My Ballard » Denny’s

Demolition permits issued for vacant buildings

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:36:40 +0000

More than a year after the Denny’s building was torn down, demolition permits have been issued for the two remaining buildings on the property.

The permits specify demolition of the single-story commercial building and the and the residential property that have been sitting vacant for more than a year. Just because the permits were issued doesn’t mean demolition will happen soon — they don’t expire until January 2011.

Rhapsody Partners received the green light from the Design Review Board back in March for the Market Street Landing development that is slated to be built on the corner of 15th & Market. We’ve contacted Rhapsody Partners for an update on the project, and we’ll update you when we hear back.

Market Street Landing wins design approval

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:13:37 +0000

First on My Ballard: Rhapsody Partners and architect Arthur Chang won approval from the Design Review Board on Monday night for Market Street Landing, a new condo/retail complex replacing the Denny’s at 15th St. and Market Ave. The board attached several conditions to the approval.

The new design (above) features several changes suggested by the board from January’s proposed design. The two most obvious changes are the corner tower, which was modernized with more glass, less brick and a “subtle glow” at night (see below for a closer angle). And the lighter color palette at the top floors of the buildings, which was designed to diminish the perceived height of the development. The board’s reception was mostly positive, although member Jean Morgan said the new design “looks much bigger.”

The board spent the most time discussing the merits of these two design aspects, quizzing Chang about different options, even at one point debating the difference of several inches in the height of the corner building. “For better or worse, you picked the most prominent place in Ballard,” said board member Bill Singer. “We’re holding you to a high standard.” Board member Mark Brands emphasized the importance of the corner tower’s design as a new focal point of Ballard. “People are going to name this,” he said. “What’s it going to be called?”

In the end, the board voted to approve the design, but it attached a list of conditions. For one, they asked that Chang tweak the tower design to make it look more like “a single element” and “less vertical,” as well as increase the size of the gazebo on the top, which ties into the rooftop garden. They also wanted the height of the corner building to be slightly reduced, differentiate the window trim and add a community board at the bus stop.

Next stop for Rhapsody after they incorporate the required changes: apply for a Master Use Permit. Rhapsody’s Katie Vance told us after the meeting that until they receive the MUP, they’ll be unable to seriously shop Market Street Landing for financing. By the way, only five people from the public attended tonight’s meeting, and the two people who spoke gave mostly positive feedback — a far cry from the controversy over the Denny’s demolition last June.

Market Street Landing is back up for review

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:42:11 +0000

Rhapsody Partners and architect Arther Chang will be presenting their updated proposal for Market Street Landing to the Design Review Board tonight. Back in January, the board told Chang that the design for the large retail/condo complex was an improvement but still needed some work.

Here’s January’s design shown from the perspective of 15th and Market. Tonight’s meeting is in the Ballard High School library at 6:30 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to attend and comment on the design. (If your computer can handle a huge .pdf file of 107 MB, then you can download the updated design here.)

Also: Ballard High School is hosting the Viaduct town hall tonight

‘Market Street Landing’ makes progress with board

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:37:13 +0000

Rhapsody Partners and architect Arthur Chang presented the latest proposal for Market Street Landing to the Design Review Board on Monday night. The condo-retail complex is slated for the old Denny’s site at 15th and Market.

Last time Chang presented his design plans to the board, a member called it a “sprawling octopus.” This time, the board said it applauded many of the changes, but a couple members said the lack of diversity in building materials still made the project “feel big.” The building is large by Ballard standards: it tops out at eight stories in height with 287 condo units, 32,850 sq. ft. of retail space and 445 parking stalls over three underground floors.

One of the design changes is the corner tower on 15th and Market — which would be illuminated at night. Chang had said he gathered inspiration for the design from the Old Ballard City Hall along with a lighthouse. One board member said the tower still needed some work.

This aerial view illustrates the large private rooftop garden area. A board member mentioned the project needed some kind of public space because “the public deserves something” for a project in such a central place.

Overall, the board said the Market Street Landing design had “a lot of great elements” but that Rhapsody and Chang should make some changes and “probably plan on another round” with the board. A member of the audience declared that the project “doesn’t say Ballard at all” and “doesn’t speak to the neighborhood” — a common theme among supporters of the old Denny’s building, once Manning’s Cafeteria, that was designated a landmark and demolished to make room for the Market Street Landing project. Yet despite all the previous controversy, only a dozen or so people attended tonight’s meeting. For Rhapsody, which appears to be making progress with getting design approval, the next hurdle is finding financing for the project — which is currently unfunded in the middle of a recession.

Plus: See the entire design presentation (large .pdf file)

‘Market Street Landing’ design meeting

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:35:25 +0000

If you want to have your say in the design of the proposed condo-retail complex at the corner of 15th and Market, often called the “Gateway to Ballard,” then you can attend a public meeting at the Ballard High School library tonight (Monday) at 8 p.m. That’s when the proposed designs for Market Street Landing, previewed here a few days ago, will be presented to the city’s Design Review Board for a recommendation. Earlier in the meeting, at 6:30 p.m., Home for Good will present their early concepts for an affordable housing complex at 1506 NW 62nd St. (which we wrote about here last week.) We’ll be covering tonight’s event and will update any new developments here on My Ballard.

Denny’s site developer: ‘There is zero financing’

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:02:13 +0000

Exclusive: Months after the controversial demolition of the landmark Denny’s building, the developer of a new condo-retail project at the 15th Ave. and Market St. site says they have no money to begin construction. “There is zero financing right now. Institutional, private, you name it, there’s none,” said Rhapsody Partners’ Katie Vance at the Ballard District Council meeting last night. “Our intention is to take this project through the MUP (Master Use Permit) and hope that this economy and the new president and all these things that are being put into place are a catalyst to move this forward.” Vance said there’s interest in financing the project, but investors are waiting to see how the permit process plays out over the next several months.

Meanwhile, architect Arthur Chang gave the council a sneak peek into the new but not entirely completed renderings of “Market Street Landing,” the planned complex. “There’s a lot of differing views in the community,” Chang said of his experience gathering feedback from the neighborhood. Chang said the goal was to make the prominent corner structure “iconic,” and he gathered inspiration from the old Ballard City Hall as well as Ballard’s maritime history.

“What we’re trying to do is play off the idea of a lighthouse,” he said of the corner tower. (The photos were shot off a projection screen.)

Chang said they made multiple changes to the initial design including rotating one of the structures, adding a turnaround for cars in the courtyard, eliminating an entrance off 56th, adding two escalators, dropping one story of residential housing along 15th and integrating the bus shelter into the building itself. Chang is slated to present the new plans before the city’s Design Review Board on January 26th at 8 p.m. at Ballard High School — a presentation that may end up going nowhere if no financing is found.

Update: This story has been corrected to reflect that Rhapsody Partners expects to take this project “through the MUP (Master Use Project)” not the “month,” as we initially reported.

Sunset Bowl not a historic landmark

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:04:49 +0000

Unlike the now departed Denny’s building, there hasn’t been an outpouring of support to designate the doomed Sunset Bowl as a historic landmark.

But as is customary — which we learned from the Denny’s debacle — the new owners of Sunset Bowl filed a nomination with the city’s Landmarks Preservation Board as a preemptive move to make sure there wouldn’t be any last minute challenges. And the board ruled that Sunset is not historic, reports the Ballard News Tribune. But one board member pointed out that the nomination was brought before the board after the bowling alley’s interior was dismantled and auctioned off, diminishing any potential historic value. Sunset Bowl will be demolished any day now to make room for luxury apartments.

15th and Market demolition not until next year

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:32:59 +0000

Demolition crews leveled the old Denny’s landmark in June to make room for a condo-retail complex called “Market Street Landing,” which is still working its way through the design review process.

Meanwhile, two other buildings remain on the property at the corner of 15th and Market St. Some of you have asked us when they’ll be demolished, so we called the development company, Rhapsody Partners, for an update. They told us the current timeline has the demolition scheduled for sometime in the first or second quarter of next year (January to June).

In the meantime, the buildings attract the occasional graffiti scrawl, despite the chain-link fence that surrounds the lot. Photo courtesy of OhNobody.

Designing the ‘gateway to Ballard’

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:54:44 +0000

A couple weeks ago, we posted the possible design of the new development going into 15th and Market, the plot of land that some refer to as the “gateway to Ballard.” Some readers said the generic-looking development doesn’t reflect the uniqueness of Ballard. While I was in Fremont this weekend, I took a photo of that neighborhood’s “gateway” — a relatively new development that was controversial when it was built, but has a little Fremont flair.

Does it look like Fremont? Could the same be done in Ballard? Does it matter?

Bike rack brings back Googie

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:35:17 +0000

Sustainable Ballard is holding a bike rack design contest, and the winner will be announced during the Ballard Seafood Fest later this month. Take a look at this entry. “This rack design serves to enshrine the memory of an old Googie icon in the new Ballard,” writes Crosscut’s Knute Berger. “Suggested location: 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest Market Street.”

Another sign on the Denny’s fence

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:12:43 +0000

Update: That didn’t last long. Now the sign is gone.

Will this replace the Denny’s?

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:29:12 +0000

Benaroya Companies has not distributed their current design for the 15th and Market development because it has yet to be approved, but late last year Rhapsody Partners — the developers for the Denny’s site — proposed this design to the Northwest Design Review Board:

Called “Market Street Landing,” it’s a mixture of condos and retail, but it did not impress the board. “I don’t see Ballard there at all,” said one board member. It’s unclear if this same design — or something close to it — is in the cards now. My Ballard received an anonymous email with this same design from the “Coalition to Replace Ugly Buildings with Uglier Buildings” — not a real coalition, we imagine, but a joking email to make a point.

Denny’s lawsuit will be dismissed

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:50:50 +0000

Now that the Denny’s has been demolished, Benaroya Companies will dismiss its lawsuit against the city’s Landmarks Board, reports Crosscut’s Knute Berger. No surprise there. Meanwhile, a Seattle PI reporter standing in front of the demolished Denny’s says she “couldn’t find one happy passerby,” and she discovered this plastic bag attached to the fence.

Her unofficial survey, of course, doesn’t represent some of the views expressed over the last few days in comments on My Ballard, the Seattle PI and other blogs, as well. (Thanks Kristjan for sending us a photo of the sign!)

Also: Another “Flee Ballard” bumper sticker sighting.

What’s next for the Denny’s site?

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:53:19 +0000

Now that the old Denny’s building is gone, what are Benaroya’s plans for the new development? We asked for a sketch of the upcoming condo project, but we’re told it has yet to be finalized. So we looked at last year’s land use application which described “an eight story structure with 261 residential units above 32,307 sq. ft. of retail space. Parking for 437 vehicles to be provided at ground level and below grade.” As soon as a sketch is made available, we’ll post it here. Meanwhile, it looks like Benaroya won’t be incorporating the original roof of the old Mannings Cafeteria as some had hoped — the video that Ben shot shows it being demolished with the rest of the building. Writes Ballard Gossip Girl, “I hope they think about the importance of this gateway piece of land they now will develop, and not provide us with another beige box.”

Video of the Denny’s demolition

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:31:25 +0000

We shot some video of the demolition here. And My Ballard reader Ben shot this video clip of the bulldozer tearing off the last piece of the swooping roof (takes a moment to load), and Kelly sent us these photos below… (thanks Ben and Kelly!)

Update: It’s interesting to see all the Twittering about the demolition in our new Ballard Twitter page (which is still in beta).

Demolition crews level Ballard Denny’s

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:29:36 +0000

First on My Ballard: At 7 a.m. sharp and without any advance warning, a bulldozer went to work on the Ballard Denny’s, just days after the city issued Benaroya Companies a permit to demolish the landmark.

We arrived at 7:30 a.m., and crews had already taken down the sloped roof — the most distinguishing feature of the old Manning’s Cafeteria building at the corner of Market St. and 15th Ave.

A worker sprayed water on the building while the bulldozer methodically tore down the building, piece by piece. Construction workers walked around the perimeter of the fence to ensure nobody tried to get too close to the action.

TV photographers began to appear along with the occasional onlooker, but it was far from the media circus that Benaroya’s PR company sought to avoid. Commuters on their way to work were surprised by the rubble heap, and we heard a horn honk every few minutes.

The demolition went surprisingly fast, and by 8:15 p.m., all but a final section of the building remained. All that’s left is the clean-up work.

Our thanks to Nina and Silver who both emailed us with the news this morning. We quickly sent out a Ballard news alert (you can sign up here) and raced to the scene. Click here to watch video.

Last month: City board votes to allow demolition of Denny’s landmark

Permit issued to demolish Ballard Denny’s

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:36:01 +0000

As expected, the city has approved Benaroya Companies’ request to demolish the old Denny’s building at the corner of 15th and Market. No date has been set, and it’s unlikely that Benaroya will give any advance notice. This is also the case with Sunset Bowl, which is awaiting demolition. (If you see workers beginning to demolish either building, please email us at tips@myballard.com so we can shoot video and photos.)

Last month: Board votes to demolish Denny’s landmark

Farewell Googie

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:35:02 +0000

As we first reported last night, the old Manning’s Cafeteria and Denny’s building on 15th and Market will soon be demolished after the Seattle Landmarks and Preservation Board ruled it’s not financially feasible for the owners to preserve it. Here is some of the media coverage out this morning:

Seattle Times: Board gives owner OK to tear down Ballard Denny’s
Crosscut: The case of the doomed diner
Seattle PI: Landmark status can’t preserve Ballard Denny’s
KING 5: Ballard’s old Denny’s headed for demolition

As always, let us know your reactions in comments. And you can also try out our new forum section, where you can create your own discussions.

Denny’s landmark to be demolished

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 22 May 2008 02:12:21 +0000

First on My Ballard: The Seattle Landmarks and Preservation Board voted unanimously tonight that there’s no economically-feasible solution to preserve the old Denny’s in Ballard. The attorney representing the developer, John McCullough, said they are “reactivating” the approval process for their planned development, which will result in the demolition of the Denny’s.

“It’s a very sad situation,” said board chair Stephen Lee (in foreground). “It’s a bad situation to be in.” Lee said it’s the first time in his memory the board has designated a building a landmark and then not voted for controls and incentives — the next step in the landmarking process. While the old Manning’s Cafeteria remains a landmark, the developer is not restricted from demolishing it. “It breaks my heart,” said board member Christine Howard.

McCullough presented the board with 12 different options for the property. The scenario that came closest was a high-end restaurant on the site with no parking, but it still fell short, losing just over $1 million. Other scenarios looked at office, retail and even bringing Denny’s back to the building (see below). “We never even got to zero,” McCullough said.

Following the board’s staff recommendation, no one on the board disagreed with Benaroya Company’s analysis. “Nothing works,” said board member Alyce Conti, who ran the numbers on multiple scenarios. “No lender is going to lend… these people will not be able to get a loan.”

The board agreed that an outside proposal to raise the height limit on the property — which would require a change in the city zoning ordinance — was risky and should not be part of their evaluation. Conti said that even with the rezone, the property would not be economically feasible.

“We have nothing to be ashamed of,” said preservationist and Ballard resident Eugenia Woo after the vote. “We put up a great fight.” Board chair Stephen Lee — who rallied the board to preserve the Denny’s three months ago — refused to talk to the media and was overheard telling someone, “I need a drink.”

McCullough did not give a timeline for the demolition, as the permit process has not yet begun. As always, stay tuned to My Ballard for updates on this story.

At Denny’s landmark meeting

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:28:24 +0000

Update at 6:20 p.m. Benaroya Company’s presentation is now underway.

5:45 p.m. We’re waiting for the Denny’s item to come up on the agenda here at the Seattle Landmarks and Preservation Board meeting. We have at least 30 minutes to go, if not more. Stay tuned…

As we wrote below, the issue is whether the Ballard Denny’s is economically viable. If the board rules that it’s not, the landmark designation may be reversed and the building demolished.

Board staff recommends Denny’s demolition

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:55:26 +0000

A memo from two Seattle Landmarks and Preservation Board staff members concludes there’s no financially feasible solution for keeping the Denny’s building, reports Knute Berger in Crosscut. “In their memo to the board, Gordon and Chave say they have met with the owner at least four times and are convinced that there is no scenario in which the ‘character defining features’ of the building can be preserved without ‘compromising their ability to realize a reasonable return on their investment,’” Berger writes. As we wrote yesterday, the board will hear Benaroya Company’s case today (Wednesday). You might remember, the board went against the staff’s recommendations when it designated the building a landmark three months ago, so the memo is no indication of how the board will vote to proceed.

We’ll attend the meeting and post the latest updates here on My Ballard. According to the agenda, the item could come up as late as 5:30 p.m.

Update: Now the Seattle PI is on the story.

Developer to make Denny’s financial case

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:50:23 +0000

This Wednesday, the Benaroya Company will make another appearance before Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board, this time to make the case that there’s no financially viable solution to rehabilitate the old Denny’s building. Three months ago, the board designated the building as a landmark, but it could reverse the designation if Benaroya is able to prove that there’s no financially-acceptable future for the old Manning’s Cafeteria. Meanwhile, preservationists say that building could be incorporated into a larger development (you may remember that Grace Architects proposed an alternative, but it would require a zoning change.) This Wednesday’s meeting is at 3:30 p.m. in Room 4060 of the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Avenue.

By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about Googie architecture, California architecture critic Alan Hess will be speaking this Tuesday, 6:30 pm at the Swedish Cultural Center (1920 Dexter Ave. N). Tickets are $10.

An easy one for landmarks board

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:03:36 +0000

The controversial landmarks board, which established the old Ballard Denny’s building as a landmark, will consider a nomination tomorrow for the historic Sorrento Hotel on First Hill. Some are using the occasion to make a distinction between the two buildings. “Now THIS is a real landmark. That ugly relic from a happily forgotten era of architecture on 15th and Market is NOT,” writes one commenter who believes the Sorrento and the old Denny’s are not in the same ballpark. This triggered quite the debate on the Big Blog over the definition of a landmark. “Sorry, but even before I lived in Seattle, I recognized the Ballard Denny’s building more than I did that hotel,” writes another commenter. Either way, it’s a safe bet that the board will nominate the Sorrento.

Keeping you on top of the Denny’s story

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:55:58 +0000

An update on the continuing debate over the old Ballard Denny’s building. Tomorrow (Friday) at 9:30 a.m., a Seattle City Council committee will hear a report from the city’s preservation chief. While that may sound like business as usual, there may be a little fireworks from attendees who feel Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation board is overstepping its bounds, reports Crosscut’s Knute Berger. Oh, and the Associated Press just published a new story on the Denny’s controversy, which appeared on Yahoo News’ home page, but it really doesn’t break any new ground. (Thanks Ronan for the link!)

Save Manning’s group responds to landmark suit

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:17:32 +0000

The group that’s worked hard to save the Denny’s building from demolition has sent My Ballard a letter responding to Benaroya Company’s lawsuit. Save Manning’s calls it an “obvious scare tactic” that’s designed to influence the administrative appeal process. “It’s one thing to try to overturn the Board’s decision. It’s another to go after the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance itself,” reads the letter. “The attack on the ordinance is a vindictive action by those who feel a great sense of entitlement. Rather than braying about how they’ve been ‘injured’ from an economic standpoint or deprived of their ‘rights,’ why not use their seemingly endless energy and resources to propose a win-win solution—one that preserves the building (not as a boarded up Denny’s but as a rehabilitated building), allows for an economically viable new development, and enhances the neighborhood? We have repeatedly shown there is a feasible alternative to demolition.”

The letter continues, “Save Manning’s is not anti-development. We are for sensitive and appropriate new development within the context of Ballard and Seattle’s existing built environment…. Let this decision stand; it was made thoughtfully, appropriately and legally.”

The full letter follows below…

Save Manning’s is disappointed that the Benaroya Company is challenging not only the Manning’s/Denny’s designation as a City of Seattle landmark but also the validity of the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance itself. The owner’s response is no surprise, however. Rather than valuing Ballard’s recent past heritage and being creative about including the building in any future development, the owner has chosen a confrontational and potentially destructive path. This self-interested approach goes against established and accepted preservation practices and law.

The landmark nomination submitted by the owner was thoroughly vetted through the rigorous landmarks process and the Board made its decision based on what was legally presented to them in an open public forum. After extensive deliberation, the Board voted to designate the Manning’s/Denny’s Building as a landmark based on the criteria as set out by the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. It is important to note that not every nomination brought before the Board receives a positive nomination and fewer still are designated; these decisions are made thoughtfully and carefully by a carefully selected, and experienced panel that is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.

Yes, the owner has a right to follow the administrative appeal process, and if not successful, will proceed with the lawsuit in Superior Court. The action of filing the lawsuit while proceeding with the administrative appeal process is an obvious scare tactic—it is an attempt to threaten the City, the Landmarks Preservation Board, and staff to apply pressure to produce the developer’s desired outcome in the controls and incentives negotiation process. The owner hopes the Board will back down and place no controls on the building, thereby clearing the way for the rapid demolition of a landmark.

It’s one thing to try to overturn the Board’s decision. It’s another to go after the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance itself. The attack on the ordinance is a vindictive action by those who feel a great sense of entitlement. Rather than braying about how they’ve been “injured” from an economic standpoint or deprived of their “rights,” why not use their seemingly endless energy and resources to propose a win-win solution—one that preserves the building (not as a boarded up Denny’s but as a rehabilitated building), allows for an economically viable new development, and enhances the neighborhood? We have repeatedly shown there is a feasible alternative to demolition. Save Manning’s is not anti-development. We are for sensitive and appropriate new development within the context of Ballard and Seattle’s existing built environment.

Another solution would be for the Benaroya Company to sell the property to another developer that has the wherewithal to approach new development creatively and preserve the building.

We live in a society that creates rules and processes to determine and protect the public interest; for many decades, regulations related to historic preservation have been validated by our legislative and judicial branches. Preservation is not just about “aesthetics.” It’s also about valuing the cultural and architectural heritage of a diverse society. Resources that represent all socioeconomic strata are significant. Preservation also makes economic sense. Decades ago, landowners fought landmark designation of buildings in Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. Think where our city would be without the tourist dollars generated by these two historic districts. Historic preservation seeks to protect the environs of the many, not just the financial gain of the few.

The Manning’s/Denny’s Building has been a Ballard icon from the day it was built. After extensive public comment and careful deliberation, it has been formally recognized as a City of Seattle Landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Board’s decision should be honored and upheld. Let this decision stand; it was made thoughtfully, appropriately and legally.

Benaroya sues to challenge Denny’s vote

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:25:11 +0000

The Benaroya Company has filed suit in King County Superior Court to challenge the Landmark Preservation Board’s vote to designate the Ballard Denny’s building as a historic landmark. The lawsuit aims to reverse the board’s decision. “The boarded up former Denny’s is not an important historic or architectural building, nor the work of a significant architect,” said Marc Nemirow, spokesman for Benaroya, in a press release emailed to My Ballard. “The landmark board agreed with these conclusions, but incredulously decided to designate the building a landmark anyway. This action isn’t legal.” Crosscut’s Knute Berger writes that the lawsuit “alleges, among other things, that the Landmarks Board action is ‘illegal and erroneous,’ that it violated procedure, and that it violated the owner’s constitutional rights.”

Meanwhile, Nemirow says Benaroya will move forward with the administrative process and “assist the board in a proper evaluation of the economic impacts of its decision.” We’ll post reaction from the building’s supporters as soon as we get it. The press release announcing the lawsuit follows below…

PRESS RELEASE — SEATTLE — Today BCC Mikie Ballard, LLC, a development entity of The Benaroya Company, filed suit in King County Superior Court to challenge the action by Seattle’s Landmark Preservation Board to designate the abandoned Denny’s building in Ballard, located at 5501 15th Avenue NW, as a Seattle landmark. “The boarded up former Denny’s is not an important historic or architectural building, nor the work of a significant architect,” said Marc Nemirow, spokesman for Benaroya. “The landmark board agreed with these conclusions, but incredulously decided to designate the building a landmark anyway. This action isn’t legal.”

Nemirow noted that although the appeal was filed, the applicant continues to work through the process. “Due to statutory deadlines it was necessary to file the court appeal in response to the Board’s February 20 decision, but we continue to be focused on the ongoing administrative process.” Nemirow said that the board must now negotiate with the land owner regarding the economic implications of the landmark decision. “We are concentrating our efforts on preparing information to assist the Board in a proper evaluation of the economic impacts of its decision,” he said.

The lawsuit seeks to reverse the decision of the landmarks board. Nemirow said that no timetable has been set for consideration of the appeal, and it is his desire to pursue the current process with the Landmarks Board, and hopefully avoid the need to pursue the court appeal.

Fence now surrounds Denny’s building

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:37:50 +0000

A chain link fence has been put up around the Denny’s building and the parking lot nearby. Probably for safety and insurance reasons, as we’ve seen some homeless folks behind the building from time to time.

By the way, we’re keeping in contact with both the property owners and community organizers, so stay tuned to My Ballard for new developments with the upcoming appeal over the Denny’s landmark designation.

Adds Nina in comments: “The homeless are unhappy, but the neighbors are glad the fence is up. It was attracting some interesting folks.”

Denny’s story in Newsweek.com

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:50:13 +0000

Newsweek.com just posted a story on the Ballard Denny’s landmark vote. It says it’s a web exclusive, which probably means it won’t be published in the magazine. But still, Ballard goes national! (Via Knute Berger in Crosscut)

Could Denny’s help save Memorial Stadium?

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:18:38 +0000

Seattle PI columnist Robert Jamieson doesn’t mince words about the Ballard Denny’s. “The Denny’s site is run-down, a nostalgic eyesore,” he writes. “It carries little historical heft and has debatable architectural import compared with… Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center.” With planners considering replacing the stadium with a giant parking venue or an amphitheater, stadium supporters think the Denny’s vote paves the way to saving it. “If the Ballard Denny’s site was essentially spared by a sole criterion of the landmarks board — being an ‘easily identifiable visual feature of its neighborhood’ — Memorial Stadium offers many reasons for Seattle to rally,” Jamieson writes.

Vintage photos of Manning’s Cafeteria

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:18:21 +0000

Anne Forestieri, who helped lead the effort to landmark the Denny’s building, sent us these photos from 1983 of the Ballard Manning’s before it was converted to the Denny’s. Anne asked that we post the photos “so that people don’t keep seeing the tired photo of the building being boarded up, thus contributing to the ‘eyesore’ mentality.” You can see more photos here.

Of course, the question that remains is how to restore the old Denny’s building to Manning’s fame… and who’s going to pay for it. We’ll keep you updated…

Also: The Ballard News-Tribune has an interview with Alan Hess, who authored two books on Googie architecture.