Getting caught up

Graffiti epidemic angers property owners

Many neighborhood businesses and a few residential properties were hit by tagging "artists" on Thursday or Friday last week.  The above example, one of the worst, is at the bus stop next to Madison Park Hardware on 42nd near E. Madison St.  Among the neighborhood icons tagged were the cute red phone box in front of the former Best Buds shop and the not-so-cute "Black Hole of Madison Park" (Constance Gillespie's building next to the Bank of America).

Those who have experienced vandalism may report it using the Seattle Police's CORP (Community Online Reporting Program), but no one should expect much of a police investigation of this kind of criminal activity. That's just the way it is.

Another neighborhood business to exit

Ann Marie Lingerie (4000 E. Madison St.) is closing up shop later this month, at least at its current location.  Store manager Felicia Klabo tells us that Ann Marie may ultimately move to another physical location, but for the time being it's going to be exclusively an online merchant. The store is having a 50-75%-off moving sale, so those looking for the latest Hanky Panky nightwear or Prima Donna underwires should rush right down.

If you are among those who bemoan the loss of Madison Park's retail core, this closing is no doubt particularly sad.  Ann Marie has been one of the very few neighborhood clothing stores to survive (The Original Children's Shop being the only other). The store has been a neighborhood fixture for many years, but the current ownership of Nathalie Scandiuzzi began in 2011.

At the other end of "The Village," however, a new establishment opened during the last month, at 1928 43rd Avenue E.  City Sweats is another neighborhood spa, this one offering "Far Infrared Sauna Treatment, massages, Himalayan salt scrubs, Lymphatic Drainage and a full tonics bar menu."  Oh, and "chromotherapy."

Meanwhile, interior construction work is now underway at the old Mad Pizza location on E. Madison St. next to Scoop du Jour.  We see that "Vophan Restaurant & Catering LLC" has applied for a beer and wine permit for this location, but there's no official confirmation yet that this new entity is going to be providing the neighborhood with sushi. Nevertheless, it's a pretty strong rumor.  Further down the street, however, no work seems to be underway at the former Best Buds location, rumored to be the site of a future taco stand.

Finally, there's the HomeStreet Bank branch, still building away more than a year after the bank first took the space on.  As we understand the story, the hundred-year-old building turned out not to be in very good condition, requiring a lot of work that was not initially anticipated. As you can see (above), there's much to do before the branch can open sometime later this year.

Madison Park home wins prestigious award

A recently constructed "passive house" at 4211 E. Lee Street in Washington Park has won an American Institute of Architects National Housing Award. The award was established to recognize "the best in housing design and promote the importance of good housing as a necessity of life, a sanctuary for the human spirit and a valuable national resource."

The house uses 90% less energy for heating and cooling than is typical of conventionally built structures. NK Architects designed the home, which was constructed by Cascade Built.

Easter egg hunt this Saturday

Madison Park (the City park, that is) will be the scene of a mad scramble for easter eggs this Saturday.  The hunt will begin at 3:30 and continue until all the eggs are found or the parents get bored. There will be a "bunny petting lounge" and a "little ones hunt" as well.  Let's hope for sun.

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Serial vandalism?

Constance Gillespie's building is hit again

For the third time in less than a year a person or persons unknown have vandalized the infamous and increasingly decrepit building at the heart of the business district which is owned by Constance Gillespie (4118 E. Madison St.).  Overnight, the plate-glass window in one of the structure's two vacant retail spaces was bashed in, leaving a gaping hole in the window itself and glass debris littering the shop floor.  Unlike the past incidents, which occurred in August and December last year, this act of vandalism did not result in dangerous glass shards on the sidewalk.  Nevertheless, the police officer investigating the incident requested that the fire department secure the building and prevent injury to passersby.  That mission is what prompted the arrival of SFD's Ladder Company 10 from Capitol Hill late this morning.

We are not the only observers detecting a pattern in these three crimes. The investigating police officer told us that the person who reported the incident had also speculated that this crime might be for the purpose of sending some kind of message to the building's landlord.  For several years she has failed to fully tenant the building or make repairs unless forced to do so. After the act of vandalism last summer, Gillespie was ordered by the City to fix the damage so that there would no danger to those using the sidewalk.  In this incident, the fire department's taping of the window might be sufficient to remove any danger to passersby.  In which case, the building has now become even more of an eyesore than previously.

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Vandals strike again

In what was more likely a wanton act of destruction than any kind of political statement, a person or persons unknown broke both of the plate glass windows at Spa Jolie last night---and for good measure broke a window in the vacant space adjacent to the spa as well. This is the building, owned by Constance Gillespie, that was vandalized in the same manner earlier this year.

The structure's middle space, unoccupied for years, is once again open to the elements, though with some plastic sheeting now standing in for one of the two replacement windows that had been installed this summer. The Spa Jolie space was being fitted this afternoon for temporarily plywood coverings.  Patrons getting manicures, pedicures and other personal services at the salon did not seem unduly concerned by the commotion or the cold air blowing temporarily through the storefront.  It is, after all, critical to look good for the holidays!

[Spa Jolie is located at 4114 E. Madison Street.]

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This and that

Floating bridge to close again

This weekend the SR 520 bridge will be closed for the third time this summer as work crews finish up construction of a fish culvert near Yarrow Point and shift traffic lanes near Evergreen Point Road to create a median work zone.  So no work on the bridge itself, but plenty of activity (including night work)  to disrupt those living near 520 on the Eastside.  The bridge will be closed from 11 pm on Friday until 5 am on Monday, with the Montlake exit from 520 open during the period.   By the way, there is no mention in the press release from WSDOT concerning any further closures of the the bridge this summer.  Up-to-date information will be available here throughout.


A 520 lawsuit on the horizon?

And while we're on the subject of 520 reconfiguration, we can report that the Coalition for a Sustainable 520, which for some time has been making noises about a possible lawsuit against the "Preferred Alternative Plan" for the highway, is now looking seriously at court as the logical next step.  In an email to supporters this week, Fran Conley, the group's Coordinator, writes,"This month, the Federal Highway people did issue a go-ahead for construction of SR 520.  It's called a Record of Decision.  There are significant flaws in it, and we are actively preparing for a lawsuit."  She goes on to state that there is money available for the group to move forward with the legal challenge, and the Coalition's lawyer believes there are solid legal grounds to take that action.

'Watson' is missing

This seven-year-old, yellow-eyed black male cat went missing on Monday, August 22.  Described as very shy and sweet by his owner, 'Watson' has a white tuft of hair under his chin and a skull-and-crossbones collar, with ID tags.  If you've seen 'Watson' (or better yet, if he's in your care), please call (206) 617-2407.


Yard sale and giveaway at Madison Park Cafe

On Sunday, between 9 am and 2 pm, Karen Binder, 32-year owner of of the Cafe, will be selling off (and, in some cases, giving away) many items from the restaurant that she just will not need in her catering and wine businesses going forward.  Here's what she says is included: "All my extra mismatched plates, glasses, catering trays, baskets and all sorts of little cafe stuff....some art work and WINE!  Whatever wine I have left when I close Saturday night will be on sale for retail prices--not wine list prices!"  There's also a white desk, a sideboard, and some chairs.

And, in a follow-up email to us she adds, "There's also a washer and dryer in great shape. $150 the pair. We deliver!"

As we've reported, after Madison Park Cafe's last meal is served on Saturday the building (originally a house built in 1924) will be somewhat remodeled, with a new restaurant making its debut there in October as Cafe Parco.


A brief glimpse at plans for Cafe Parco

And while we're on that subject, chef and owner Celinda Norton has disclosed some details concerning her new restaurant here.  In an email to her fans, she reports that Cafe Parco will definitely be Italian, but...

"I'm NOT talking Spaghetti Italian!

Cafe Parco will be showcasing Chef Celinda's passion for dishes that seamlessly meld the freshest and the best ingredients available, while maintaining the integrity of each element.  A philosophy inspired by Italy.

The name lends a nod of respect to Karen and The Madison Park Cafe.  For 32 years, the Cafe has been the beautiful, much loved girl next door. Cafe Parco is that same girl, all grown up and gorgeous. Names may change, but integrity lives on.

We will be offering Dinner seven days a week, Lunch Monday through Friday and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.  My new menus (oh... have I been writing menus!) will reflect neighborhood value; encouraging the opportunity for all to join our offerings any day of the week.

I will be introducing a unique wine program with Cafe Parco.  I'm not going to tell you everything YET, but your wallet is going to love this idea!"

Celinda will be joined by both her son Nic and daughter Lindsey when the restaurant opens in a month or so.  We'll get the full scoop as we get closer to opening day.


Constance Gillespie acts!

We were happy to walk by the notorious "black hole" building on Madison this week and discover that the landlord, Constance Gillespie, had indeed had the building's broken plate-glass window replaced on the center retail unit.  She met the City's deadline, with several days to spare.  Alas, there have been no repairs to the crumbing facade of the building.  Well, you can't expect miracles.


Readers respond on crime-vigilance issue

After we re-ran our cautionary posting on neighborhood break-ins this week, several people pointed to additional measurers Madison Parkers can take to prevent break-ins at their residences.  One noted that the police told her that houses with dogs are less likely to be broken into than those without, though as we've noted in past Police Blotter reports you definitely need dogs that will not sleep through the break-ins and you need to pay attention to your dogs' warnings if they are to have the maximum benefit in this regard.

Another reader noted that some people broadcast that they are on vacation by Facebooking or tweeting about it on Twitter.  Not a good idea, since not everyone who may read about the lovely time you're having in Cinque Terre is necessarily interested in those particular details, she warns.

Finally, there is this additional point:  houses with hidden entries in the back are more vulnerable to break-ins since the crime is less likely to be noticed by neighbors or passersby. So trimming hedges or removing unnecessary obstructions to give more visibility to your residence, may help lessen the break-in risk.

Consider these suggestions words to the wise.

[Floating bridge photo by Tony Cyphert on Flickr.]

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City takes action with notice of violation

The Seattle Department of Planning & Development confirmed this week that it had notified the landlord that the unsafe conditions at her building at 4118 E. Madison St. must be corrected.  Bryan Stevens, the Department's Public Service Manager, sent us this statement in response to the complaint we lodged with SDPD about the situation:

"We inspected the site on August 10th and observed the hazard along the sidewalk.  Per the Housing and Building Maintenance Code, the owner is responsible for removing an imminent hazard from the building and that components be reason­ably weathertight and kept in a safe, sound and sanitary condition.  We have issued a Notice of Violation to the owner, which requires the owner to make the necessary repairs by August 23rd.  If repairs are not made, then the owner could be subject to fines through the litigation process."

Rumor has it that the landlord, Constance Gillespie, has contracted for work to begin on the building on Monday. She is reported to have indicated that repairs will also be made to the rotting facade.

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Can't something be done about this?

Anyone thinking that the already decrepit commercial building at 4118 E. Madison St. couldn’t become more of a blight on the heart of Madison Park’s business district was proven wrong last week when vandals smashed the plate glass window of one of the building’s two vacant shops. Building owner Constance Gillespie, notorious for her unwillingness to spend any funds to maintain the structure, is almost certainly unaware of the damage. We understand from reliable sources that she is unreachable by phone or email, and there is some question as to whether she even accepts mail delivery.

The building has been in a state of disrepair (shall we say visibly rotting?) for many years, much to the consternation of other neighborhood merchants, one of whom refers to the structure as “The Black Hole of Madison Park.” (We’ve covered this story in some detail: click here to read our previous postings.)

The question now is whether the situation is to the point where the City can step in and require some remedial action on the part of the landlord, since the recent damage clearly presents a potential hazard to passersby.  Madison Park Business Association President Terry Short has done his best to tape over the glass that remains in the window frame, but the shop is now open to both the weather and to anyone who wants to enter the premises. Glass shards could easily dislodge onto what is the neighborhood’s most trafficked sidewalk.

As of this afternoon, no one had apparently called the City to ask for an intervention; so stepping out of our journalist role, we did so.  We contacted that Department of Planning and Development and made a formal request for an inspection, citing a clear danger to the public. We were told that based on our description of the situation there would be an investigation.

We shall see.

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