Apartments Up, Deano’s Down
The north end of Seattle’s Central District is seeing big changes, thanks to developer Jim Mueller. Following the successful build out at 22nd & Madison, which gave the north CD both an apartment complex and a Safeway–Starbucks meld, Mueller has set his sights on developing two lots that flank Madison at the same junction. You know the ones — the snaggletoothed strip that includes the now-defunct Deano’s corner market and Club Chocolate City, as well as the former and current homes of the Twilight Exit bar.
Now, Mueller plans to turn the space in to a mixed-use corridor, complete with both retail and living spaces (new apartments! new shops!). Plus, the project at 2051 E. Madison — now home to the Twilight Exit and a nail salon — plans to honor the area’s rich musical heritage. Mueller has engaged Seattle music historian Peter Blecha to help drive that portion of the project, which will focus on the site’s historic significance as the former location of the Mardi Gras Grill, a spot that once hosted some of the hottest names in jazz and R & B.
On the Deano’s side of the street, Mueller and his team are planning another residential/retail mix. Pics of the proposed development are here. After reading Ryan’s recent Sweet Digs post — Apartment Dwellers Staying Put? — I wonder how these new abodes will affect the rental market. Will they fill up quickly, given the observed shortage of rentable living space? Or will they be transmuted into condos? Only time will tell.
If you want to hear Mueller talk turkey about the Deano’s development, take a trip to the corner of East Denny & Madison this Saturday, June 14, at 9 a.m. Mueller will be there to discuss plans over free coffee and donuts.
Double Your Pleasure: Stick around post–discussion-and-donuts to browse the wares offered as part of the Capitol Hill Community Garage Sale. Or, if you’d like to divest yourself of Great Aunt Edna’s gerbil figurines, register at the garage sale site (above) by tomorrow, June 10.
Check out these recent sales in this up-and-coming section of the city.
1802 19th Ave. #210
Sold: May 9, 2008
Price: $369,950
Specs: 1 bath
Square Feet: 827
1628 23rd Ave.
Sold: May 22, 2008
Price: $380,000
Specs: 2 bd/2 bath
Square Feet: 1,190
1602 20th Ave.
Sold: May 30, 2008
Price: $305,000
Specs: 1 bd/1 bath
Square Feet: 780
