Manning’s/Denny’s

Benaroya reportedly close to selling former Denny's site

michaelh — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:08:47 +0000

michaelh Fri, 07/16/2010 - 9:08am

Two vacant buildings are torn down on the former Denny's/Manning's property September 2009. According to reports, the property is close to being sold by Benaroya Companies.

Michael Harthorne

On June 15, the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce reported that Benaroya Companies is close to a deal to sell the former Denny's/Manning's property on the northwest corner of Market Street and 15th Avenue Northwest.

According to the Journal of Commerce, a buyer signed a letter of intent last week for the property – the future home of the Market Street Landing residential and commercial development – and Benaroya Companies expects the sale to close in two to three months.

Benaroya Companies declined to verify those reports or what a sale could mean to the future of the Market Street Landing development as planned.

After a protracted battle over whether or not the former Denny's/Manning's building on the site qualified as a historic landmark, the building was torn down June 24, 2009. In September 2009, the remaining buildings on the site were torn down, and the property has sat empty since.

After four Design Review meetings, the Seattle Department of Planning and Development approved Market Street Landing, an eight-story development with 261 residential units above 32,307 square feet of retail space, the begin construction in August 2009. A Bartell Drugs was to be the anchor retail tenant.

Manning’s/Denny’s

Market Street Landing

Condo to replace Denny's still needs work, says city design board

Guest — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Guest (not verified) Wed, 01/28/2009 - 12:00am

The Northwest Design Review Board is still unsatisfied with how the design of a new condo treats an iconic corner in Ballard.

Kirkland-based developers Rhapsody Partners plan to build Market Street Landing, a five to eight story building at the corner of Northwest Market Street and 15th Avenue Northwest, where the once historic Manning's/Denny's building stood.

This corner is seen by many in the community as the "gateway to Ballard," so the board, all Ballard residents, is paying special attention to what is developed there.

The News-Tribune recently reported that the project was on hold due to lack of funding. But Arthur Chang, the architect for the project, said the financing situation has been "blown out of proportion," and that not having funding is typical at this point in the development process, before master-use and construction permits have been obtained.

"I think people are just nervous and they want to see something at that corner, and so do we," said Chang, with Freiheit and Ho Architects. "We are moving forward with this project."

It had been about a year since the project had been before the design review board. The process was held up for several months while the former building went through a landmark nomination process with the City of Seattle.

The old 1960's diner was deemed a city landmark, but the decision was quickly reversed because the designation would have prevented the owners from seeing a reasonable economic return on the property, which had been purchased by Benaroya Co. for $12.5 million.

The design review board had several issues with the last design.

They wanted more attention to be paid to the prominent corner. They also asked the architects to unify the architectural expression of the facade; provide more canopies for weather protection; and lessen the scale, height and bulk along Northwest 56th Street.

The architects presented a "tower" element now designed for the corner, which is meant to be derived from a lighthouse or maritime theme and reminiscent of the old Ballard City Hall to create a "way-finding" piece for the community, said Chang.

But board members were not convinced it was the right fit.

Katie Vance of Rhapsody, said her company has been doing a lot of outreach with the community on their "wants and needs" for the look and feel of the new building. They toured old Ballard and the Nordic Heritage Museum and held focus groups, where they received "excellent feedback," she said.

"Ballard's a very diverse place and we got a lot of diverse opinions," said Vance.

Board member Guy Peckham said he was pleased with the amount of public outreach done, but the corner element "feels like it needs more work," he said.

The design also calls for a "gabled" effect along the roof of the condo. Peckham and other board members said the gable features didn't seem to fit with the architecture of the rest of the building.

Board member Bill Singer said the newest design is a major improvement since the last round, but he was concerned that there were no public amenities. He said other projects nearby of similar size, like the Sunset Bowl, were able to add this feature and still make the project pencil out.

"The public deserves something," he said. "There should be something here in what is probably the most important lot in Ballard. Something."

Three levels of below grade parking are planned with 446 total stalls; 116 for commercial use and 330 for residents. About 32,000 square feet of retail is planned with a Bartell drugstore as the anchor tenant in the 287 unit building.

The project will require the removal of two existing vacant structures on the site. The proposed building would cover the entire site, with the easterly third of the project at five stories (65 feet) and the westerly two-thirds at eight stories (85 feet).

Other changes include reducing one floor to five stories along 15th to add the gable accents on the roof in hopes of unifying the facade, said Chang.

One woman who commented on the design said the building was too "ugly" to go on such an important corner.

"I'd like to see something more fun," she said. "It just looks like a big Bartell's drugstore. It doesn't speak to the neighborhood."

Rebekah Schilperoort can be reached at 783-1244 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com.

Nordic Heritage Museum

Historic Preservation

Robinson Papers

Condo at Denny's site on hold

admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Tue, 01/27/2009 - 12:00am

NO FINANCING: The historic Manning's/Denny's building was torn down last June to make way for an eight-story condo, but that project is now on hold due to financial difficulties according to the developers.<br><br>

Photo by Dean Wong

Plans to develop an eight-story, 260-unit condo at the old Denny's site on the corner of Market and 15th has been put on hold due to recent economic troubles, according to a representative of the developers, Rhapsody Partners.

Louis Richmond, a spokesperson for the developers, said financing is still being sought and there is still a desire to move ahead with the project. Such has happened with other local developments, the recent economic slump has put the project on hold, possibly indefinitely.

Over last summer the old diner, originally a Manning's Cafeteria built in the 1960's, was demolished after a battle between preservationists and the developers ended in a landmark designation for the exterior of the building. The decision was later reversed because the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board determined the owners of the property could not see a reasonable return on their investment with the landmark status.

Owners of the site, Benaroya Properties, bought the site for $12.5 million from the failed Seattle Monorail Project and were in negotiations to sell it to Rhapsody.

Katie Vance of Rhapsody Partners said the company has been in talks with several lenders, but since they do not have building permits or a firm timeline in place, it's been difficult.

"The whole banking system has changed," said Vance. "That's the times we are living in right now... It's hand over fist and you hear the same story all over the place."

Ballard District Council Officer Catherine Weatbrook said it would be tough to see the corner just sitting there because it's not a lot of fun for anyone to look at. However it's not a unique situation and she also has been hearing and seeing the financial troubles across the board. She hopes the economy will turn around for everyone's sake.

Alan Michelson, head of the Architecture-Urban Planning Library at the University of Washington and one of the members of the Save Manning's group, said the developers could have made the project work without demolishing the historic structure.

"We made lots of efforts to get a hold of the developers and Benaroyas but we were brushed off," said Michelson. "To some extent they may blame us by slowing them down but we may have also helped them by stopping construction for something that could not be built. It was their own arrogance that exacerbated the situation."

The Manning's/Denny's building was demolished in June 2008, shortly after the landmark decision was reversed. Many believed the diner to be a good example of "Googie," a style of roadside architecture that originated in Southern California.

"I think it's interesting that it wasn't lost on people that the developers destroyed the Manning's building as fast as they did," Michelson added. "It was clearly not economic but a political message to people that cared about preservation that basically owners have total control ..."

When asked if she thought the Save Manning's group slowed down the development, Vance said

"Sure it slowed us down. We had about a year delay so how do you not say it slowed you down, but what are you going to do about it? It's over and done with and we're moving on. We did have delays and we had added costs because of it."

"Others of us were wondering what was going on with the property," said Anne Forestieri, another member of the preservation group. "We've been following it on the outskirts because we're ticked off that they tore the building down."

Disappointed with the news that the project may be put on hold indefinitely, Beth Miller, executive director of the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, hopes that the property owners will work with them in creating a temporary project that could take place of the development in the meantime.

"It would be nice to have life and activity in the space to add to the community," said Miller. "I would hate for that to just sit idle. The problem is you just don't want a site to sit empty. It's an invitation for vagrancy, graffiti and other activities."

Miller has offered a possible flea market, basketball courts, an impromptu park of potted trees or temporary art that could fill the bare property until funding is found.

"Hopefully they can partner with some of us to show their good faith and keep the area lively."

Allison Espiritu and Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783-1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com.

January 27, 2009
Photo credit: Photo by Dean Wong

Seattle Monorail Project

Chamber of Commerce

Manning’s/Denny’s

Ballard District Council

Condo at Denny's site on hold, maybe for good

admin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Mon, 01/26/2009 - 12:00am

Photo by Dean Wong

Owners of the site, Benaroya Properties, bought the site for $12.5 million from the failed Seattle Monorail Project and were in negotiations to sell it to Rhapsody.

Katie Vance of Rhapsody Partners said the company has been in talks with several lenders, but since they do not have building permits or a firm timeline in place, it's been difficult.

"The whole banking system has changed," said Vance. "That's the times we are living in right now... It's hand over fist and you hear the same story all over the place."

When asked if she thought the Save Manning's group slowed down the development, Vance said

Miller has offered a possible flea market, basketball courts, an impromptu park of potted trees or temporary art that could fill the bare property until funding is found.

"Hopefully they can partner with some of us to show their good faith and keep the area lively."

Allison Espiritu and Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783-1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com.

January 26, 2009
Photo credit: Photo by Dean Wong

Seattle Monorail Project

Chamber of Commerce

Manning’s/Denny’s

Ballard District Council

NEW Design review Monday for Manning's/Denny's site

admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Fri, 01/23/2009 - 12:00am

A design review is scheduled for the eight-story condo that is supposed to replace the Manning's/Denny's building, despite the developers current lack of funding.

Developers, Rhapsody Partners, are still moving forward with the process to obtain a master-use permit, which includes a design review from a volunteer, city-appointed board, in hopes they can secure funding eventually.

The proposal description calls for an eight-story structure with 261 residential units above 32,307 square feet of retail space. Parking for 437 vehicles to be provided at ground level and below grade.

The developer will present information about the proposed design and how it responds to the Design Guideline priorities established at the Early Design Guidance Board meetings on March 26 and Dec. 17, 2007, regarding this site and proposal. The public may offer comments regarding the proposed design and, the Design Review Board will offer their recommendations on the design to the Director of Planning and Development.

Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, 8:00 p.m. in the Ballard High School Library, 1418 N.W. 65th St.

No funding for condo to replace Denny's

admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Tue, 01/20/2009 - 12:00am

Photo by Dean Wong

Owners of the site, Benaroya Properties, bought the site for $12.5 million from the failed Seattle Monorail Project and were in negotiations to sell it to Rhapsody.

Katie Vance of Rhapsody Partners said the company has been in talks with several lenders, but since they do not have building permits or a firm timeline in place, it's been difficult.

"The whole banking system has changed," said Vance. "That's the times we are living in right now... It's hand over fist and you hear the same story all over the place."

When asked if she thought the Save Manning's group slowed down the development, Vance said

Miller has offered a possible flea market, basketball courts, an impromptu park of potted trees or temporary art that could fill the bare property until funding is found.

"Hopefully they can partner with some of us to show their good faith and keep the area lively."

Allison Espiritu and Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783-1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com.

January 20, 2009
Photo credit: Photo by Dean Wong

Seattle Monorail Project

Chamber of Commerce

Manning’s/Denny’s

Ballard District Council

Condo at Denny's site on hold, possibly for good

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Mon, 01/19/2009 - 12:00am

Photo by Dean Wong

Owners of the site, Benaroya Properties, bought the site for $12.5 million from the failed Seattle Monorail Project and were in negotiations to sell it to Rhapsody.

Katie Vance of Rhapsody Partners said the company has been in talks with several lenders, but since they do not have building permits or a firm timeline in place, it's been difficult.

"The whole banking system has changed," said Vance. "That's the times we are living in right now... It's hand over fist and you hear the same story all over the place."

When asked if she thought the Save Manning's group slowed down the development, Vance said

Miller has offered a possible flea market, basketball courts, an impromptu park of potted trees or temporary art that could fill the bare property until funding is found.

"Hopefully they can partner with some of us to show their good faith and keep the area lively."

Allison Espiritu and Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783-1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com.

January 19, 2009
Photo credit: Photo by Dean Wong

Seattle Monorail Project

Chamber of Commerce

Manning’s/Denny’s

Ballard District Council

NEW Condo at Denny's site on hold, possibly for good

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Thu, 01/15/2009 - 12:00am

The historic Manning's/Denny's building was torn down last June to make way for an eight-story condo, but that project is now on hold due to financial difficulties, according to the developers. <b>File Photo</b>

Louie Richmond, a spokesperson for the developers, said financing is still being sought and there is still a desire to move ahead with the project. Such has happened with other local developments, the recent economic slump has put the project on hold, possibly indefinitely.

Over last summer, the old diner, originally a Manning's Cafeteria built in the 1960's, was demolished after a battle between preservationists and the developers ended in a landmark designation for the exterior of the building. The decision was later reversed, however, because the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board determined the owners of the property could not see a reasonable return in their investment with the landmark status.

Owners of the site, Benaroya Properties, bought the site for $12.5 million from the failed Seattle Monorail Project and were in negotiations to sell it to Rhapsody.

Katie Vance of Rhapsody Partners said the company has been in talks with several lenders, but since they do not have building permits or a firm timeline in place, it's been difficult to gain the necessary funds.

"The whole banking system has changed," said Vance. "That's the times we are living in right now... It's hand over fist and you hear the same story all over the place."

When asked if she thought the Save Manning's group slowed down the development, Vance said, "Sure it slowed us down, we had about a year delay so how do you not say it slowed you down, but what are you going to do about it? It's over and done with and we're moving on. We did have delays and we had added costs because of it."

"Others of us were wondering what was going on with the property..., said Anne Forestieri, another member of the preservation group. "We've been following it on the outskirts because we're ticked off that they tore the building down."

January 15, 2009

Seattle Monorail Project

Manning’s/Denny’s

Development

Robinson Papers

Sports Briefs

admin — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Mon, 01/12/2009 - 12:00am

Friedhoff wins

Thomas Jefferson graduate Amy Friedhoff took first place for San Jose State University in the 1,000 freestyle during a 166.5-109.5 team win over Cal State Bakersfield.

Friedhoff won the 1,000 in 10:53.26 and also took third in the 100 free in 55.88.

San Jose State won its 10th meet in a row.

Frank scores 12

Thomas Jefferson graduate Kalei Frank scored 12 points for the Pacific University of Oregon in a recent 71-61 loss to Corban, including a three-pointer.

Club hosts hoops

Registration: The Federal Way Boys and Girls Club are currently enrolling youth for the 2009 Munchkin and Elementary Basketball tournament. The deadline for early registration is Friday, Jan. 23. Late registration will be accepted on a space available basis and $5 extra charge.

Registration can be done online @ www.fwbgc.org or in person at the Club at 30815 8th Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98063

Teams: Munchkin Basketball is a co-ed league for all youth in grades 1&2. Elementary basketball will be coed separate leagues for grades 3, 4, and 5. The season runs from January 28-March 20, 2009. Games are played in the surrounding Federal Way area schools as well as the Federal Way Boys and Girls Club. Coaches will contact players after the coaches meeting on January 27, 2009 to inform about practice.

Fee: The program costs $60. After January 23, $65 (plus $20 Club membership fee if not current).

Information: For more information please contact Dolan Holt, Athletic Director at 253.681.6514 or email to: dholt@positiveplace.org

Interested in coaching? Please contact Dolan Holt for more information.

M’s open on road

The Seattle Mariners open their season on the road next year, with their home opener scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Pacific Waves

Pacific Waves Synchronized Swim Club is currently offering one FREE synchro lesson to deep water swimmers of all ages interested in trying the Sport that Sparkles. Lesson will be at the Federal Way Community Center Pool on Saturday mornings from 9 - 10 a.m. Call LeeAnn for registration at (253) 476-1172.

Masters times offered

The Federal Way Masters swimming team for ages 19 and over is now offering three workout session times at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center located at 650 SW Campus Drive in Federal Way.

Monday through Friday a 5:30-6:45 a.m. and a 7-8 p.m.session are offered, with a 6:50-7:50 a.m. session taking place Tuesdays and Thursdays. A 10:15-11:15 a.m. session is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Saturdays an 8-9 a.m. session is held at the Kenneth Jones Pool (Federal Way High School).

Members are required to join U.S. Masters Swimming at $30 per year, and the annual team registration fee is $25. Monthly coaching fees are $35 per month for up to twice weekly workouts or $45 per month for unlimited workouts. A 10 percent discount is offered for a prepayment of three months. Also available is a drop-in fee of $5 per workout.

For more information, contact www.fwmasters.com or call coaches Malcolm and Wendy Neely at (253) 838-8408.

Instruction offered

Nadeau Sports Training is enrolling students for private and group instruction for fall and winter sessions. Professional instruction for hitting, fielding and speed and agility is offered. Details: NSTSPORTS.COM or Mike Nadeau (253) 927-4460.

B.A.M. offers lessons

The B.A.M. Club and former University of Washington standouts Bridget Wilcox (pitching) and Becky Simpson (slapping and hitting) are offering girls fastpitch lessons Monday and Wednesday evenings at Washington High School in Parkland. Pitchers can contact Bridget at bridgetwilcox@attbi.com. Slappers and hitters can contact Becky at BeckyS@DOR.WA.GOV.

Pattison’s offers skating

Pattison’s West in Federal Way offers roller and inline skating, including lessons and the inline speedskating Team Extreme that gave Olympic gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno his start.

Call (253) 838-5788 for more information.

Fastpitch website announced

Those interested in registering any girl between the ages of 6 and 18 to play in the Federal Way fastpitch league, visit its website at www.fwgfa.com or call Kathy Manning at (253) 941-8714 for more information.

Cheer facility

NW Elite All-Stars has a 6,000 square foot training facility in Kent. The NW Elite Training Facility focuses on training and preparing cheerleaders by offering all-star teams grades K-12 to compete locally and nationally. NW Elite also offers training for college and professional cheerleading, high school and junior high cheerleading, recreational cheerleading, tumbling classes, partner stunting, high school squad choreography and tumbling, private coaching clinics and more. The new facility has two cheerleading floors plus equipment to train beginning to advanced cheerleaders. There are full-size mirrors, a weight room, a student center, a front office with a store, a team room and more.

NW Elite is home of the nationally ranked 2003 Large Coed Team. Over 90 percent of NW Elite’s seniors from 2003 have received scholarships for college cheerleading or cheer professionally. NW Elite has alumni cheerleaders on the University of Washington, Washington State University, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Portland State University, University of Las Vegas and University of Alabama cheer squads. NW Elite has had cheerleaders travel as far as from Marysville to participate in the program.

This season NW Elite is returning to the competition floor stronger than ever. With a new facility it is now able to offer more classes and teams to more people. It is currently starting another coed team, junior pep team and youth team. NW Elite has worked with the Boys & Girls clubs and has held free clinics for young cheerleaders as well. NW Elite sponsored over $10,000 last year for cheerleaders who were financially struggling, but had the desire to make a difference in their lives through cheer.

NW Elite is also working with cheerleading squads from Washington and Oregon like Cascade Christian High School, Prairie High School, Southridge High School and more. NW Elite is making an effort this year to create a bridge between all-star cheerleading and high school cheer squads so that everyone can benefit. With a growing level of cheerleading in Washington, NW Elite wants to provide today’s youth with experiences that last a lifetime.

The NW Elite Training Center is located at 22043 So. 68th, Kent, Wa. 98032. For more information, call (253) 872-4676 or see the website at www.NWELITE.com.

Hoop school

scheduled

Klahanee Community Center in Federal Way is hosting 1 Tough School of Basketball year-round. The school is for boys and girls grades 4-12 and offers two-hour workouts based on ball handling, passing, shooting and details formulated from Division I and II collegiate programs. It will also include guest speakers from the high school, college and professional level, and the coaching staff includes varsity high school head coaches and former Division I and II college standouts at different positions.

The registration fee is $35, with an $80 fee for one month, $150 for two months and $265 for three months.

The Klahanee Community Center is located at 33901-9th Ave. So. in Federal Way.

For more information, call (206) 852-1077 or Email to toughschool2002@yahoo.com.

Hoop camp returns

Applications are now being evaluated for The Ten Star All Star Summer Basketball Camp. The camp is by invitation only. Boys and girls ages 10 - 19 are eligible to apply. Past participants include: Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Vince Carter, Jerry Stackhouse, Grant Hill and Antawn Jamison. Players from 50 states and 17 foreign countries attended the 2004 camp. College basketball scholarships are possible for players selected to the All-American Team. Camp locations include: Hickory, N.C., Prescott, Ariz., Belmont, Calif., Thousand Oaks, Calif., Sterling, Colo., Bridgeport, Conn., Babson Park, Fla., Atlanta, Ga., Carlinville, Ill., Macomb, Ill, Greencastle, Ind., Atchison, Kan., Baltimore, Md., Ypsilanti, Minn., Schenectady, N.Y., Bluffton, Ohio, Doylestown, Pa., Lebanon, Tenn., Commerce, Texas, Blacksburg, Va., Lyndonville, Vt., and Beloit, Wis. For a free brochure, call (704) 377-6387 any time.

Manning’s/Denny’s

Education

Robinson Papers

Sports Briefs

admin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

admin Mon, 01/05/2009 - 12:00am

M’s open on road

The Seattle Mariners open their season on the road next year, with their home opener scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Pacific Waves

Masters times offered

The Federal Way Masters swimming team for ages 19 and over is now offering three workout session times at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center located at 650 SW Campus Drive in Federal Way.

Saturdays an 8-9 a.m. session is held at the Kenneth Jones Pool (Federal Way High School).

For more information, contact www.fwmasters.com or call coaches Malcolm and Wendy Neely at (253) 838-8408.

Instruction offered

B.A.M. offers lessons

Fastpitch website announced

Cheer facility

NW Elite All-Stars a 6,000 square foot training facility in Kent. The NW Elite Training Facility focuses on training and preparing cheerleaders by offering all-star teams grades K-12 to compete locally and nationally. NW Elite also offers training for college and professional cheerleading, high school and junior high cheerleading, recreational cheerleading, tumbling classes, partner stunting, high school squad choreography and tumbling, private coaching clinics and more. The new facility has two cheerleading floors plus equipment to train beginning to advanced cheerleaders. There are full-size mirrors, a weight room, a student center, a front office with a store, a team room and more.

The NW Elite Training Center is located at 22043 So. 68th, Kent, Wa. 98032. For more information, call (253) 872-4676 or see the website at www.NWELITE.com.

Pattison’s offers skating

Pattison’s West in Federal Way offers roller and inline skating, including lessons and the inline speedskating Team Extreme that gave Olympic gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno his start.

Call (253) 838-5788 for more information.

Hoop camp returns

Hoop school scheduled

The registration fee is $35, with an $80 fee for one month, $150 for two months and $265 for three months.

The Klahanee Community Center is located at 33901-9th Ave. So. in Federal Way.

For more information, call (206) 852-1077 or Email to toughschool2002@yahoo.com.

Manning’s/Denny’s

Education

Robinson Papers