Enjoy the Holidays in SLU

Naughty, Nice or Nautical?Enjoy a nautical twist to your holiday celebrations with Cookies, Crafts & Carols, to be held on December 10 from noon to 4pm at Lake Union Park. It is your opportunity to board historic vessels such as the Tug Arthur Foss, Steamship Virginia V, Schooner Adventuress, Queen of Seattle and others; to decorate cookies and make hand-crafted cards and ornaments; and to enjoy music by the Village Carolers and others.

"The event is a combined effort of all of the vessels on dock to open their boats," said Dan Leach, with the Center for Wooden Boats (CWB). "It is a fun event for us and an opportunity for organizations to be introduced to more people." He added that the CWB will have their dock house open and pond boats available for sailing in the model boat pond.

The event is sponsored by the At Lake Union Park Working Group. Admission to the event and to board the vessels is free; some crafts and food items have a suggested donation. For more information, refer to the CWB website or the activities calendar at Lake Union Park.

Shop Locally With the holidays coming up and the Mercer construction continuing, remember retail businesses and restaurants are still open and easily accessible. "The construction has created a perceived barrier between north of Mercer and south of Mercer," said Tom Larvis, Executive Vice President of Operations for Schwartz Brothers, which manages Daniel's Broiler and Chandler's Crab House. Larvis explained that the occasional closures of the I-5 Mercer ramp, the lane closures and the street closures have also added  to the perception that SLU is difficult to get to. "The construction has confused people," said Larvis. He is working with other neighborhood businesses and the WA DOT to minimize the future disruptions as construction continues into mid-2013. In the meantime, support you local businesses—they are still very accessible.

Give Back with Your Talent, Donations or Corporate Sponsorship For over 30 years, SLU's Morningside Academy has been changing lives for students who otherwise are not successful in school. The private, non-profit elementary and middle school has 80 full-time students with learning differences, who benefit from the small class sizes and high academic expectations.

Morningside's annual gala and fundraiser will be held March 23 and they are currently seeking local talent to participate in auditions—the registration deadline is December 16, so don’t delay. Consult the auction website for an audition application, or to donate an item for the silent auction, or to offer corporate sponsorship.

What's New in SLU featured Morningside Academy in a previous issue.

Trade Show Offers Swag, Samples

Umbrellas, travel mugs, t-shirts, chair massages, and samples of ice cream and hors d'oeuvres attracted over 600 people to the South Lake Union Trade Show held in September. Presented by the SLU Chamber of Commerce, this year's trade show doubled the number of attendees from last year, and also doubled the number of vendors at the sold-out event from 16 to 30 booths."Each year it grows," said exhibitor Dawn Oliver with the Morningside School. "The event showed good community spirit and the number of attendees was evidence of growth in the neighborhood and the foot traffic on the street."

The SLU Community Council was represented with a booth which presented information on the area plan and the mobility study.  Council members were on hand to answer questions, encourage community participation in the Council, and to let people know that the Council can serve as a conduit for advancing community issues/agenda.

The trade show was produced with sponsorships from Spring Hill Suites, UW Medicine, Pacific Medical Center, 415 Westlake and Athletic Awards.

The SLU Chamber continues working on ways to help local businesses and they are about to introduce a new app that will highlight special offers from retailers participating in the SLU Card program, neighborhood twitter feeds, events  and navigation tools. Part of the inspiration for the app came from business leaders who want to remind people that businesses are open during Mercer Construction. With so many innovative and tech-forward companies in the neighborhood, an app seemed like the perfect way to do this and showcase the neighborhood at the same time.

Seattle Investment in SLU Pays Off

Taking a walk around SLU will show you that the area is booming with development, but is this development more or less than what was projected almost 10 years ago? What sectors are growing most rapidly? Is job growth exceeding projections? How much money is streaming into the City of Seattle as revenue from taxes?

The South Lake Union Development Update  by Michael Mann of Cyan Strategies and Dr. Paul Sommers of Seattle University compares the actual redevelopment that has occurred in SLU against projections made in a similar report by Mann and Sommers almost 10 years ago.  In the original report they analyzed growth projections for partial and full build-out scenarios.

The good news is that, despite the downturn in the economy, actual activity in SLU from 2004 – 2010 exceeded the most optimistic projections: •    Office sector development has exceeded the full build-out  scenario by over 50% •    Biotech is also exceeding  full build-out •    Retail space development is at 99.7% of full build-out •    Housing development is at 87% of full build-out •    Job creation is 29% greater than full build-out •    Property tax, B&O tax, sales tax and utility tax have all exceeded full build-out projections and have generated over $35 million in tax revenue, higher than the $29 million projected for full build-out.

“One of the reasons the report was commissioned originally was to figure out what the benefit of SLU development would be to Seattle taxpayers in the way of increased tax revenue,” said Mann.  “It is encouraging to see that decisions made – like Cascade Park, SLU streetcar, SLU Park, zoning changes and the Mercer Project – have resulted in increased tax revenue, because those things attracted development.

Mann, who was working for the city when the original report was commissioned recalled, “It was a big debate in the early 2000’s – what is the appropriate level of city support?”  He added, “The initial report encouraged the city to invest in a robust amount of support, based on the projected tax revenues.  It is encouraging to see the results of the city’s support and to know that the investment in SLU was a wise use of the city’s resources. Imagine, for example, what would have happened if Amazon did not have a place in Seattle to move to in order to consolidate their offices and they moved to another city.”

Mann said that the report looks at what is going on right now, projections are still speculative and that he believes that the city would be well-served by another update in the future.  He is optimistic, however, and said, “I think that development has reached a tipping point in SLU and enough has been developed to give confidence that the rest of the undeveloped properties will be built out. There is some very valuable land.”

The 23-page report summarizes the growth history of the SLU neighborhood from 1998 to present and contains multiple analytic tables for projections on development by sector, jobs, and tax revenue. Mann believes that the study is important because it validates the city’s early investment in SLU that has resulted in development that has created tax revenue for the city. The report was also featured in a recent Puget Sound Business Journal article

More Retailers Join SLU Community

SLU continues to expand its retail base by attracting new stores, services and restaurants to the neighborhood.  In the coming months, these retailers will be joining the community. Shop ‘Til You Drop Born to Run 2,000 square-foot store opening in July 224 Pontius Ave N, in Alley 24 building across from REI

Born to Run offers running and lifestyle shoes that have less barrier between the foot and the ground, which some believes strengthens feet and treats foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and arthritis. They also offer education and technique training.

West Elm  16,000 square-foot store opening in the fall 2201 Westlake Building, at Westlake Ave N and Denny Way

A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., West Elm designs clean, simple, affordable products for modern living. The SLU storefront will be their first location in Washington State.

Lookin’ Good Bar Method  3,800-square foot studio opening in late summer 120 Westlake Ave N, in Rollin Street building at Westlake Ave N and John

The Bar Method is a full-body exercise program created to utilize the ballet bar fitness technique and draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training and physical therapy.

Capelli’s Gentlemen’s Barbershop Service opening in early October 307 Westlake Ave N, in Seattle BioMed building

Capelli’s provides an upscale barbershop experience and high-quality products, especially for men.  Services include haircuts, scalp massages, color and highlighting, beard, mustache and goatee trims, brow waxes and manicures, massage, and hair removal services.

Good Eats The Wurst Place 510 Westlake Ave N, by the Guitar Center

This microbrewery will be serving 20 or so staple sausages—plus a large selection of rotating specials, artisanal mustards, Belgian frites with dipping sauce, and 15 tap beers. For more information see the post on Seattle Met’s blog.

Mio Sushi First Seattle location, opening in the early Fall 120 Westlake Ave N, in Rollin Street building at Westlake Ave N and Denny Way

This sushi restaurant is known for having the freshest and highest quality fish, which is flown in daily from Hawaii.  They also offer hot cuisine such as bento boxes, and refreshments like beer and wine.  Happy hour will be offered daily from 4:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

Health Care for SLU

The SLU neighborhood is growing with great places to live, work, eat and play. But where do you go if you need healthcare? A new amenity in the neighborhood—Swedish South Lake Union Primary Care – is now serving the medical needs of the people that live and work here. "We recognize that people have a fast-paced schedule with busy lives, and we are doing as much as we can to support them," said Tommi Rainey, clinic administrator.

The new 14,000-square-foot facility, located at Boren Ave. N. and Mercer, features primary care and a walk-in clinic and has extended hours to serve patients before or after work. "A lot of intention went into the clinic design," said Rainey. "It is very nice to work in an environment that is calm, grounded and beautiful."

The primary care clinic offers internal medicine, family medicine, pediatric care, adolescent care, annual physicals and preventive screening. "This clinic is unique—offering a care team approach designed to enhance the patient experience. Each

Exam Room provider has their own dedicated staff and strives to ensure the patient sees the same team each time they come in," explained Rainey. "We recognize that people are getting lost in the shuffle and missing the personal touch of having a relationship with their doctor."

Swedish SLU also offers a walk-in clinic for patients to receive same day services for common ailments. “The walk-in model serves the acute needs of the community. It offers the same-day, immediate service that people need," Rainey said.

The Swedish Medical Group has 17 primary care clinics, with the SLU location being the newest and the first one with a walk-in clinic. "Swedish is very excited to be here in the in South Lake Union neighborhood," said Dr. Warren Fein, medical director for primary care clinics. "This is in line with Swedish’s mission to deliver healthcare to the community."

Summertime and the Living is Easy

Are you looking for ways to enjoy summertime in SLU?

For fresh produce, visit the Floating Farmers Market, held every Thursday through July 28 from 11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. at the Steamer Virginia V, docked at the Lake Union Park.

The Terry Avenue Farmers Market is held at Amazon Plaza on Thursdays through September 29 from 10:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. This Pike Place Market Express venue features flowers, vegetables, berries, orchard fruit, honey, apple cider, wine, fresh herbs and goat’s milk soap. The Plaza at Amazon is located at 410 Terry Ave N.

Cinema on the Lawn features free outdoor movies shown at the South Lake Union Discovery Center. Movies begin 30 minutes after dusk (approximately 9:00—9:30 p.m.). • July 14 – Easy A (PG-13) • July 29 – Kick Ass (R) • August 12 – Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (PG-13)

The free seventh annual South Lake Union Block Party will be held on Friday, August 12 from noon to 11:00 p.m. at the corner of Denny Way and Westlake Ave N, by the South Lake Union Discovery Center. The party is expected to attract over 7,500 attendees. It features delicious food from local restaurants, a burger grilling challenge, farmers market, wine tasting, beer garden, activities for kids, an outdoor movie and much more! Proceeds from this year’s SLU Block Party will benefit YouthCare and FareStart.

The third annual Lake Union 10K race on August 21 at 7:30 a.m., starts and finishes near Lake Union Park, and takes place along the Cheshiahud Loop Trail. The race raises funds to support Girls on the Run of Puget Sound.

For ongoing summer activities, check the activities calendar At Lake Union Park for information on free sails, model boat pond days, dragon boat paddling, kayak building and more.

Celebrate the Completion of the Urban Design Framework

A Clear Vision for SLU City planners, local architects, neighborhood leaders and SLU residents are celebrating the completion of the Urban Design Framework (UDF) – a clear vision for South Lake Union (SLU) as a thriving, sustainable, diverse urban center. Years of brainstorming and planning has turned into a formal 40-page study, addressing the physical development of SLU, including streets, parks, landmarks, lakefront, architectural diversity, retail and the pedestrian experience.

The main project leaders of the UDF are urban planners from the City of Seattle and Weber Thompson architects, who put 1000 pro bono hours into the design process.  Other contributors include volunteer planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and neighborhood constituents.

"The idea of the UDF is that it is better to start with a broader vision before we dive into tools like zoning regulations," said Dave LaClergue, Urban Designer, Department of Planning and Development (DPD) for the City of Seattle.  "During the UDF process we got to ask: what do we want from open spaces? How should pedestrians experience the neighborhood?"

Dan Foltz, SLU Community Council board member and principal at Weber Thompson architects, said the UDF was an "awesome process."  He explained that 25-30 people from the city and about 20 other design professionals and community stakeholders would get together and work collaboratively to draft solutions to various development questions.

The development questions the team discussed are highlighted in the report: gateways (passages into and out of the neighborhood), street character, residential and retail focus areas, residential open spaces, public space network, views, upper-level setbacks, urban form, lakefront, neighborhood connections, green stormwater infrastructure, and incentive zoning priorities.

At a recent well-attended community celebration for the UDF, interested members of the public had the opportunity to look over the plans, ask questions, and ponder life in SLU once the changes are made. "The thing that excites me the most — and the value to SLU and the value to the property I own — is that Mercer will be a two-way street and ideally will connect SLU to Queen Anne and connect me to grocery stores and amenities," said resident Jennifer Wilson.

Other people were focused more on the use of open space. Bob Corwin, retired urban planner and Capitol Hill resident, said he is fanatically pro-public transit and he likes the use of streetcars in the SLU. "The UDF is a good start. I’d like to see the city work more aggressively with open space and pedestrian amenities," said Corwin. "I don’t mind the new development and the density – you need that to have people around.  But the city needs to do more to plan for an open space network in the area."

For some, the UDF did not go far enough. Lloyd Douglas, board member of the SLU Community Council and the Cascade Neighborhood Council said, "There are not enough 'thou shalts' in the UDF.  There are too many 'strives', 'look intos,'  'considers.'"

The UDF together with the SLU Height & Density Environment Impact Statement (see related story) will inform new zoning regulations, design guidelines, streetscape design, and capital investment.  According to the UDF summary, SLU has the potential to demonstrate smart growth at its best – a livable, vibrant urban neighborhood that builds on its history and physical setting, continues to grow an innovative local economy, supports a mix of residents of all ages and incomes, and provides rich cultural opportunities.