OPENINGS AROUND THE SOUND
A look at the area's new stores
Posted January 2007
2200 delivers a retail model for South Lake Union
When Vulcan Real Estate began buying a land portfolio in excess of 60 acres in South Lake Union, the firm stimulated interest in one of Seattle's most established neighborhoods. All that was needed was a flagship development so area workers and inhabitants could point to a model of what the neighborhood might look like when millions of potential investment dollars are put to work.
2200 is South Lake Union's precedent-setting project, bringing a health food grocer, luxury residences and a range of retailers to an area better known for its top-tier biomedical tenants.
Whole Foods , the Texas-based grocer with a mammoth selection of healthy and naturally-raised products, opened as 2200's anchor tenant. The 47,000 sq. ft. store is nearly 40 percent larger than chain average. The size is justified given the shortage of large-format supermarkets and the rapid build-out of area housing. Whole Foods now operates four stores in Washington, with the new Seattle location adding to sites in Redmond (opened in August), Bellevue and Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood.
The Pan Pacific Hotel features 160 rooms and a promise of “High-touch, High technology.” As part of that pledge, guests can take advantage of wireless broadband connectivity throughout the hotel and a sleek library lounge featuring cocktails and snacks. A full-service fitness center opens this month. In-room offerings include dedicated work spaces, designer finishes and flat screen televisions.
SEVA Home, a sophisticated home furnishing showroom formerly situated in the Eastlake neighborhood, transferred to its new home in November. Those who compare the previous location to the current site will immediately notice the increased space allotted to modern sofas, dining tables, lighting rugs and other home accents. Even more merchandise is available via catalog order.
Koots Green Tea will offer a tea alternative to 2200's Starbucks. The chain, with ten locations in Japan, opened its first U.S. store in Bellevue's Lincoln Square in May 2006. Like the Pan Pacific, Koots is based in Tokyo. The company is hoping its latte-like drinks will find success in the land of Tully's, Starbucks and independent coffeehouses. In its favor are hand-brewed green teas and smoothies that arrive hot or iced.
F.K. Kirsten sells an array of tobacco products and pipes at its sole location at tourist-oriented Fisherman's Terminal. Visitors to the Kirsten Pipe Company's second retail outlet in South Lake Union have an opportunity to purchase numerous tobacco blends, cigars, lighters, humidors and pipes costing upwards of $650.
Scraps Dog Bakery offers healthy eats for dogs of all sizes. The Bank of America banking center is serviced by floor-roaming employees: a new customer service practice that extends beyond typical teller counters. Marazul, a restaurant with courses inspired by Asian and Latin foods, will open its doors in March. High tea, sushi and spiced meats from the imagination of Chef Bruce Dillon will highlight the menu.