City gives green light to demolish The Viking to make way for new development

One of Ballard’s iconic taverns, a barbershop, a car repair shop and a home are slated to be demolished any day now to make way for a new development on the southeast corner of 24th Ave. and 65th St. The city approved the demolition permit earlier this week, and equipment is already parked on the lot.

The Viking has long been vacant, closing its doors for the last time back in April. While the Viking will be destroyed, its sign lives on at the Pacific Fishermen Shipyard in Ballard. Next door to the Viking, the 1/2 Happy Barbers Barbershop relocated to Ravenna.

The new development, named Ballard Lofts, will feature a 72-unit apartment complex with a green courtyard, a rooftop deck with a dog lawn and retail space on the ground level. Developer Bill Parks said during a design review meeting that he anticipates a restaurant filling the space on the corner of NW 65th St. and 24th Ave NW, Sunset Hill Green Market on 24th Ave NW, with a cafe or restaurant next door.

After neighbors complained about parking, the developer increased the number of underground parking spots to 72.

If you see the demolition underway, please drop us a tip at tips@myballard.com and snap some photos if you can. Meanwhile, we’ll keep you updated…