Other Uses for Gottschalks Building
The K.O. Erickson Trust — which owns the building where Gottschalks used to be — is losing hope of finding another department store chain to occupy the building.
They’re considering revamping the building to make it compatible with other types of tenants, and they’ve hired an architect to determine how to do this. It’s a dilemma since changing the layout of the building will probably make it impossible for a future department store to be located there.
A grocery chain — Grocery Outlet — was considering the Gottschalks building, but decided against it because of the parking situation.
They’re considering revamping the building to make it compatible with other types of tenants, and they’ve hired an architect to determine how to do this. It’s a dilemma since changing the layout of the building will probably make it impossible for a future department store to be located there.
A grocery chain — Grocery Outlet — was considering the Gottschalks building, but decided against it because of the parking situation.
posted by Tom Harper at 3:48 PM
8 Comments:
I don't recall what was in the store up the street but the Salvation Army tried a store in it for a while and as far as I recall it's still empty and that's been what, three or four years?
Good luck filling that higher rent space. The logging and the good days from it is gone and there is no bringing any of that back.
And what about the NAPA parts house building, who wants it? Consider yourself luck that the natives wanted the tire store, it was a good choice for them.
At least they have sense enough to get higher than the downtown area.
Want better times and more money? Go somewhere else, I won't miss those that leave.
That PDN article ALSO quoted local commercial realtor with this:
"Gase and Hyden both said Port Angeles doesn't have enough residents or an average income high enough to attract big retailers during a recession.
"Most of the retail stores that are in large malls have a certain set of parameters," Hyden said, referring to population and income.
"You can't adapt your building to meet those kind of parameters.".."
And,
""I've contacted just about every main retailer that you could think of: Kohls, Ross, Penneys," Gase said. "Just go down that whole list. There are dozens of them.
"So many of them right now are in such an economic mode, they look at closing stores rather than moving into uncharted territory."
I suspect "uncharted territory" refers to the remote, isolated location of Port Angeles. All those "big box stores" that located in Sequim in the last couple of years COULD have located in Port Angeles, if it was such a great opportunity. I know, no available lands or buildings for them, right?
But, somehow the brain trust that is this citys's leadership finds that NOW is the time to spend $1 million to pursue doing a "Market Analysis" of a former EPA Superfund toxic dump site, located on top of an ancient native village. Yeah, THAT is fiscally responsible management of public funds!
No money for the senior center, the pool, etc. But, money on demand for..
A few thoughts struck me when reading the entire article:
1) Too bad that they felt it necessary to hire an out-of-state architect for advice. Quite insulting to local firms.
2) Maybe HarborWorks should acquire and redevelop the Gottschalks building. Jeff Lincoln has what it takes to work miracles --- so they say.
3) How much combined sewage & stormwater overflow do you think that building could hold? Some competition for the 5-million gallon Rayonier tank?
I figure it's going to sit empty for awhile and then be turned into low-rent government-subsidized housing.
"I don't recall what was in the store up the street but the Salvation Army tried a store in it for a while and as far as I recall it's still empty and that's been what, three or four years?"
... The owners of that building were a couple from California who planned to use it as a studio/gallery for the wife and rent out the street level area to retail shops. They went through a bitter and messy divorce.
From what I understand, the ex-husband owns it and refuses to sell or develop the property ... which means he's using it as a tax write off. It'll be empty for a long, long time.
Too bad that they felt it necessary to hire an out-of-state architect for advice. Quite insulting to local firms.
Ever notice that those in charge of this town love to hire out of area advisers at great expense to you?
Why? So they can blame their screw ups on others even though they hired them to support their own brain farts.
If they are so stupid that they can't think things out and do things right why even have them in office?
They could at least admit when they make mistakes, but I've never seen that happen.
Old Navy.
Except that if you are disabled that place is horrible to get around in. If you go upstairs you have to go all the way around the outside to get to the bottom floor. Unless of course they LIED to my disabled friend so they wouldn't have to allow him to use a freight elevator.
I think the entire area should be cleared out and redeveloped.
And a pox on the man who is using the old S.A. as a tax write off. But I am glad to see they are putting art in the front window to keep it from looking empty.
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