‘Sustainable’ to fill empty Market St. space

Geeky Swedes Ballard

A new business is opening on the corner of 20th & Market, leaving one less vacant space at the nearly empty intersection.

Work is underway behind the plastic to transform the former All the Kings Flags space into “Sustainable.” We spoke with Wanna, the owner of the new shop, who tells us she’ll sell recycled furniture, lighting and artwork. Now seemed like the perfect time to follow her dream, “Hopefully I can turn crisis into opportunity,” she says, referring to the economy. All the Kings Flags closed at the beginning of the year followed by Ballard Camera and Epilogue Books, leaving All the Best Pet Care as the lone business at the intersection. Wanna hopes to have Sustainable open in the next week.

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

27 thoughts to “‘Sustainable’ to fill empty Market St. space”

  1. I think it's funny that the first sentence has “covered by plastic” and the name of the store Sustainable in it.

    So, will it be a consignment shop, does anyone know? That would be nice both for buying things and not having to have a garage sale or posting on craigslist to get rid of things.

  3. I hope they push the building owner to change up the facade by removing those crazy arches and maybe bring it back to it's old glory. :)

  5. Dear Wanna,

    I very much look forward to patronizing your store. And I second RudyT's recommendation to remove those TERRIBLE arches from the facade and help bring this charming old building back to it's original glory. In this town and especially in this neighborhood facades matter (case in point–Market Street Traders closing in less than 2 years despite the wonderful things that they sell). I realize that this is something the building owner is in control of so feel free to direct him/her/them to these remarks. We'd be happy to get a petition going for you!

  8. I've been thingking the same think about the terrible arches. It would be pretty fantastic if this building and the old Ballard Camera building across the street both restored their storefronts. The new pet store across the street did this and it made a huge difference. That would be a major improvement to that intersection.

    It even looks like the Market Street Traders used to have a handsome facade before it was cheesed up with the chalet.

  9. what is the building's old glory anyway?

    I actually don't mind those arches. They look pretty substantial and give the building a hip 60's feel.

    We definitely need some sort of cover over the sidewalk. Did the original building have some sort of awning? (and if so, was it the cheesy canvas kind that shed water violently at the edge?)
    this business should do fine, whether or not the storefront is restored. blogs like this get the word out (look at the donut shop discussion in the forum)

  11. The arches are great! they draw ones attention away from how dismal the rest of the building is. A visual contradiction. Save the arches!

  13. The Building was built by the the Freemasons of Occidental Lodge No.72 right after the turn of the century. They still own it and are readying the space for the new business.

    It is easy to say you want the arches gone if you do not need to foot the bill. Renting retail space is not a philanthropic venture. The masons already donate tons of money to local places.

  14. I'm sorry but the arches and the boarded up top windows along the East side are an architectural tragedy. I agree that they need to be replaced with an awning but I really see no other redeeming features. 60's feel? Yes. Bad design that was done in the 60s-not good design.

    Nuff said.

  15. Totally agreed on the price tag. However, it is an investment in the community and frankly could help tenants do better and stay in their leases longer.

  16. I think that if people want to support local business they will. I know that all the kings flags didn't last very long. Oh, wait. Being that the Masons are a philanthropic organization I think it is unfair to ask them to divert those charitable funds to tenant improvements.

    Don't you think it is rather shallow to not shop somewhere due to a 60s era facade?

  17. I've lived in Ballard on and off for about 30 years and don't really remember how it looked before the arches. I like the arches, though, they're classic enough for the likes of me.

  19. Sounds like a great store in the making. Can't wait to check it out. My vote: Keep the arches – they rule. The green, however, is a different story.

  23. Times must be pretty good these days when a facade is news/troubling. How many here sign their names on the front of a check on payday? Yeah, I miss the horse a buggy too man. Crap, let's bring back 8-tracks too. At least this space won't be another government operation, yet. At least it isn't going to be a shelter or free lunch draw. Hooray for somebody living their dream and opening a biz! Now, let's tax the hell out of them.

  25. should be interesting to check out. curious if their goods are -really- more “sustainable” – or just cater to the feel-good buyer.

    so often stuff pitched as “sustainable” is anything-but (ie – the whole buy local/organic thing).

  27. People want to support local businesses. They also want to be environmentally friendly. They even want to lose weight and exercise more while brushing after each meal and flossing daily, but the reality is that with so many things the intention and the action aren't always the same.
    Any store needs to have a nice facade to draw people in. If it looks like a dump people will expect it to be a dump and keep going. If it looks nice and welcoming then you have a 50-50 chance of just getting them inside, then 50-50 that you ever get them back depending on what's inside.
    It isn't “rather shallow” so much as it's human nature when faced with many options of where to spend our energy and time.

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