Entries from September 2012
September 27th, 2012 by Sara
By reporter Steven Smalley
If you hurry, you can see one of the world’s great yachts currently moored at Pier 90 just before it launches today for repairs in Canada. At 377 feet in length, the Luna, reportedly owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, is touted as the world’s largest expedition motor yacht. So, if you’re heading off to explore Antarctica, for scientific reasons of course, what better vehicle to take along than this luxurious ship equipped with a large indoor pool and two helicopter pads (scientists never had it so good).
Just in from Alaska, according to a source in a position to know, the Luna is expected back in Seattle in a couple of months. At that point it’s planned to take up a berth near Fremont, within walking distance of amenities, so the owners and crew of 47 can find a restaurant without hailing a cab. It’s reported that close friends of Mr. Abramovich are actually operating the yacht and not the billionaire himself, and that Seattleites can expect the ship to stay close to our shores for a while. Roman Abramovich, who made his money in oil, also owns the Chelsea Football Club of London which he purchased for the equivalent of $226 million. Officially, and reportedly for tax purposes, the Luna is listed as a charter yacht in Monaco and can be viewed here.
Photos by Steve Smalley
September 26th, 2012 by Sara
Words and photos by reporter Steven Smalley
Landmark Fort Lawton residences with protected views are available for the first time in a hundred years. The opportunity is receiving national attention.
Twenty-six units of historic military housing on nine of the most scenic acres next to Discovery Park are available to the highest bidder, according to Seth Heikkila, Senior Vice President of Jones Lang LaSalle, a Seattle law firm acting as the marketing entity.
Fourteen structures adjacent to the 534-acre Discovery Park have panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Heikkila’s firm likens the location to the “Presidio of Seattle,” referring to a similar military installation in San Francisco.
Currently occupied by Coast Guard personnel, the homes are fully preserved on the National Register of Historic Places. They cannot be substantially altered, nor other structures built on the site, and are subject to oversight by the Historic Review Board, according to Heikkila.
“The payoff is owning some of the best real estate in the city,” he told Magnolia Voice. “The new owners can renovate the interiors, improve the detached garages, and even form a condominium association to sell the units individually.”
“There is no minimum – no asking price,” Heikkila continued. “Offers will be taken. There has been no date set to take bids. It could be 45-60 days, maybe less.”
Some reports indicate a value of $15 million.
Three parcels will be sold as a whole, then investors may sell units individually or simply rent as-is.
Although the homes began as military housing built in 1904-05, there are high ceilings, hardwood floors, and impressive woodwork throughout, says Heikkila.
Built by the Army in the Colonial Revival-style, the homes vary from two to five bedroom town homes, plus two single-family residences within the community. Sizes range from 1,500-4,500 sq. ft. of living space. Amenities include tiled fireplaces, large windows, claw foot bathtubs, and wraparound porches.
Fort Lawton is an official City of Seattle landmark. The base was closed in September 2011.
September 26th, 2012 by Sara
Kathy writes
I saw two Westies, both wearing red heart tags, running loose about 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sep. 26. They were near the new home construction on the old school site at W. Dravus and 38th. I had my own two dogs and couldn’t grab the Westies. They were friendly, but intent on their running game and I’m worried they might get hit by a car. Last saw them heading east on Dravus. Hope you can post this and the owners find them.
September 25th, 2012 by Sara
With some recent business closures, it is so fun to have good news to write about! We just received this email from Kelsey Eads, owner of Magnolia’s “newest” wedding design business:
I thought I’d drop you a note to introduce myself. My name is Kelsey, I grew up in Magnolia and still live on the hill. I own a small wedding coordination and design business called Sugarcomb. This summer l opened a planning studio in the Village after being based out of home for the past few years. I’m on Lynn Street right next door to the back of the post office. A local wedding photographer, Julie Harmsen, came by recently to shoot the space and you can take a peek at her images here.
Their website is filled with gorgeous photos and their blog features pictures, color trends and ideas that will delight any bride. Sugarcomb is both well-known and well-respected in the wedding community and has been featured in several wedding publications of note. From the website:
Sugarcomb provides award winning wedding design, planning, coordination and consulting services in Seattle… Working with couples who love the visual aspects and that blissful organized feeling as much as we do is the icing on the cake for us. We offer an array of helpful, integral & creative services that are tailored to make your planning experience more enjoyable and your wedding day exquisite.
Walk by and check out the new studio at 3206 West Lynn Street. Meetings are by appointment only. 206.913.3170
September 25th, 2012 by Sara
From our sister site Queen Anne View with a tiny tweak by Sara…
Courtesy of SDOT, take note of these lane closures between Magnolia and Ballard this week – they’ll be sure to slow your trip down!
15th Avenue W Lane Closure: – Southbound inside lane: 15th Ave W from Ballard Bridge to W. Dravus – Wednesday, September 26th – Friday, September 28th - 9am-3pm SDOT Urban Forestry crews will be doing landscaping maintenance in the median from the Ballard Bridge to just south of the West Dravus overpass.
Ballard Bridge Lane Closures: – Wednesday, September 26th: Northbound outside lane – Thursday, September 27th: Southbound outside lane – 9am-2:30pm SDOT crews are working on the completion of the Ballard Bridge lighting upgrade. Note: if needed, work will continue on Friday during the same hours.
September 24th, 2012 by Sara
From our sister site Queen Anne View
Two meetings are coming up for Seattle Public School parents.
- SPS BEX IV Capital Levy Community Meeting at McClure on Thursday 9/27, 6:30pm.
- Also on 9/27, there is a Public Arts Education Forum that will host the opportunity for parents to go and learn about progress with the new K-12 Arts Learning Collaborative that is being introduced into all Seattle Public Schools. It is being held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Bertha Knight Landes Room at City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave.
September 24th, 2012 by Sara
Microbrews, mini cars and tiny houses. It seems small is the new black. The trend continues with… libraries? Little Free Libraries are appearing all over the US, and are popping up in Magnolia as well.
Based on a “take one, leave one” philosophy, these miniature lending houses are meant to encourage literacy for all and foster community spirit. The libraries might be themed (mystery, teen, history, cooking, etc,) or not, and usually have great current books available. To start one is fairly simple, build the box, fill with books (the website has great ideas on getting the books- you don’t have to supply them all), register the library at the Little Free Library site (they send you an official plaque to put on your brand new library), and you’re off!
So far, I have seen 2 in the 98199. This one on 28th near Fulton:
And this one on 33rd ave w:
Suzanne (owner of this little cutie) says:
I first saw the Little Free Libraries on the Internet. I asked my husband for one for my birthday. This one is a replica of our 1907 house in Magnolia. We had an opening celebration…and about 20 people came by to check it out. Since then people have stopped by every day, some even rearranging all the books to fit some more inside.! We have recieved a few nice notes from people saying how much they liked the idea. The first book to go was The Hunger Games.! Please stop by 4042 33rd ave w.
Did we miss any? If you have started a Free Little Library, let us know! For more information on Free Little Libraries, or to start one on your street,
click here.
September 21st, 2012 by Sara
I-5 on and off-ramps will be closed at Mercer Street from 5 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 to 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 24. The I-5 on-ramp at University Street will also be closed to provide more efficient traffic flow around the closed Mercer Street exit lane. Drivers are advised to consider alternate routes such as SR 99, or alternate I-5 exits and entrances. Detour routes may be heavily used, especially Denny Way. For more on detour routes, see SDOT’s Web site here.
September 21st, 2012 by Sara
From our sister site Queen Anne View
Thanks to a tweet from our neighbors in West Seattle, we were alerted to an upcoming library closure. Mark your calendars, all Seattle Public Library branches will be closed next Thursday, September 27th for a staff in-service day. Plan accordingly!
September 21st, 2012 by Sara
Sadly, I received a call from Heather this afternoon, telling me that Cocoa and Cream is closing up shop. The sweet little store in the village will scoop its last cone on Sunday. She sent this email earlier this afternoon:
It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing that after 5 years in Magnolia, Cocoa & Cream is closing on September 23, 2012. Despite all the energy and effort that we have put into the shop it has not attracted enough business to sustain. We will miss all our loyal customers, the happy kids, our Halloween costume contest, spring egg hunt and summer fest talent show. Thank you to all of you who supported us throughout the years and made this such a fun place to come to work.
As we move on we hope to someday resurrect Cocoa & Cream. It is such a cheerful place that has put smiles on many faces.
Please stop by this weekend to say goodbye. Everything will be 30% off on Friday, 40% off on Saturday, and 50% off on Sunday while supplies last.
Now for our happy ending: we are starting a dessert catering company. Happy Endings Dessert Catering will continue to bring happiness through sweets. So, if you need a candy buffet, ice cream sundae bar, afternoon tea, party favors, or a dessert extravaganza at any special occasion, child’s birthday party, corporate event, shower or wedding please keep us in mind. Every event deserves a Happy Ending! www.Happyendingsdessert.com
Heather, Mark, Lucy and Jasper
Good luck on your new venture! Thank you for your years of service to our community. You will be missed.
September 19th, 2012 by Sara
Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats hosts an exhibition of electric-powered boats and other low impact electric technologies for recreational boaters at a special event Sunday September 23rd from 11am to 5pm. At the event, people will see boats large and small that are powered by electricity. Electric Boat Day @ the Center for Wooden Boats is being put on by CWB volunteers, and coincides with National Plug-In Day.
National Plug-in day is a joint effort of “Plug In America”, the Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association to draw attention to the environmental, economic and other benefits of plug-in electric vehicles.
Through its emphasis on maritime history, the Center for Wooden Boats already actively showcases electric-powered boats that were designed in the 19th and 20th centuries. They plan to use this link with the past as a springboard to advance new, low impact boating technologies to further serve our community and boating enthusiasts.
During the electric boat event at CWB, public rides will be given on the museum’s own clean and quiet running electrical powered boats and volunteer docents will be on hand to discuss the exhibits.
Come see how even historic boats can help save energy:
The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley Street
Sunday, September 23rd, 2012, 11am to 5pm
Click here for more information.
Tags: center for wooden boats, CWB, electric boats, festival, lake union, showcase
September 19th, 2012 by Sara
MV reader Layla writes
I work in Magnolia and frequently use my bike to or from work or school. I have noticed that there are no covered bike parking spaces. This concerns me as I bike regularly, and would like to be able to use this method rain or shine. Unfortunately, rain is incredibly detrimental to bike parts, and I would rather that my bike did not succumb to rust. Who could I talk to to see about getting a covered bike rack placed somewhere in Magnolia Village?
Thanks for your email- we are are on the case. Readers, would you utilize covered bike parking? If yes, where in Magnolia would you like to see it?
September 19th, 2012 by Sara
Leaves are beginning to change color, Magnolians are decorating for fall and Halloween is just around the corner. Many of you already know about the fun and neighborly tradition called “Ghosting” or “Boo-ing”. If you aren’t aware, check out this email we received over the weekend:
“Ghosting” is an activity that happens every year in Magnolia during the month of October. If you aren’t familiar with ghosting, it is a fun activity that starts each year on October 1. The “Magnolia Boo Babes” (a group of Magnolia women) start it off by distributing bags of treats and candy to doorsteps throughout the neighborhood. When someone receives a Ghost Bag, they get some treats, toys and a paper ghost which they are instructed to hang on their front door. Then, they are asked to keep the fun going by delivering two ghost bags to friends or neighbors who haven’t already been “ghosted”. You can tell who has been “ghosted” already by seeing the paper ghosts hanging on the front doors throughout the neighborhood. Its a fun activity, especially for households with kids, and the Magnolia Boo Babes enjoy seeing how many ghosts are displayed on front doors in Magnolia by Halloween (when the fun ends).
This year, the Magnolia Boo Babes (who only operate under strict anonymity) would like to be sure that any Magnolia child that wants to be “ghosted” gets ghosted. We thought we would write to you, to help put the word out to Magnolia parents. Parents should submit their request to this email address no later than 9/30. All we need to know is the street address – nothing else. Parents should not tell their kids they’ve requested the ghost bag, so that its still a surprise.
Thanks!
The Chief Boo Babe
Thanks for the email, Boo Babe. We are huge fans of this tradition at our house- hope you join in the fun. Happy Boo-ing!
September 17th, 2012 by Sara
Maybe you’ve heard of a little situation called the ”Mercer East Project”? In addition to the overall tough traffic flow, drivers are having a hard time heading east and west due to the northbound/southbound traffic “blocking the box” (stopping in the middle of the intersection after the traffic light has changed) at Mercer and Dexter.
To address the problem of drivers blocking the intersection and preventing traffic from moving, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) on Sunday striped the Mercer Street and Dexter Avenue North intersection, and hung more noticeable overhead warning signs. The Mercer East project is additionally deploying uniformed police officers at the intersection on Monday, September 17, from 7:00-11:00 a.m. and from 3:00-7:00 p.m. to reinforce the law’s requirements with noncompliant drivers.
With Mercer East project construction continuing through summer 2013 and major roads like Fairview Ave N currently closed, the street modifications will help prevent drivers from “blocking the box” and aid traffic in moving along the corridor. SDOT continues to monitor and adjust the signal timing through the corridor to best support all traffic flow.
Make sure to pay attention to the lights, leave enough room to get through the intersection and bring your patience if you head that direction!
