by Ben Guerechit

The controversial corner of Market and 15th has just been dealt it’s final blow. Yesterday, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board voted 10-0 to dissolve any restrictions on what can be done with the site by the land owners; Benaroya Companies and developers Rhapsody Partners.

Development partners are now free to demolish the building originally built as the Manning’s Cafeteria in 1964 and later leased to Denny’s Resturaunt. The decision came down after Benaroya filed an appeal earlier in 2008 to have the landmark status removed. The Preservation Board headed by city preservation officer, Karen Gordon firmly agreed that the $12.5 million paid by Benaroya in 2006 was a debt that could not be afforded if the building was to remain.

The building was declared a landmark in a 6-3 vote, back in February with the help of preservation and neighborhood support to keep the building rather than see one more multi-use condominium tower over the shrinking character of Ballard. Landmark status was issued by the board on the basis that the building was of architectural significance, due to it’s 1960′s California futurist design; also known as Googie.

Development plans that included leaving the Googie-inspired building intact and integrate new condominium construction on the remaining unused land was also deemed inefficient and too expensive to regain any profit from the deal in 2006.

As residents of this neighborhood we have only to wait and see what will happen next at the “Gates of Ballard.” What can one more crane hurt?

For More Information see other articles in the Crosscut Seattle and Seattle Times. Picture found on flickr.

Good Ballardites! Local radio station KEXP, is bringing it’s broadcasting prowess to the Ballard neighborhood for a full day of musical goodness this Friday, May 9.

All things 90.3 have designed the hostile takeover of Ballard today in celebration of Ballard being crowned winner of KEXP’s Hood to Hood Challenge. The station holds an annual Spring pledge drive which creates one of the largest portions of funding. It has become habit over the last three years, in an effort to promote local funding to create some good ol’ completion among the Seattle neighborhoods. Ballard has championed the last two years.

This years events will take place at a variety of locations beginning with John Richards broadcasting live at 6 a.m from Cupcake Royale/Vérité Coffee and moving to Sonic Boom Records, across the street, where Cheryl Waters will take over at 10 a.m. and eventually Kevin Cole will man the mic from 2 p.m. till 6 p.m. Musical guests will be on hand for live performances. Common Market and Arthur & Yu will be performing during Richards broadcast; Throw Me the Statue, Mochipet and Man Plus will be performing for Waters and the Sonic Boom crowd; and Velella Vellela and Cloud Cult will be live during Cole’s show.

The party doesn’t stop after 6 pm either. Neighborhood pubs will also be taking part, hosting several parties. From Portalis to Hatties Hat, drink specials and other KEXP DJ’s will be spinning until late into the night. Other bands will also be performing. Highlights; the Maldives will take the Conor Byrne stage at midnight while Sunday Night Blackout will be performing at the Tractor Tavern at 10 pm. For further information, schedule for the days events and a list of participating businesses visit http://kexp.org/events/ballard2008.asp.

Ben Guerechit