After years of ongoing renovations at Gas Works Park, the project has entered an exciting new phase with visible signs of additional progress. The east entry area and restrooms were recently closed off with fencing. The park remains open but must be accessed from the west entry.

Renovations are expected to be completed by early next summer. Official updates can be found on the City’s project website.

[T]he east entrance of Gas Work Park, the comfort station, and a portion of the parking lot during will be closed as WS Contractor, LLC begins the Comfort Station and East Entry/ADA Improvement…

UPDATE: After posting this story, a representative of the McNett family reached out to us and clarified that their family had owned these buildings for over 100 years. The McNett family agreed to the property sale and development two years ago and have had no involvement with or control over the design and development. The real estate deal officially closed on February 23, 2022, and Blueprint Capital now owns both tax parcels. Development Plan

A large development project at 4417 & 4421 Wallingford Ave. N. is expected to begin demolition soon. On February 3, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections …

The Development Plan

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) just plastered a yellow “Notice of Proposed Land Use Action” sign on the corner of 45^th & Burke. This block will be developed into a 5-story 36-unit apartment building with retail. Additionally, the plan includes 12 parking spaces. The project will wipe out two existing buildings at 1901 N. 45^th (Fainting Goat & Lawless Financial Group) and 1905 N. 45^th (Sock Monster & Chroma), plus the existing second story apartments.

It’s always sad to hear about beloved local businesses getting displaced due to development. I …

Bookworms rejoice! A new independent bookstore, Wise Owl Books & Music (2223 N 56th St.), landed in the nook between Restaurant Christine (formerly Himalayan Sherpa House) and Leny’s Place in Tangletown.

I’m a huge book nerd and was absolutely thrilled to discover a new bookstore in the neighborhood. There are some great bookstores in Fremont, Phinney Ridge, and the University District, but nothing for the booklover anywhere in between I-5 and 99. This is especially true after poetry-specific Open Books recently announced they are moving to Pioneer Square.

Wise Owl has an assortment of both new and used books and …

The ever popular Sea Monster Lounge (2202 N. 45th St.) has some exciting news. As of December 7, 2021, The Sea Monster officially “Returns from the Deep” and is ready to start serving drinks and live music! The grand re-opening comes also comes with a change in ownership. But have no fear! Two very familiar faces (Justine Devers & Mark Mattrey) are taking over the reins as co-owners. Keep an eye on their website and social media for the latest details on upcoming shows, announcements, and schedules.

Andrew and Sarah Nunez, who founded The Sea Monster in 2003 and completed …

As the Wallyhood blog emerges from hibernation, we are overdue for another roundup of business changes. This is a listing of all permanent openings and closings that I’ve noticed since March of 2020 (give or take a few months). The list of neighborhood businesses that closed their doors for good in 2020 is tragically long and they will certainly be missed.

Please leave a comment if you think any online business are missing from these lists or if you’d like to share your own experiences, thoughts, or memories.

 

Closures

Acadia (now Lassi & Spice) Bishops Cuts/Color (?) never re-opened…

In mid-November I wrote a post lamenting the loss of May Restaurant and Lounge. However, that’s not quite right. Sisi Kay Thai Eatery & Bar (1612 N 45^th) is actually a rebranded version of May Restaurant and still serves many of the same dishes (including May’s original Pad Thai). What a relief that this fantastic Pad Thai is still available in the neighborhood!

Michael Anthony, the GM of May Restaurant, now Sisi Kay, reached out to me with the following:

We’ve been running our Soft Opening since December 16th and support from the Community has been great!… Sisi …