West Seattle, Washington
11 Monday
Thanks for the texted photos! As previewed here last week, the house on California SW immediately north of West Seattle Nursery (California SW & SW Brandon) is coming down today to make way for the nursery’s expansion. We’re told many parts of the house were salvaged before teardown; there was hope of giving the house away to someone to move a new site, but no taker. The new addition, designed by LD Arch Design and built by Ventana Construction (both West Seattle businesses and WSB sponsors), is expected to be done by spring.
The day is ending more cheerfully than it began for Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) proprietors John and Frances Smersh. The shop’s 11th anniversary party is on, until 8 pm as planned, despite the overnight burglary (one of two local businesses hit, as reported here). And despite the fact the burglars even made off with the champagne. That was easily replaceable, as pointed out on the Click! Instagram account. So stop by to shop and sip.
Along with treats, you’ll also find deals, as noted in their website announcement about the event – written five days ago; it points out that #11 is the steel anniversary, and: “… steel is a strong material, but not unyielding, moving both to the forces of nature and of women and men. The celebration of eleven years in business has its roots in both strength and flexibility.” Along with words of thanks, that item also notes this marks five years since Click! moved from a cozy Admiral space to the spacious storefront at 4540 California SW in The Junction.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:32 AM: An unpleasant surprise for the proprietors of Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) as they arrived this morning to get their shop ready to open for the day – someone broke in overnight. “Not very much” was stolen, Click! proprietor John Smersh reports; they’ve been cleaning up to get on with the day – and the night, since, as noted in our daily preview, this is Click!’s 11th anniversary and they’re planning a 5-8 pm party. That’s definitely still on, John says, so they hope to see you there.
P.S. Because of the cleanup, they’re not opening for the day until 1 pm.
ADDED 3:39 PM: John had said a police officer told them another business, in South Admiral on California SW, had been broken into early today as well. We couldn’t find it on the SPD map or in Tweets By Beat at the time but have since learned via a reader tip that it happened at the live-work offices in the 3400 block of California SW.
4 PM: We have since heard directly from the burglarized business, Guenther Group, confirming theirs was the business broken into by someone who smashed through the front door (in Click!’s case, it was the rear) early this morning.
We’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor this afternoon: Something new at Admiral Chevron 2, the Growler Station!
It’s part of the new “Extra Mile” store at the station on the northwest corner of 41st SW and SW Admiral Way, a new place to stop to buy fresh craft beer to take home. You’ll find four rotating selections, including local favorites – you can check them online here before you go, and they’re on a reader board at the station too. Bring your own growler, or get one while you’re there. Here’s a reason to stop by and try it: a coupon!
You can either print the coupon (right-click on the image) or show it on your phone when you’re at Admiral Chevron 2. (You can use the ShareThis feature beneath the story to e-mail yourself the link if that’s more convenient!)
We thank Admiral Chevron 2 featuring the Growler Station for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
That’s a rendering of the new expansion building that West Seattle Nursery is about to start work on next door. We reported on the expansion plan early last year. Nursery owner Mark Smith owns the old house on the site and had hoped to give it to someone who would be interested in moving it to another location, but that didn’t work out, so it will be demolished next Monday. The expansion is designed by Parie Hines of LD Arch Design (WSB sponsor) will include “a new houseplant and gift shop; a coffee bar; a classroom; storage; and office space.” (Find more details of the building, especially its sustainability features, on the LD Arch Design website.) This will clear the way for the original WSN building to have an expanded garden center with more tools, accessories, and furniture. The project – to be built by Ventana Construction (also a WSB sponsor) – is expected to be finished by the end of March.
Three more biznotes to share:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, TOUCHTECH SYSTEMS: Brian Presser, proprietor of TouchTech Systems in the breezeway at 4517 California SW, sends word that this week marks his eighth anniversary in West Seattle. The business itself has been around even longer: “The technology has changed since we opened our doors in 1994, but our commitment to you hasn’t. Our job is to take the guesswork out of technology so we can outfit your home or business with the hardware, software and peripherals that meet your budget and exceed your expectations.” They serve clients of all types, from home to commercial.
CURVES FOLLOWUP: Our Friday biznotes mentioned the Curves West Seattle location at 3280 California SW had emptied out. Today its former owners contacted us to share this message:
After 13 years, Curves of West Seattle closed last week. We actively searched for a buyer for several months but were not successful. We both live in Olympia now and the commute finally took its toll.
We thank our hundreds of members who have been part of the Curves journey. You are amazing women! White Center Curves is open for those interested. We wish all health and happiness.
Sincerely,
Denise Hanson
Stuart Meadows
THUNDER ROADS CLOSED TOMORROW: From Frank Gross, proprietor of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) in The Junction:
We will be closed tomorrow, Sunday, October 4th, as we will be attending the Sea-Tac Vintage Guitar Show (with a large portion of our inventory). We will re-open Tuesday at 10 am.
TRG is at 4736 California SW.
(WSB photos from 2014 Admiral District trick-or-treating)
Exactly four weeks until Halloween! The Admiral District will again welcome kids for trick-or-treating, this time, on the day before Halloween, Friday, October 30th, 3-6 pm. This year’s volunteer publicist is Admiral business owner Brent Amacher, who points out that this is a truly grass-roots event, as the business district has no official organization, doesn’t collect fees, just puts up a sign – this one, in fact, is what you’ll see:
Amacher observes, “It’s become one of the best-loved Halloween events in Seattle. I personally go through bags and bags and bags of candy every year.” Last year we photographed him on candy-handout duty, in fact:
He continues, “Kids and parents line up around the block in costumes getting their Halloween action on early … We live in such a great area, and traditions like this make West Seattle truly special. This event is part of our heritage. It makes me proud to see the tradition continue as West Seattle continues to grow.”
P.S. We’ll be launching our annual WSB Halloween page soon, so if you’re having a Halloween/seasonal event that’s open to the public, please send information ASAP – flyers/posters not necessary, just plain text in the body of your e-mail, with a webpage link if you have one – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
Fridays just lend themselves to roundups. Notes from and about local businesses:
(Photo courtesy Parliament Tavern)
PARLIAMENT TAVERN OFFICIALLY OPEN: After a few weeks in “soft open” mode, the new establishment at 4210 SW Admiral Way is now officially open, proprietor Tom Langen tells WSB. 21+, full bar with 17 beers on draft that “will lean heavily on the great stuff brewed locally,” plus “a smallish menu featuring fancy grilled cheese sandwiches that will hopefully knock socks off!” Live music “from time to time” (first show October 10th), DJs some nights (tonight: “WS legend Kingblind”), and Tuesday quiz nights starting October 13th. By the way, if you didn’t know (we must confess we didn’t), the name has nothing to do with government … but rather, their mascots (above). Tom explains, “A group of owls is called a parliament, like a gaggle of geese, murder of crows, etc.. The idea for this spot is a neighborhood evening hangout, for night owls if you will. The one great thing about this old, old space is the high ceilings and the dark-stained fir panels on the upper half of the walls that give it a woodsy feel. Tried to bring that out with paint and light, and threw in a bunch of owls hanging around to give it a ‘thing’. They are most certainly fascinating creatures, beautiful, mysterious, and everyone has a reaction to them in some way. Almost always positive!” Hours: 4 pm to 2a m weekdays, 12 pm to 2 am weekends.
ADMIRAL BIRD’S NEW MENU: Steps from the Parliament, Admiral Bird at California & Admiral has just launched a new menu “focusing on waffles,” per the announcement: “We have three varieties: Belgian, gluten-free Sweet Potato, and a vegan GF Cornbread batter. We are now a Waffle Bar, keeping all of our popular breakfast sandwiches and taking our weekend waffles to a daily availability.” See the menu for more details.
ENDOLYNE JOE’S NEW MENU: Last weekend for the Cuban “festival menu” at Endolyne Joe’s, which will debut the “Little Italy/Providence, RI” menu on Wednesday. These special menus are in addition to their year-round specialties. (9261 45th SW; WSB sponsor)
CURVES CLOSED: Noticed while driving by that the Curves West Seattle storefront at 3280 California SW is closed. We’d heard from its owner some weeks back that it was for sale. No signage indicating what’s next.
MONEYTREE CLOSING: The short-term-loan business’s branch at 4000 SW Alaska in The Junction is closing. We found out through this this commercial real-estate listing, saying Moneytree was closing the location “due to regulatory changes.” Checking the company website, the West Seattle location’s page says it’s “moving” on October 10th – to Burien. “Only 20 minutes away!” says the flyer.
Another independent local West Seattle business is celebrating an anniversary: Today marks five years since West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) opened! Co-proprietors Chris Christensen (left), Todd Ainsworth (right), and staff took a quick break for an anniversary photo and are sharing this message: “It’s hard to believe it went by that fast! We wanted to say thanks to all of our customers and the local businesses that we’ve forged relationships with over the years. We can’t be happier that we can live and work in West Seattle and be a part of the community!” West Seattle Autoworks is at 7501 35th SW, corner of SW Webster.
Happy second anniversary to Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction! The shop invites you to help celebrate by shopping a big sale this Saturday and Sunday (October 3-4): “We get so much support from our community that this year we are doing something really special … a HUGE ‘GARAGE SALE’ with hundreds of items up to 50% off (plus a few ‘give us your best offer’ items).” Coffee and doughnuts for shoppers. Never been to Second Gear Sports? As explained here, it’s “dedicated to providing the community with high-quality, discounted sports and recreational gear, and offering customers an outlet to reduce, reuse, and recycle their gently used sporting goods.” SGS is open 10 am-6 pm on Saturday and 11 am-5 pm Sunday at 6529 California SW. P.S. Check out the new wall of Seahawks gear! (Above, WSB photo from August: Second Gear Sports proprietor Mark Bremen)
West Seattle-founded and headquartered Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) is planning a cross-Sound expansion in hopes of helping more mothers, babies, cancer patients, and others who use its growing array of services. This video explains:
It’s not only showing off what they’re going to do in Kitsap County – where, founder Tracy Corey says, the services are very much needed, but the video was also their entry for the small-business-assistance edg3 FUND competition, 
in which Nurturing Expressions is a semi-finalist, with finalists competing for a $20,000 grant. Getting to the next round involves votes, and yours can help NE reach across the water to help. You won’t be asked to sign up or “like” anything, but you will be asked for your e-mail address as part of a verification process, since it’s limited to one vote per address (the final step is checking your e-mail to verify) – scroll down this page to find Nurturing Expressions. Voting ends this Wednesday at 5 pm.
P.S. Nurturing Expressions’ West Seattle shop, if you haven’t been there, is in The Junction at 4746 44th SW, suite 201 (second floor).
Big Sunday in The Junction. Seen while wandering through …
If you love chocolate, go see Andrea from Dolcetta Artisan Sweets, making a guest appearance at VAIN (WSB sponsor) until 3 pm as “Seattle Made Week” wraps up. VAIN is at 4513 California SW, on the west side of the street if you’re wandering the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find these gentle visitors today:
The “retired” greyhounds and their friends also are on the west side of the street. The market’s on until 2, as always, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon.
No, we’re not going to put up a countdown clock ticking away your shopping days, etc. But some advance work IS required for holiday bazaars and other events – including one that’s brand new this year and all about one of our favorite words, “local”:
The General Store Seattle (3400 Harbor Ave. SW; WSB sponsor) is uniquely dedicated to All Things Local. And so proprietor Claire E. Jones is organizing and presenting the first-ever (and first-annual) Live Life Local Collective Convention, noon-6 pm Saturday, November 7th, at West Seattle’s own Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
The event itself is just under six weeks away – but here’s what you can do right now:
*Go here to sign up online for your FREE ticket (it’ll be $3 at the door)
*Become a sponsor or donor
*Volunteer to work at the event and support local
*Apply for the paid position of assistant organizer, who, Claire says, will “help plan and run the event”
For #3 and #4 above, e-mail claire@thegeneralstoreseattle.com – she would also be happy to hear from anyone with ideas or suggestions for the Live Life Local Collective Convention.
Following up on two recent charity events in which Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor) was involved in helping community members give in a big way:
FOOD DRIVE TOTAL: Two weeks ago, as shown here, BHHSNW was at West Seattle Thriftway (also a WSB sponsor) to collect food for the West Seattle Food Bank Backpack Program, making sure kids in need don’t go hungry on weekends, when they can’t access school meals. Managing broker Don Bereiter shared the photo and tells WSB, “It was amazing to see how generous the folks are in West Seattle. Over 2,500 pounds of food and hundreds of dollars in cash were accumulated for those in need.”
HELPING ‘SUNSHINE KIDS’: Last weekend, BHHS NW presented its annual golf tournament to raise money for The Sunshine Kids, long one of its spotlight nonprofits, which helps brighten the lives of kids fighting cancer. A variety of donations related to the tournament (including sponsors, WSB among them) totaled $8,437; Bereiter says that plus proceeds from a benefit breakfast hosted by BHHS NW’s Kent office will total more than $10,000 to be presented to The Sunshine Kids at an event this week.
SIDE NOTE: If you’re thinking about a career in real estate, BHHS NW has one of its periodic Career Day events coming up three weeks from today, 10:30-11:30 am October 17th at its Jefferson Square offices, 4700 42nd Ave. SW, Suite 600. Find out more here.
5:29 PM: For more than a day now, according to two reports we’ve received, at least one squirrel has been inside Terjung’s House of Gifts in The Junction, visible through the window. The two people who’ve mentioned it – including the one who just texted the photo – say they couldn’t figure out any way to track down the store’s owners, even via neighboring business owners. So we’re publishing this in hopes maybe someone who reads it will know and be able to alert them (or will have some other idea of what to do).
5:47 PM: Thanks to Wendy, who says in comments: “I just called them & they are aware. They tried to catch him this morning, then put a catch/release trap in the store and plan to check on it after dinner.”
Cycle University‘s West Seattle branch is getting out of the retail business – but you’ll still be able to shop there, as another bike shop takes over the retail space, while Cycle U continues 
with cycling-fitness classes, bike-fitting, coaching, and bicycle-skill classes. Cycle U proprietor Craig Undem says they’re partnering with Woodinville Bicycle, which will open its second shop at the Cycle U WS location as Westside Bicycles. That’ll be in an expanded retail space on the main floor at 3418 Harbor Ave. SW, while Cycle U’s offerings will be in a remodeled basement studio, starting in early October. In the meantime, Cycle U’s having a “blow-out liquidation sale” of its merchandise. Undem says in the announcement, “I can’t thank the West Seattle community enough for the support and patronage these first 6 years from our start at the Senior Center and the Huling Brothers Jeep location. We always wanted to offer more bikes and accessories but were working with a limited budget. Woodinville Bicycle has been one of the top shops in the region for 10 years and has the resources to really outfit a top level bike shop. This will allow us to focus on what we do best.” Cycle U moved to Harbor Ave. in 2012. (King County Assessor’s Office photo)
This Saturday, three independent local businesses are teaming up for the first-ever West Seattle Gear Grab. Reid Curry, manager of Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), calls it “a GIANT year-end clearance sale on outdoor gear,” featuring EWA as well as West Seattle Cyclery and Mountain to Sound Outfitters. Curry adds, “While this is in essence a giant parking lot sale, it is also an unprecedented partnership between three of the premier outdoor retailers in West Seattle…establishing West Seattle as an up and coming destination for a variety of specialty outdoor stores and representing the strong and ever growing community of outdoor enthusiasts in West Seattle.” It’s happening on Saturday (September 19th) from 10 am to 4 pm at the north end of The Junction’s parking lot along 42nd SW south of SW Oregon, right across from EWA’s shop. From the announcement:
If your thing is catching sea run cutthroats off Lincoln Park, cycle commuting to get your workout in as you slog through the work week, or SUPing and kayaking with resident harbor seals off Duwamish Head, or heading up to ski and snowboard in the Cascades, this is an event not to miss. … We will be clearing out our storage spaces, back shops, and selling demo gear to get ready for the upcoming winter season and keep the retail wheels rolling. … Deals will be had, and this event will occur rain or shine. So come out and celebrate the amazing area we live in, and support your local specialty shops which call the Junction and Triangle neighborhoods of West Seattle home. Then cruise on down to check out the amazing grub and suds right in The Junction; what a cool way to spend the afternoon in one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle.
Four biznotes to share:
LIKA LOVE’S LOCATION: After reverting to all-mobile for a while when its previous storefront in The Junction became Pagliacci Pizza‘s expansion zone, Lika Love Boutique has a new permanent bricks-and-mortar location, at 6031 California SW in Morgan Junction.
NOBLE BARTON ABOUT TO OPEN: The new bar/restaurant in downtown White Center opens tomorrow, our friends at nearby Caffé Delia report, tweeting these preview photos:
<The space was briefly Meander’s Kitchen‘s first WC location and, before that, Papa’s Pub, at 9635 16th SW. NB is planning to be open 10 am-11 pm tomorrow – a little earlier than usual so you can see the Seahawks game.
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS CLOSED SUNDAY: Your next chance to shop at Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) in The Junction will be Tuesday – proprietor Frank Gross sends word TRG will be closed tomorrow (in addition to its regular Monday closure) for renovations. Some rearranging has to be done, he explains, for a new infusion of inventory in the bass department.
CAFE OSITA SUPPORT: As reported here earlier this week, the Sunrise Heights coffee shop has been hit by burglars, again. The shop reopened the next day but a patron wants to help beyond just encouraging everybody to give Cafe Osita a business boost – so Jason Sturgeon has set up this “buy Café Osita a cup of coffee” donation drive.
This afternoon, we’re welcoming a new sponsor, the West Seattle Discovery Shop, where you can shop, donate, and/or volunteer. Here’s their explanation of how it works:
(L-R: Patricia Barber, Suzanne Rowe, Michele Rhilinger, Betty Korhonen, Mike Warlum, just a few of the volunteers helping out at the Discovery Shop)
SHOP
Looking for a piece of vintage jewelry for a special occasion? What about a set of Midcentury Modern glasses for your newly remodeled retro kitchen? Or a cashmere sweater to wear this fall? Well, you are in luck! For more than 24 years, the Discovery Shop has offered customers a chance to “discover” that one-of-a-kind treasure. Our store features high quality, gently used, donated clothing for men and women, accessories, artwork, antiques, collectibles, books and household items, all priced for the savvy shopper. But perhaps the best thing about making a purchase at the Discover Shop is knowing that all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Since opening our doors in 1990, over 2 million dollars has been generated to fight cancer. When you spend your money in our store, not only do you walk out with a great find at a great price, but your dollars help to fund cutting edge research and much needed services provided by the American Cancer Society, such as patient lodging assistance and transportation to treatments.
DONATE
Conveniently located in the heart of The Junction, the Discovery Shop accepts a variety of gently used items such as clothing, accessories, home decor, small kitchen appliances, artwork, antiques, glassware, lamps, and dishes. Items may be dropped off at our shop during normal business hours. All donations are tax exempt. Your support is central to the American Cancer Society’s mission of fighting cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Together, we share a hope for a tomorrow free of cancer.
VOLUNTEER
Our store, which is open 7 days a week, is run entirely by volunteers. They are the heart and soul of the Discovery Shop. Currently, more than 70 people help keep us in business, doing a variety of things such as bookkeeping, cashiering, receiving donations, sorting, ironing, pricing, and merchandising. Interested in volunteering? We are always looking for people to join our team. No special skills are necessary, just a desire to share your energy and enthusiasm a few hours a week.
Come check us out and discover why we are more than your run-of-the-mill resale shop. We are a place to make new friends, find great bargains, and gain a sense of hope. Plus, you will always leave with a cheerful smile from one of our many volunteers. The West Seattle Discovery Shop is at 4535 California SW, 206-937-7169.
We thank the West Seattle Discovery Shop for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Thanks for the tips that resulted in these four West Seattle business notes:
PARLIAMENT TAVERN NOW OPEN: In the space vacated by Vidiot, which is now next door in the former Benbow Tavern space at 4210 SW Admiral Way, Parliament Tavern opened this weekend.
MARDI GRAS DONUTS REOPENS: Fans were sad to see a “closed until further notice” sign up recently, but a texted tip and WSB Forums topic reveal the famous-for-its-beignets donut shop at 9828 16th SW in White Center has reopened.
CHOPSTIX ABOUT TO REOPEN: When last we wrote about Chopstix, north of Morgan Junction at 5905 California SW, it was promising an August 15th reopening. That came and went but now the sign on its door says it’ll be open this Wednesday (September 9th). We have a feeling it’s likelier this time – its website now sports the “grand reopening” menu for what will now be called Chopstix BBQ.
NEXT DOOR … The same tipster who texted the Chopstix update points out that Juneau Street Market, next to Chopstix, has somewhat conflicting notes on its locked doors, one saying it’ll be closed TFN, one saying it’ll reopen September 12th (next Saturday) after remodeling.
P.S. We have a really long watch list right now of in-progress restaurants and for-lease spaces we’re tracking – checking the locations, permit records, etc., as often as we can, but just wanted to say again, tips are very much appreciated if you spot signage, progress, etc., before we do – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
Today we welcome Mailbox West as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what its new owners want you to know about what they’re doing and what’s ahead:
Mailbox West has been a part of the West Seattle community – in one iteration or another – serving mailbox, shipping, and business-services needs for 27 years. As the new owners, Vince Harrelson (above) and Erin Coopey are proud to be part of this long-standing local business. While Vince is primarily running the store (along with our incredibly knowledgeable and friendly employee, Natasha), Erin is busy writing cookbooks and teaching culinary classes.
We have lived in West Seattle for 8 years now and absolutely love it! We definitely ascribe to the “local first” mentality. We rarely ever leave our lovely little West Seattle neighborhood. In fact, I’m so local to Mailbox West, my commute is 4 blocks. Best commute I’ve ever had! What does it mean to have a “local first” mentality? It means you look to your neighbors and fellow local business owners for what you want/need before you go anywhere else. There is nothing like the personal touch of a face-to-face conversation with someone who is friendly, informative, and ready to help!
That’s what we pride ourselves on at Mailbox West: Being a friendly, helpful, community-focused small business.
What does our little local business do? We provide private mailboxes with 24-hour access, mailing and shipping, business services, notary services, packing supplies, gift boxes, gift bags and wrapping supplies, and a growing stock of locally sourced greeting cards. We hope to offer some fun gift options (e.g., small locally made gifts and food items to local art pieces) later this year.
We really do believe we are part of the West Seattle neighborhood and try very hard to make you feel a part of the “hyper-local” Mailbox West family. When you come in, we really do want to get to know you and to help you with whatever it is we can. We get to know your faces, your names, and your pets’ names. Don’t forget, we have really yummy treats for your dogs, too!
A business like Mailbox West is just a store until you give it character and personality. How do you do that? You have caring owners and a great staff that offer great quality services and products, extraordinary customer service, and to forge long-lasting ties to the West Seattle community…that’s how you make a place special. Being an independent, locally owned and operated local store gives us the power (and opportunity!) to be able to bend over backward for our customers.
Please stop by anytime for your mailbox, mailing/shipping, notary, business-service, and greeting-card needs … or just stop by to say hi and introduce yourself and your pet. You can find us at 6523 California Avenue SW (across the street from Thriftway at Morgan Junction) and on the web at MailboxWest.com.
We thank Mailbox West for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Today we’re welcoming Second Gear Sports as a new WSB sponsor! Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:
Second Gear Sports is dedicated to providing the community with high-quality, discounted sports and recreational gear, and offering customers an outlet to reduce, reuse, and recycle their gently used sporting goods.
“We offer everything from apparel and outerwear to footwear, bikes, water sports to winter sports, and more,” owner Mark Bremen says. “Our selection changes as the seasons change, and we add items based on customer requests. In fact, our inventory has expanded to include new items, such as soccer gear from Franklin sports, Diamondback bicycles, the popular FiveLo ArmSox, Strideline socks, and Seahawks fan-wear!”
Mark opened Second Gear Sports in September 2013 after enduring two mass layoffs in five years from the medical-device industry. “The actual idea of opening a sports consignment store came to us from a dear friend whose son kept outgrowing his soccer cleats and they wanted to save without buying new,” Mark said.
Mark and his wife Ellen and their two children believe that a small business is the soul of a neighborhood, and are proud that their store is located in Morgan Junction, just minutes from their family’s home. The Bremens believe in serving the community and local schools; Second Gear Sports regularly donates to school auctions and area organizations.
This young business has received impressive attention, including:
*2014 Westside Emerging Business of the Year – West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
*2015 Top 10 Best Sporting Goods Store – KING 5 Best of Western Washington
*2015 Finalist for a Golden Teddy Award for Shopping & Services – Parent Map Magazine
*2015 Finalist for Drive Your Business Forward Contest – Fast Company Magazine & Mercedes-Benz
“Opening Second Gear Sports is a passion for our whole family,” Mark says. “We love working with this community!”
Second Gear Sports is located in Morgan Junction across from Thriftway at 6529 California Ave SW. Hours are Monday – Saturday 10 am -6 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. You can find them on Facebook, or e-mail info@secondgearsports.com, or call 206-935-3552.
We thank Second Gear Sports for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(WSB file photo)
This Thursday night, you have a chance to find out all about Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in the historic Frank B. Cooper School building, courtesy of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly “After-Hours” event, which this month is open to everyone, not just Chamber members. The announcement:
Typically, After Hours is a members-and-their-guests-only event. However, in August, the event is open to non-members interested in learning more about the WSCC. Join us for drinks and appetizers and find out what all the buzz is about at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Founded by the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) in 2006, the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is an inclusive, contemporary multi-arts space that incubates and inspires new arts participants, art-makers and organizations from our multicultural, intergenerational communities to engage in civic dialogue and meaningful community transformation.
Youngstown is home to groundbreaking arts education and is a hub of cultural vibrancy in Delridge. Youngstown provides office space for seven outstanding nonprofit organizations (Arts Corps, Nature Consortium, the Service Board, Reel Grrls, Totem Star, Twelfth Night Productions, and the West Seattle Tool Library) as well as a second-chance alternative public high school serving some of Seattle’s highest-need students. DNDA partners with Youngstown tenant organizations and others to drive forward collaborative programming for local youth and adults.
Rentable spaces at Youngstown include the Theater, Movement Studio, Kitchen, Recording Studio, and Classroom spaces, perfect for corporate events, weddings, performances, workshops and meetings. Rentals directly support programming. 36 affordable housing lofts for artists occupy the facility’s top three floors. The building is in the national register of historic spaces and hosts more than 30,000 participants annually.
The event is 5:30-7:30 pm on Thursday (August 27th); Youngstown is at 4408 Delridge Way SW.
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