What's SLU missing?

[Rick]

With so many mixed use buildings being built in SLU, who should fill
all those retail spaces on the first floor?

My number one choice would be an ice cream parlor--Ben & Jerry's
anyone?

A book store could be cool, maybe on the first floor of one of the
Amazon buildings. How's that for irony?

I think we definitely have enough coffee shops, but more restaurants
are always welcome for variety. What do you think?

[Tim]

I would also love to see more coffee shops and book store would be
fantastic. Basically the neighborhood is in desperate need of 3rd
places. I'd like to see a community arts center (a la Capital Hill
Arts Center), a movie theater ( a la Columbia City), an inexpensive
grocery store, as well as a local food co-op. A mixed income co-
housing space. Co-working space in some of the soon to be torn down
warehouses. Basically anything that brings a diversity of people
together.
tim

[Rick]

The Cinerama doesn't do it for ya?

Definitely agree on the inexpensive grocery store and/or local food co-
op, also pulling for CPC's farmers market.

Artist work/live lofts out of the old warehouses would definitely be a
cool attraction.

On the affordable housing front, the new Borealis apartments are
nearing completion. 50 out of the 53 units (all but the top floor
penthouses I'm guessing) will be priced for residents earning 80% of
median income. Vulcan definitely scores points on the name, with the
building sitting right next to Aurora. Would like to see more good
development in the Denny Triangle area.

Great suggestions!

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[Jonathan]

Regarding the bookstore, the last I had heard was the plan was that
once Amazon was in place, they would be opening a store in one of
their buildings. I would almost write that off as a definite, but the
question will be "how soon?"

I definitely want to see more grocery stores in our area. It sucks
having to walk all the way up to QFC on Broadway or through the dark
underpass on Mercer to get to the one by the Center. Whole Foods is
nice but, when you want name brands, they don't suffice.

More new buildings down along the lakefront will be nice. I envision
something like Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. A mix of kitschy
shops for the tourists (you know with the SLUT connecting us to
downtown they are bound to find their way to the CWB and Northwest
Seaport) and places for the locals to shop, dine and mingle. If there
were storefronts right along Valley Street, that would be the best
place for all SLU residents.

[Rick]

So you're saying Amazon going into brick-and-mortar is almost
definite? Seems counter-intuitive given their business model, but I
can see it. I envision something similar to what Apple has done in
retail--a new take on the book and record store.

On the point of grocery stores, but staying with Amazon: Amazon Fresh
delivers to zip-code 98109. If you live in one of the newer apartments
with secured access there's a workaround in place and I hear they're
working towards a more permanent solution.

To your last point, I can see Valley Street becoming a pedestrian-
friendly strip once the Mercer Corridor project is complete--can't
wait.