard Bar. She started a GoFundMe this week and is hoping for community support to help with some of the costs. “Once I can pay for all the permits, I’m going to start basic and can always expand.”
In the meantime, Duchess popups will continue at Mr. B’s this month on the 7th, 13th, and the 14th, for the Rat City Valentine’s Day Market at the Mead Center.
As reported here on Monday, the former Walgreens in South Delridge has a new owner. Subsequently visiting the site (15th/16th/Roxbury), we noted the signage announcing that it’s up for lease. But new owner James Tjoa has more immediate plans to activate the site, we learned from a spokesperson who returned our call today because Tjoa is traveling. He’s hoping to use its lot as a food-truck site, with one truck scheduled to set up there within a few days, El Gran Taco, and “we’re talking to others,” hoping ultimately for “three or four” to set up there. The spokesperson says Tjoa already owns property in the area – the site of the White Center Dollar Tree store a few blocks south on 15th – and “loves” the area, considering the ex-Walgreens site “a great corner.” Though Tjoa is a developer as well as broker and real-estate investor, redevelopment is not expected on this site – zoned for mixed use up to four stories – any time soon; the building is in good shape, they explain, only about 20 years old, so “tearing it down wouldn’t make sense” – at least for another 10 years or so.
This scene caught our photographer’s eye while passing through The Junction on an errand this afternoon. Not entirely unexpected to see people with fishing gear in the vicinity of Emerald Water Anglers, but casting over the sidewalk? Turns out they were shooting a promo for the Fly Fishing Film Tour stop at The Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) this Friday night (February 6), 7 pm. Just a few tickets left, we’re told (available here).
PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WSB
The West Seattle Junction Association‘s first-ever Sweet Stroll this afternoon was sweet indeed – the $20 tickets for tastes at five Junction venues were sold out days before the event. Photojournalist Dave Gershgorn captured some scenes for WSB. Above, A La Mode Pies was the starting spot, where ticketholders could pick up “passports” to get stamped at all five participating businesses for an entry to a prize drawing. The pie tastes they were offering were raspberry crumble a la mode and cookies & cream:
Across the street at Panterelli Patisserie, proprietor Jacques Nawar was serving profiteroles:
Two doors west, Molly Moon’s Ice Cream offered a mini-flight of seasonal flavors:
The Junction’s most-famous purveyor of sweets, Bakery Nouveau, served Sweet Stroll-ers their choice of traditional croissant, sakura petit-four, or brownie:
And at Top Pot Doughnuts, it was a double-chocolate treat – hot chocolate doughnut and mini hot chocolate:
Wondering what’s up next in The Junction? Here’s this year’s event schedule so far – if you’re a fan of the twice-yearly Wine Walk, first one is set for May 15.
(Mountain Madness photo: New owner Lisa Thompson with previous owner Mark Gunlogson)
Though West Seattle is home to hills and not mountains, it’s also home base to a variety of businesses tied to the latter. Among them: Mountain Madness in South Delridge, which has a long history, as the announcement explains:
Mountain Madness, a global leader in guided mountain adventures, was acquired by Lisa Thompson, founder of Alpine Athletics. Thompson will lead Mountain Madness as its new President and sole owner, bringing together Alpine Athletics’ expert coaching and training with Mountain Madness’ 40+year legacy of guiding transformative climbing, trekking & skiing adventures worldwide.
With nearly 20 years in the mountains, Lisa Thompson is an accomplished climber and coach. Among her achievements are the Seven Summits and becoming the second American woman to reach the top of K2, as told in her best-selling memoir, Finding Elevation. In 2018 she founded Alpine Athletics to prepare climbers of all levels for the physical, mental, and tactical requirements of mountaineering.
Mountain Madness was founded in 1984 by legendary climber Scott Fischer and partners. Fischer is widely known for his role in the 1996 Mount Everest expedition, chronicled in Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, which brought global attention to the risks and rewards of high-altitude climbing. Under Fischer’s leadership, Mountain Madness became synonymous with bold expeditions, but most importantly, a passion for sharing the magic of the mountains.
In 1997 the company grew under the new leadership of Christine Boskoff, one of the first prominent female 8,000-meter high-altitude climbers. Her vision took guests to new uncharted, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and strengthened Fischer’s dream to guide more 8,000-meter peaks. Longtime guide Mark Gunlogson, who began guiding for Mountain Madness in 1994, took the reins in 2008, expanding the company into a globally respected adventure travel leader while honoring its founding values of exploration, education, and empowerment. To honor Mountain Madness’s legacy and ensure its future thrives, Mark will remain onboard to guide and mentor the team.
Since 2021, Alpine Athletics and Mountain Madness have partnered on unique initiatives such as fundraiser climbs and all-women’s expeditions in the Pacific Northwest. This partnership continues with an all-women’s Ama Dablam expedition. With a shared vision to inspire and empower climbers to go beyond what they thought was possible, Thompson will further this by offering a fully integrated client journey — from the first training session to summit day — and everything in between.
Mountain Madness’s headquarters is at 9249 17th SW. That’s where you’re invited to attend Ski Film Night at 6 pm Friday, February 6, with screenings, beverages, and raffle. prizes including a drawing for a rescue course. Watch for more community events (we’ll add them to our calendar as we get them).
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“I’m super proud of the team,” says Bakery Nouveau owner William Leaman, after coaching America’s baking team at this year’s Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie, an industry competition in Paris for countries from around the world. The competition took place Tuesday and Wednesday, with winners announced late yesterday. South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and France were the medal winners, followed by Denmark and America. Ten teams competed in the finals.
(Photos by William Leaman) Defending its gold medal from 2024, France earned bronze this time.
As we reported last week, Leaman’s been juggling running his 3-location bakery business, including the flagship store in West Seattle (4737 California Ave SW), with coaching the 3-person Team USA at bi-weekly practices in Chicago. He was tapped to coach after being part of the winning team in 2005. At this year’s Coupe du Monde, each of the 10 teams had to produce many of the same breads, pastries, and savory “snacks” on the single competition day, plus a unique artistic piece showing an invention from their country, many with elaborate details.
South Korea’s 1st Place entry
Denmark’s whimsical Lego theme came in 4th place
Leaman says the pressure was high and the space was limited on competition day. “They did a great job, especially in a space that was half the size of what they were used to working in. That was probably the biggest challenge and then all of the noise, different countries, so many of their fans, air horns, yelling, screaming all in the last couple of minutes to be on time.” Adding to that, a live audience and a cadre of judges watching all day as they worked.
Team USA’s entry came in 5th
To finish in the top half of the field is testament to the team’s focus and talent. They started practicing long after some of the other teams, and they all have day jobs, making practices less frequent than ideal. Leaman says some teams had either sponsorships or government support that allowed them to practice and work on their design and techniques full time for many months. “Our biggest challenge was artistic, and a super short runway to prepare.” Despite that, the jury was impressed. “We had high marks in flavors for our products,” he says.
Some of those flavors will be headed to the Bakery Nouveau locations soon. Leaman says one of the “snack” sandwiches they made for the competition will be on the menu — look for the new Black Cod Miso sandwich on brioche later this year.
Tyler and Katie Blanchard wanted to ensure that O’Neill Plumbing – founded in 1917 – would remain a family-owned business.
So they bought it.
Tyler worked for the Morgan Junction-based plumbing company (a WSB sponsor) for 15 years before becoming co-owner wirh Katie, whose previous career was in health care, with a focus on nursing.
They live in West Seattle, where Tyler was raised and has deep roots, including grandparents who are West Seattle High School alumni.
Nothing is changing at O’Neill Plumbing with their acquisition – the name, the staff, etc. will all remain the same, say the Blanchards, who took over in November. “It’s an honor to take over something that’s been here for more than 100 years,” Katie said. “To carry on that family-owned legacy is really special to us.”
In a day and age when many independent plumbing companies are being absorbed into “conglomerates,” the Blanchards point out that O’Neill Plumbing remains a family-owned company – just, a different family!
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