Tracking the many business changes in Ballard

If you’re like us, your head is probably spinning with the tremendous pace of change in the Ballard business community over the last few months. Since the beginning of the year, many businesses have closed or moved away, and many others have opened in Ballard for the first time.

Inspired by our popular bear tracking map, we’ve created an interactive map that tracks the many changes in Ballard businesses since January 1st. We think it offers some visual perspective that daily coverage can’t offer. Take a look, let us know which businesses we’ve missed, and we’ll add them to the map.

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

23 thoughts to “Tracking the many business changes in Ballard”

  1. great idea, thanks for putting this together. it would be great if you can mention a point in time for “recently” such as jan 1,2009 through june 15. Eventually, probably pretty soon, we'll be able to create maps like this that are time aware, so we can see changes year to year or month to month in a given area. I'd love to see some comparative satellite photos from 1989,1999,2009. Also it would be good to think of other uses for maps like this, such as maps of crime incidence, police blotter reports. Another popular map would be walking tours of ballard, favorite jogging routes in Ballard (as can be made in http://www.runningmap.com/ ).

  2. Well, as a cyclist replied to me in reference to the bike trail perhaps forcing me to move my biz……..businesses that leave will be replaced by new ones……….it is sad to see long time employers shut down.

  3. It looks like a new business has gone in at 5505 17th Ave NW, right behind the Ballard Realty. They don't have a sign up yet, but it looks like a place for kids haircuts?

  4. This is a great visual! Can't wait for George and the Dragon in the old Mandrakes spot. However, can we balance out some of these bars and restaurants with a few more boutique shops on market?

  5. The only ones I can think of that are missing (that I read about here) are the Shiku sushi place, Snacks, Uma and Green Go, depending on how far back the history is going.

  6. Great map! Thanks, Geeky Swedes!
    We do seem to have more than our fair share of bars, restaurants, and pet stores. Not that that's a bad thing. And though I truly miss Annabelle's (where will I buy my buddhas now?), I'm looking forward to Buffalo Exchange.

  7. trix:
    i have many great places where i buy buddhas! let me know if you want some secrets….Lucca had a few nice ones last weekend:)

  8. Lucca? Never thought to look in there for them.
    Annabelle's kind of made me a collector (of all types). Any ideas are welcome.
    Thanks, Jules!

  9. I believe your referring to where Hale Design was located in the old bank building (directly across the street from the Tractor). From what I understand Hale Design is still the tenant, but he has restructured his space to allow a friend to sell his and others vintage guitars.

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