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Broadway Mike

(Image: Tim Durkan Photography)

(Image: Tim Durkan Photography)

KPLU has shined its light on neighborhood photographer and longtime Capitol Hill-er Tim Durkan and his personal story of addiction and friendship — with great photos, of course — with a man he calls Broadway Mike:

Both 47, Gray and Durkan first met as young men on the streets of Capitol Hill some 25 years ago. Durkan was living in a condo near Broadway. Gray was sleeping outside. They both drank in excess.

“(When I drink,) I turn into a happy party machine, man. At least that’s the way I recall it,” said Durkan. “No moderation. There’s no divert switch. It broke.”

Durkan, a self-professed alcoholic, quit drinking nearly 20 years ago. Gray still drinks daily, usually malt liquor in a brown bag. If he goes too long without a sip, he gets the shakes, he says; alcohol has become a part of what makes him function.

Over the years, the friends have watched each other age and the neighborhood change. Gray spent most of those years homeless, working odd jobs up and down Broadway and earning the nickname Broadway Mike.

“He’s pretty well-known up here. Everybody knows him,” said Durkan.

More from KPLU here.

Durkan works for the city as a neighborhood district coordinator. You can view more of his work at facebook.com/timdphotos.

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laurasouthwick
laurasouthwick
10 years ago

I’ve seen Broadway mike,many times over the years mostly in the 90’s,wow,beautiful pictures Tim,very impressive,I was very moved,my this,thank you.i guess I never really knew he was homeless,and alcoholic. I didn’t pay attention. Thank you

tim d
tim d
10 years ago
Reply to  laurasouthwick

thank you very much – I’ll make sure and pass along the positive energy when I see him next. Peace/love

Laurie R.
Laurie R.
10 years ago

He’s an awesome guy. He’d keep an eye on my car for me when I parked under Castle. I always said “thank you” with cash or beer.

calhoun
10 years ago
Reply to  Laurie R.

Way to enable his addiction!

douglasm
10 years ago

He is pretty well known. I’ve called the police on him a hundred times for standing outside my apartment window yelling at all hours of the night.