Central District Development: T-Minus 20 Months

We’ve been following developer Jim Mueller’s movements for a few months here at Sweet Digs, and now it appears his large-scale CD designs are mere months months away (okay, a little less than two years away) from completion.

Mueller’s projects at 22nd & Madison — on the former site of Deano’s corner market (pictured here the day before demolition) and Club Chocolate City, as well as across Madison St. at the current home of the Twilight Exit bar — and also at 23rd & Union are on the move, reports the Seattle P-I’s Kery Murakami. While some neighbors are wary of last week’s height rezone from 40 to 65 feet at 23rd & Union, others back the developer, saying that the new mixed-use buildings promise neighborhood rejuvenation.

Rumor has it, too, that Mueller has his eye on the other three corners at 23rd & Union.

So, what’s your take on all this development? Could it be a boon for the neighborhood? Just more of the same, in terms of genrification?

Certainly, these new retail spaces and apartments will outstrip other rents in the area. Is this the beginning of the end for Midtown Center? For Earl’s Cuts & Styles?