Construction of the Brix mixed-use project and preparations for Broadway's light-rail station are putting a strain on north Broadway businesses. Nonetheless, merchants look forward to a fresh look for Capitol Hill's largest business district and an exciting new transportation option. Sound Transit's underground light-rail station will be located just east of Broadway and south of East John Street. The station will have three entrances and is expected to attract about 14,000 riders a day, according to Sound Transit's projections. Construction of the station is scheduled to begin in early 2009 with the demolition of the recently vacated buildings the transit agency purchased during the last 18 months.
The Brix project, located at the north end of Broadway on the site of the former Safeway, will be a mixed-use building. Retail green spaces will be located on street level while one- and two- story lofts and one- and two-bedroom condominiums will occupy the upper levels.
"Brix is bringing the brownstone concept to Seattle," said Jack Hilovsky, executive director of the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce. "We're excited about it because it's going to bring a lot of people to Broadway. There will be more nightlife and more activity."
While construction is nearing completion, merchants are frustrated but eager for the changes Brix, as well as the large mixed-use project just under way across from Brix will bring to Broadway.
"Business is tough because of the dead, empty buildings," said Paul Dwoskin, owner of Broadway Video. "It's been about 10 years of less than fabulous business on Broadway, but customers seem to be excited about the change. I think it will be good for everyone, and I think it will help me."
Michael Wells, owner of Bailey/Coy Books and president of the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce and Broadway Business Improvement Area, thinks the slower business climate is a national problem.
"The economic problem we're having is not specific to Capitol Hill construction. Election years are bad for retail business, and money is tight," he said.
Businesses south of Brix seem to be holding up well, but those directly neighboring the construction site are less fortunate. El Tajin Mexican restaurant and Broadway News are located near Brix and have been experiencing a decline in revenue since construction began.
"Business is not good," said Ollie Aldama, bartender at El Tajin. "I'm pretty sure it has a lot to do with the construction."
El Tajin has been open only about 10 months, and Aldama said they would wait out the construction and look forward to more foot traffic.
"Brix will bring more people and more business," he said.
Another downside of construction has been a decrease in north Broadway bus traffic due to rerouting.
"The north end has been cut off from the rest of Broadway," said John Hamel, owner of Broadway News. "This is the worst business has been in five years. We're looking forward to the new restaurant and Brix to be finished."
Hamel is referring to Poppy, an upcoming restaurant being opened by nationally acclaimed chef Jerry Traunfeld, formerly of the Herbfarm. The north Broadway restaurant will seat about 100 and take over three empty retail spaces.
Businesses south of the construction, such as Red Light and Urban Outfitters, haven't experienced a downturn.
"We're pretty established. Even though there seems to be a lot less foot traffic, people are still coming," said Sarah Scherer, general manager of Red Light.
"I haven't seen a decline in traffic," said Urban Outfitters manager Henry Carter. "We're located in a pretty central area so we're not feeling any negative impact."
Carter said that Capitol Hill needs revitalization and is looking forward to more customers.
"I'm pretty excited about it [Brix]," Carter added. "Our customers are savvy; they know who they are and what they want. Young condo owners are our clients."
Brix move-in begins later this summer and construction should be completed this fall. Merchants could not be happier.
"We're anxious for the construction to be finished," said Jason Grimes, manager of Broadway's Gruv. Gruv has been open for about six years and has endured plenty of construction. Grimes said the north section of Broadway has been undergoing changes since the closing of Fred Meyer four years ago.
While construction is a major issue, Grimes said he hears more about the businesses moving around.
"People want to know where they can get their chocolate!" he said.
Until recently, Gruv counted Dilettante as a neighbor. As many are aware, Dilettante will soon move to Brix, along with Café Vivace. The popular B&O Espresso will take Dilettante's former location.
With major changes happening on the Hill, Hilovsky said it's important to make sure the right changes are being made.
"We need to retain the character of Broadway (while) also making sure it doesn't become a privileged enclave. It's the diversity that draws people to this area," he said.
Property owners have been encouraged by the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce to lease to businesses that will stay true to Capitol Hill's character and benefit the community by providing useful services.
"Property owners are looking for new things-not more nail salons and pay-day loans," said Hilovsky. "People should be able to stay on the Hill where they live, save on gas and walk."
Hilovsky said another goal is to bring in desirable stores.
"Capitol Hill is getting denser and we're starting to bring in businesses that make people want to come here," he said.
While Brix construction wraps up and Sound Transit construction begins, it's clear that Capitol Hill is in for some major changes.
"A lot of small merchants have been waiting for the change," Wells said. "We're all curious to see what will happen."
Sasha London is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory. She can be reached at editor@capitolhilltimes.com.