Thought it would be interesting to ask the folks here – what do you think is missing on 15th? What would be your idea of a “perfect” business for that little spot? Just curious as I’ve been daydreaming about the possibilities the past few days each time I walk by…
I chatted w/ the owner of Casita (both buildings are owned by the same couple) and she stated that though she has been at that location for years, she has never met the building owners. Even if they sold it, it could be years before they get around to it.
I’ve seen you make mention of this discussion before but I don’t get it — how does it make you think it will sit empty?
It’s a unique building. Most uses would probably require a lot of work. Maybe a restaurant could put it to use kind of like Samui lives in an old house. I’d love to live there though it would probably be a waste of commercial zoning. CHS HQ?
We need a donut shop on 15th and not Top Pot (overrated).
Yeah, yeah, so this space isn’t big enough for one, but I’d love a little neighborhood Ace Hardware – like the one around South Lake Union or Maple Leaf. If Pacific Hardware would expand their inventory and have some stable hours, then I’d shut up.
That’s the impression I got from the owner of Casita. She was not very hopeful that any new business would take up residence anytime soon. The building need some massive updating and cleaning for one. You can go chat with her for more info if you’d like.
The hardware concept is interesting…what kind of stuff do you find you need that you would go some place smaller/in the hood vs. driving to Home Depot?
Where am I going to take my piles of just-read books now?
The Shop Rite store and the bottom level of the north Broadway QFC both have a good selection of hardware basic needs
I think it should be the space for 3 of 4 completely unrelated yet really tiny local businesses. Like a small business mini-mall.
I know someone who has been looking for a good place for an ACE hardware store in Capitol Hill for years now. Basic problem is, in most good spaces, rents are too high to support that kind of business. He’s opened two other ACE stores in the Seattle area, but he’s not not too optimistic about Capitol Hill.
It’d be depressing, but typical, if it stayed empty for years because the owners are long-gone absentee types. Of course it’s hard to sell a building at this moment, especially if it needs a ton of work. Maybe another coffee shop?
Personally, I’d like to see a kid-friendly play space/cafe (I know, most of the people who read this believe children are evil and should be kept at home, but you can bite me). I’m thinking of something like Tougo coffee shop over in “Radio Point” or Central Area (depending on what you want to call it).
Or maybe a spa-like place (not a cheap nail shop)
I like this idea! There’s so many talented local artists.
I’m not sure how I’d like to spend my money in there, but I’d sure like to hang out on their porch. I’d go for a health-food joint. I so miss the simple soup and rice from Rainbow and would love someplace to get a lunch-priced healthy salad.
Maybe an art supply store with open-air painting lessons on the porch?
An annex for Richard Hugo House? Or some other learning-oriented space.
Or my personal favorite non-existent business: a ponytail shop where you could go on bad hair days and they’d make you look cute in a jiffy. My ponytails always look wonky.
Phew, that’s all I can think of for now.
Yarn!
What about Pacific Supply on 12th near La Spiga? It’s not quite as deep a selection as an Ace Hardware, but they’ve had what I needed for random painting / house jobs.
http://www.pacsupply.com/
Or a business quite similar to Rainbow that ALSO served frozen yogurt.
I love the bad hair day concept. I saw a shop in Vancouver called “blow out” or something like that – they basically just blow dried/curled/straight-ironed/styled hair…no cutting or coloring…interesting idea!