West Seattle, Washington
03 Monday
Now that it’s Labor Day, we’re just two days away from the first-ever Westside Job Fair, where more than 30 local employers (listed here) will be waiting to talk to you about working for them here on the peninsula. (Imagine not having to deal with bridge backups!) 10 am-1 pm Wednesday (September 6th), the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce are presenting the job fair at the Great American Diner and Bar, 4752 California SW, and we’re proud to be the media sponsor, since we’ve been working for years to help connect local businesses and workers via free job listings. So if you’re looking for work, or thinking about a change, we’ll see you Wednesday!
Looking for something to listen to on this holiday? Mike Powell usually podcasts about “action sports” – but as a longtime West Seattleite, he interviewed one of our area’s most legendary entrepreneurs, Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan, who has some unforgettable stories to tell – not just about his own achievements, but also family members, from his surf-clothing-inventing grandma to his rock-promoter mom. Mike sent us the interview link; we listened to it last night, and thought you might be interested:
Matt and Mike’s hour-and-a-half discussion includes a little bit about the prospective Easy Street takeover of the old Corner Pocket space, and a whole lot more – from his time as a teenage rock photographer, stretching across the 30-plus ensuing years of adventure.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
As Delridge grows and changes, one thing has remained the same: Its lack of a grocery store.
What is now the Delridge Grocery Cooperative has been working on that for years. And its board members were heartened to see the latest sign of interest – a full room at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center for the co-op’s “town hall” this past Wednesday.
As noted in our preview published two nights earlier, the centerpiece of the meeting was the unveiling of the Delridge Grocery Co-op “market study,” professionally conducted research that had to be done before they apply again for the loan that’s needed to get the store open in its long-reserved space at 5444 Delridge Way SW.
There to hear about it, and ask questions, was a roomful of people from longtime co-op members to former board members to current board members, even newly interested neighbors saying they “just want to help.”
And it will take all that help, and more, to make the dream of a store finish coming true. “When we cut the ribbon, I’m riding in on a white horse,” joked Delridge Grocery board president Andrea Wilmot.
Here’s what was reported, asked, and answered during the hour-plus-long meeting:
Three biznotes to share:
SUPREME PROGRESS: Thanks to the texter who let us know that signage starting to appear on the exterior of the future Supreme, pizza, pinball, and more from Ma’Ono and New Luck Toy chef/co-proprietor Mark Fuller. We stopped by and got a peek as remodeling continues:
This space is the former Pellegrini Market (4521 California SW).
STARBUCKS WEST SEATTLE DRIVE-THRU REMODELING: Back in March, we reported that online records showed remodeling work was on the way for the drive-thru Starbucks at Fauntleroy/Avalon/35th in West Seattle. The company wouldn’t comment. But now a sign’s up alerting customers that the work is starting.
Thanks to Anna for the photo.
ALKI URBAN MARKET: A few months back, a reader told us the convenience store at 2820 Alki SW, open almost 10 years, was going to close at summer’s end. We tried but couldn’t get the owner to confirm. Now, at summer’s end, it apparently has indeed shut down – after reader tips, we went over to look, and while there’s no sign on the door, the store is dark and the shelves are empty. No indication in public records of what’s happening in the space next.
Looking for work? For the first time ever, West Seattle employers are joining forces to look for you. We’re now just eight days from the Westside Job Fair, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and WorkSource, with co-sponsors including WSB (where we offer local businesses free help-wanted ads year-round). You can see the updated list of participating employers here. The event is set for 10 am to 1 pm Wednesday, September 6th, at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) – bring resumés and be ready for on-the-spot interviews.
Three West Seattle biznotes:
ELLIOTT BAY TWO-DAY CLOSURE: Elliott Bay Brewing Company in The Junction is closed today and tomorrow “for beautification and repairs,” and plans to reopen at 11 am Wednesday.
WAITING FOR MOD PIZZA? We checked to see if the pizza place signed last year for The Whittaker (WSB sponsor) is opening any time soon. The reply from spokesperson Charlotte Wayte: “This opening has been pushed out a few months, and we’re now looking at June 2018.”
NEW AT CHARLESTOWN CENTER: The second-floor corner space at 3727 California SW that housed West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) before their move to 2743 California SW a few years ago finally has a new tenant as of this month: Schoeb Chiropractic. The announcement from Ryan Schoeb, D.C., and wife Molly Schoeb says they have lived in West Seattle for more than 10 years, and he’s now moved his practice close to home, after 13 years on the Eastside. They are Genesee Hill Elementary parents and Dr. Schoeb has coached West Seattle Little League, West Seattle Baseball, and West Seattle Soccer Club teams.
Imagine not having to cross the Duwamish River to get to your job. There are just a few ways to make that dream come true – telecommute, start your own (local) business, or … get a West Seattle job. Yes, they do exist. We showcase them in the West Seattle Jobs Offered section of the WSB Forums (listings are free for local businesses) – and now, the first-ever Westside Job Fair is in the works! Presented by the West Seattle Junction Association and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce (and co-sponsored by WSB), the job fair is set for 10 am-1 pm Wednesday, September 6th, at Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction (4752 California SW). Bring your resumé, because participants – the list, so far (more to come), is here – will be interviewing on the spot.
Today, we welcome Rain Day Spa as a new West Seattle Blog sponsor. New local sponsors get the chance to tell you about what they do – and here’s what Rain Day Spa would like you to know:
When visiting Rain Day Spa, you will find yourself relaxed and pampered. Your spa experience begins with the aroma therapy of eucalyptus, lemon grass, and sweet orange, combined with the soothing sounds of wooden pipes and gentle rain, followed by spa owner Angela’s genuinely warm smile and a complimentary cucumber water.
Our massage and facial tables and our lash chairs are first rate, ensuring absolute comfort during your treatment. We have attracted superior talent to our spa; our masseur and masseuses, estheticians, and lash specialist are experienced and dedicated to the mastery of their craft.
We offer Swedish, therapeutic, and relaxation massages of varying durations, as well as custom European and microdermabrasion / microcurrent facials. Lash extensions and a variety of waxing and tinting services, in addition to LED light treatments, round out the menu. Be sure to add a honey sugar foot massage and scrub to your selection in order to maximize your experience.
Our goal is simple: To enhance your beauty and your enjoyment of life. Located on Harbor Avenue SW in between Salty’s and 7/11, we aim to serve the local community with highly competitive pricing, six days a week. Call 206-203-RAIN (206-203-7246). We look forward to serving you.
We thank Rain Day Spa 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.
Another commercial space at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor) has been leased. Orangetheory Fitness will move into a 3,905-square-foot space in the south building, Weingarten Realty confirms. Orangetheory Fitness is a chain with hundreds of locations, specializing in what it calls “heart-rate-based interval training.” You can see its future location on Weingarten’s Whittaker “site map” above, which also shows that nobody is signed yet for what was to be the Whole Foods space – the site map indicates that could go to two tenants. (The other four businesses shown on the site map – BECU, CityMD, MOD Pizza, and T-Mobile – were announced a year ago and expected to open later this year.)
(Photo courtesy Ventana Construction)
Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) has just officially announced its new location – just blocks south of the old one that’s being redeveloped by that site’s owner. Ventana has moved from a log house to a “hacienda”:
We are excited to announce the move of our headquarters to a new location at the corner of California Avenue SW and SW Raymond Streets. This is exactly two blocks south of our leased office location, which was our base of operations for 10 years. Only one digit in the address has changed – 5958 California Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98136.
Moves are bittersweet, especially given how much we invested in and adored our rented office, but change is part of life-particularly when you’re in the construction business. We feel very lucky to have been able to stay on California Avenue SW in the Morgan Junction neighborhood, which has been our home since the company’s inception in 2003.
We are also thrilled to be stewards of one of the dwindling number of original buildings on California Avenue SW. The Hacienda was built in 1930 and still has the original finishes-mahogany millwork, coved ceilings with heavy texture plaster, a small fireplace with an alcove and red oak floors. It is in remarkably good shape given that it was a rental for most of its years. In the 1937, the tax assessor’s office noted that rent was $30/month.
It’s also one of the few corners that still looks substantially the same as it did in the King County Archive photo [above], which we believe is from the late ’30s. The streetcar tracks are gone, as are the beautiful street lights in the left of the photo, but much is unchanged. Proposed multi-family development planned around our building may soon change the character of this corner of Morgan Junction permanently.
We continue to remodel homes, often with additions and whole-house renovations, in West Seattle and other neighborhoods in the city. We also build custom homes and backyard cottages (DADUs). We welcome inquiries via phone 206-932-3009 and our website www.ventanabuilds.com
We are also proud to have been a supporter of independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via advertising in the West Seattle Blog for 10 years as of this coming February.
SIDE NOTE: Before you ask, we’ll be checking on the timetable for the move of the house in which Ventana was previously headquartered.
Today we’re welcoming Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts as a new WSB sponsor. New local sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves, and here’s what Cup of Hope would like you to know:
Summer may not last long here in Seattle, but that doesn’t mean the experience needs to fade. Whether you’ve been a guest in someone’s home or simply want to surprise your guest upon arrival, Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts offers a selection of designer gift baskets to make those memories last throughout the year.
Every basket we create features an exquisite bone china teacup, boldly designed fine porcelain cup, or a sporty way to carry a favorite beverage, and award-winning luxury organic teas. Filled to the brim with joyful accessories and trimmings, Cup of Hope baskets become treasured keepsakes guaranteed to delight and inspire long after they’re delivered. The collections are designed to be uplifting, and to inspire relaxation, encouragement, celebration and thankfulness.
Free Gift Offer for West Seattle Blog Readers
You deserve something special too, so be sure to learn more about your appreciation gift below.
How Cup of Hope Began: Treating Yourself Is the Best Medicine
Nancy Parker is the founder of Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts and a breast cancer survivor. Back in 2006, she underwent chemotherapy, the most emotionally draining and vulnerable time in her life. During those treatments, she was served hot tea, but in styrofoam cups. It was there and then she decided that she at least deserved a pretty cup to drink her tea from. Along with her cup, she would pack a few other goodies to go with her tea. That became her first “basket.”
Her baskets got noticed, so Nancy made up more of them for her cancer support group. The ladies loved them! This overwhelmingly positive experience catalyzed her into launching Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts. “Giving something pretty, tangible and memorable can have an immeasurable impact on someone’s day. And giving something that lasts long after that day, is a continual reminder of just how much you care,” Nancy believes. It’s this philosophy that drives Nancy to continue her gift basket donations to Seattle and Eastside hospitals through patient navigators and social workers. She also provides free delivery to hospitals located on First Hill.
Thank You, West Seattle
As an appreciation to the wonderful West Seattle community, receive a complimentary Be Strong book, filled with quotes that inspire, with your gift basket order placed through the month of August. Use the promo code BESTRONG and save on shipping costs too by selecting the free pickup option when you check out.
We thank Cup of Hope Baskets and Gifts 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.
Artists/designers Jason and Briana are touring cross-country with the Airstream Basecamp trailer they’re standing in front of in our photo, parked right now in front of Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Their company is Brainstorm, based in New Hampshire, with prints “inspired by science, nature, and the outdoors”; they won a cross-country trip in the trailer as the prize in a contest to design a wrap for it. They’re chronicling the journey here. Meet them at Click! and check out their pop-up shop until 7 tonight.
(L-R, Laurel Trujillo, Agen Schmitz, Lynn Dennis, Matt Larson, David Daw, Parie Hines, Willard Brown)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Starting today, volunteer community “ambassadors” are visiting businesses along much of Delridge Way in the next phase of the survey we first told you about last week.
This week, we sat down to talk with seven people who are involved in various roles, to find out more about the project’s intent and goals.
Partners in the project include the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. DNDA’s director of housing and environmental programs Willard Brown explains that “supporting and helping to organize our business community here in Delridge” emerged as a top priority during work on what was the North Delridge Action Plan in the past few years.
So they sought a city grant to hire a consultant. Working with consultant David Daw – also present for our conversation – “we settled on a survey of businesses to find out their impression of Delridge, their interests, why they are here, what they think of the neighborhood,” and where Delridge is growing and going. Read More
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Kristine Atri is a United States Air Force veteran who says not much scares her.
She in fact is a huge fan of “escape room” game venues.
So much so, that she’s opening the first one in West Seattle, where she and her husband live.
We talked with her today about The Escape Artist, which Atri expects to open this fall in three vacant spaces spanning about 2,500 square feet in the commercial building at 4517 California SW – two on the ground floor, separated by the breezeway, and one upstairs.
First – if you aren’t familiar with the “escape room” concept – it’s a 21st-century phenomenon, Atri explains.
The Delridge Business Survey and Outreach Project is on!
The goal: Reaching, engaging, and learning from Delridge’s many businesses, to gather information that will support “community-led business development in the area,” which hasn’t before had a “shared Delridge economic development vision.”
The project is an offshoot of the Delridge Action Plan, and funded by a city grnat, but, Delridge-area businessperson Parie Hines of LD Arch Design (WSB sponsor) tells us, it’s “led by neighborhood residents and businesses, in addition to the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.”
If you have a business in the Delridge area, between SW Spokane and SW Sylvan Way (South Delridge is not included in this project) – they want to hear from you. “Neighborhood ambassadors” will be making in-person visits in the weeks ahead, and you might get a phone call, but even before someone contacts you, you can answer the survey right now or as soon as you have a few minutes to spare – find it here.
Once the survey is complete, Hines says, the project report, summarizing findings and priorities, will be public in August. Project background is also viewable on the DNDA website and the West Seattle Chamber website.
(2009 WSB photo of the famously altered banner on what was at the time going to be Whole Foods’ original West Seattle site)
When we heard the news this morning about Amazon buying Whole Foods, our question was the same as yours: Will that change WF’s twice-canceled plans for West Seattle?
We’ve been checking around all day and so far … too soon to say.
To recap: The spot where LA Fitness is now, at Fauntleroy/Alaska, was originally supposed to be Whole Foods. Last decade, WF was announced as anchor tenant for what was then to be called Fauntleroy Place. Ground was broken. Project stalled after excavation, becoming “The Hole.” Finally in 2010, Whole Foods announced it was definitely out, since terms of its lease – building a store for it – hadn’t been fulfilled.
Two years later, WF was announced as anchor tenant for the megaproject across the street, now The Whittaker (WSB sponsor). But in March, WF said it had “decided to delay indefinitely” the West Seattle store, and landlord Weingarten said it was “actively working with Whole Foods to find a replacement for the space Whole Foods leased …”
To date, no replacement(s) signed; the online site plan for The Whittaker shows the space as available. We have continued to check periodically with Weingarten spokesperson Carrie Murray, and we’re watching files for the project site; we asked Murray this morning about whether the WF-Amazon deal might change things, and she pointed us to WF, whose regional spokesperson in turn pointed us to corporate HQ, which in turn has not responded. Otherwise, regarding the search for a replacement tenant, Murray said, “We are still working through options.”
West Seattle’s only coworking center has new owners and a new name. Crystal and Rosario Bevilacqua have launched West Seattle Coworking at 6040 California SW, in the space previously known as WS Office Junction. Ross has been coworking there for three years “because we believe in the need for a space to separate work from family life,” says Crystal, explaining that the Bevilacquas are a West Seattle family with four young children. West Seattle Coworking, she adds, is “a space where those from the community can rub shoulders and share resources without having to brave the morning commute.” The center remains open as they work nights and weekends on “freshening up the look and feel of the office”; new signage and a grand-opening celebration are coming up this summer. In the meantime, Crystal says, “I invite all those who want to enhance their productivity to give us a try. We offer a one-day free trial, and our memberships are month to month.” They’re online at westseattlecoworking.com and the best way to book your free trial or get questions answered is via e-mail at ilovecoworking@gmail.com.
P.S. Former Office Junction owners Christine and Stefan are having a farewell party there 6:30-9:30 pm next Tuesday (June 20th) with snacks and drinks, and hope to see those they’ve coworked with these past four years.
(WSB photos. Above, Nurturing Expressions founder Tracy Corey)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Not only has Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) moved into a new, bigger, more-accessible street-level storefront in The Junction, it’s dramatically expanded what’s in stock.
Proprietor Tracy Corey is a registered nurse who’s been a compression therapist as well as a lactation consultant, and as we noted here back in 2011, related items have long been mainstays for Nurturing Expressions.
But now that NE’s West Seattle store has moved across the street to 4727 44th SW, you will find a lot more there. And two in-store events this Tuesday and Wednesday just might be the perfect opportunity for you to explore the store. We stopped by a few days ago for a firsthand look: Read More
Just in time for the peak of swimsuit season, the namesake proprietor of Heidi Fish Swimwear has moved her business to a storefront on California Avenue SW, after 17 years in what she describes as a “very hidden” location in The Junction. Her new boutique at 4141 California SW is open 11 am-5 pm Tuesday through Saturday, or, she says, you can call 206-938-9928 to make an appointment for a custom fitting.
Heidi Fish Swimwear has been featured nine times in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition and carries its own line of swimwear and resort wear, including women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel: “Retro, and one-of-a-kinds; so many different styles,” she says.
P.S. You’re invited to a special Ladies’ Happy Hour event coming up later this month at Heidi Fish Swimwear, 1-4 pm on Sunday, June 25th, including gift certificates and prizes.
(April 4 photo of tunneling-machine breakthrough, by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If all goes well, the Highway 99 tunnel will open in January 2019 – after three weeks with no Alaskan Way Viaduct, and no tunnel.
That’s what Joe Hedges, the West Seattle resident who currently runs the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program for WSDOT, told the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce at its monthly lunch meeting today.
His presentation was introduced by Pete Spalding, the Chamber’s government-affairs committee chair, who also has long served as a member of the Viaduct/Tunnel project working group advisory committee.
Hedges called it a “wonderful treat” to be able to “come home” for the presentation. He’s been running the project for more than a year.
The “most important lesson learned” – “This Viaduct Replacement Program is a couple decades old, and the contribution to it involves a couple thousand people … what’s important is that (all that) is going to transform Seattle for the next couple centuries.”
He didn’t bring a slide deck, saying he just wanted to “catch you up, tell you where we’re at, where we’re going.” Right now: “Out of 32 projects that comprise the program, and $3.4 billion, we’re about 85 percent complete …” Read More
Three quick West Seattle biznotes:
STROLLER STRIDES EXPANDS: West Seattle Stroller Strides is adding a new location – Lincoln Park. The “grand opening” is next Monday, 9:30 am June 12th. Maryana from Stroller Strides’ parent biz Fit4Mom says, “It should be a fun event filled with a great workout, prizes, a diaper drive for WestSide Baby, and most important, a place where WS moms can connect with other WS moms.” Meet on the grass by the south parking lot (Fauntleroy/Cloverdale). Registration is requested – the link is on this page, with additional info.
DREAM DINNERS OPEN HOUSE: Tuesday night, two special sessions at Dream Dinners-West Seattle (4701 41st SW; WSB sponsor) offer you the chance at a deal – make three dinners for $34.99 (see the five options in our calendar listing). When we checked tonight, room remained in the 5 pm and 6:30 pm sessions – e-mail westseattlewa@dreamdinners.com, or call 206-938-5999 to RSVP.
NEW FOOD TRUCK: The 30th/Roxbury 76 station is now home to two food trucks. Besides Thai-U-Up at dinnertime most nights, the new food truck Burger Planet is there for lunch as of this past Sunday. We have a note out asking about their regular days/hours and will add whatever we find out.
Some West Seattle businesses expand to Ballard, some to Burien. Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is literally going much farther – expanding to Portland! Here’s how proprietor Frank Gross announced it:
We are thrilled to announce that this fall we will be opening another Thunder Road Guitars storefront in one of my favorite cities, Portland, Oregon. The new Portland store will act as a sister store to our flagship Seattle location and will be owned and operated by one of our own, Will York, who I’m sure most of you know. Will moved to Seattle from Gainesville, Florida, in 2012 and got his start in the musical instrument business winding pickups for Lollar Pickups. Will has been with us since 2015 and has become a true asset to Thunder Road Guitars.
We are so excited to have Portland be the first city outside of Seattle with a Thunder Road Guitars. The new store will be located in the Nob Hill neighborhood at 1024 NW 19th Ave and will be open for business in early September of this year. Thank you all so much for your support and business over the years, here’s to the next chapter!
Thunder Road Guitars’ West Seattle shop is in The Junction (4736 California SW).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The supermarket’s shelves are mostly bare.
The chain’s CEO stood among them, looking around, and was … happy.
That’s the unusual scene we encountered this afternoon at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), which has hours to go before closing for the site’s redevelopment, including its new store, almost twice as big. Cate Hardy, PCC CEO and West Seattle resident, explained that the empty shelves represent a gift of sorts – they put much of the merchandise on sale in hopes of selling as many items as possible to the store’s loyal, local customers, instead of doing what a supermarket chain might do instead, just load up the leftovers and truck them to another store.
Our photos tell the story of just how much has been sold. The last prepared foods, Hardy noted, were cooked a few hours ago – the deli wasn’t sold out yet when we visited at mid-afternoon, but the store’s closing early tonight – 10 pm – and we can’t guarantee you’ll find much of anything if you visit this evening. The produce section, for example, was not only mostly bare, the center display stands had been moved out.
As Hardy walked us around the store, she noted that much of its equipment will be set up in the new Burien store opening next year. Many staffers are moving to other stores; Corinne, West Seattle manager for four years, isn’t – she told us she’s “semi-retiring.” For now.
She and other staffers have special West Seattle pins in commemoration of the soon-to-be-demolished store. Hardy observed that the “energy level is high” despite the looming shutdown, and that’s what we observed too.
The store had a Staff Appreciation Day party two weeks ago, with food trucks (including vegan Plum Bistro). And this afternoon, a mini-bash with (organic, of course) corn dogs and ice cream was happening in the upstairs break room. That’s also where employees are signing the wall:
They’re also proud of the cards and other messages they’ve received expressing appreciation:
Before customers exit the front door, they’re seeing this sign, with the reminder of other PCC stores, plus delivery options – Instacart and Prime Now – that will bring PCC merchandise to customers in West Seattle.
PCC is scheduled to reopen in 2019 as the only retail tenant in the Madison Development Group project on the site, which also will include 100+ apartments and 150+ offstreet parking spaces, including the existing surface corner lot west of the alley.
LOOKING FOR BACKSTORY? This WSB report from 11 months ago, when PCC finalized its spot in the new development, has a lot.
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