If you spend a lot of time at the Locks, you’ve probably seen an eccentric character named Richard Lewis. He’s there every weekday between 3:30 and 4:50 p.m. — for the last two decades — watching the tugboats with sincere interest. Turns out, he’s a “walking encyclopedia of the tugboat industry,” as this Seattle Times …
We heard from Ballard Gossip Girl and the new Ballardite Blog that changes are afoot at Market Street Grill. So we called and learned that new owners have taken over, but the restaurant is not closing — just shutting down “for a couple days in May” as they transition to a new menu, but with …
If you’ve shopped at Ballard Market in prime time, you know that parking can be tough. On Tuesday, they repaved the south side of the lot (photo below). And on Wednesday, they’re repaving the north side. So beware, parking will be challenging (although I just parked on the side street.) By Thursday, though, you should …
Governor Christine Gregoire has signed a bill requiring strict new testing procedures for toys in the state of Washington. As we reported earlier, Archie McPhee’s said the bill may put its Ballard store out of business. But Gregoire said she is instructing the state Department of Ecology to examine ways to allow good businesses to compete under the new law. She said she’s also creating an advisory group that would include manufacturers and toy store representatives to guide implementation of the bill. Press release from the governor’s office…
The city’s plans to buy a parcel of land on 9th Ave. near 70th for a new city park has won raves from folks in the neighborhood. And now we know who to give the credit: Alyssa Smith, who lives across the street from the property. She says she heard realtors were shopping the land …
That was fast. The ink is barely dry on Starbuck’s agreement to acquire Ballard’s Coffee Equipment Co., and now three $11,000 Clover machines are in testing in Seattle Starbucks stores (locations not revealed). Meanwhile, Portland-based Stumptown Coffee has decided to drop the Clover in protest. You have to wonder how Starbucks’ plans to distribute the …
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 …
Calvary Lutheran Church merged with Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church earlier this month, and now Calvary Lutheran’s building on 23rd and 70th is for sale. For just under $2 million, you can own a sanctuary with “amazing stained glass” that seats 279. Calvary Lutheran merged with Our Redeemer’s after years of declining attendance, reports the Ballard …
A black lab mix was found roaming around 32nd on Sunday evening. “She is very sweet, shy at first but quick to warm up,” explains Emily, who found the dog. “We’re trying to find the owner ASAP.” Lauren updates in comments: “The sweet dog has been returned to her owners, thanks to Emily!”
Firefighters briefly created a stir on Market St. this Sunday afternoon as they responded to a fire at Market Street Traders, that new fair trade shop that opened late last year (where the Scandinavian Gift Shop used to be.) Turns out it was a minor furnace fire. Meanwhile, the new owners (who also own Ye …
Nick’s Boats and Motors closed down last summer after more than 50 years in Ballard. When they left, this message remained on the window… Today, the business on 65th just east of 8th was demolished. No word yet on what will replace it. We shot some video below: Update: Paul adds in comments, “Dennis Nick, …
With Sunset Bowl closing on April 13th (see story below), its owners will auction off equipment and furnishings from the bowling alley on April 22nd. While Murphy Auctions doesn’t have a list of the items online, they’ve posted a few photos to give you an idea of what will be for sale: everything from the …