Save the B & O!
On organization called CHOICE (Capitol Hill Organization Insuring Cultural Equity) is working on saving the block of 1650 East Olive Way which is home to the B & O Espresso and Cafe as well as two four-plex apartments. It's been proposed that the block be torn down to make way for an apartment complex atop some retail. No one is surprised anymore when this happens, but that doesn't mean we're not still pissed. Or, put more eloquently on the CHOICE website:
"To what degree is redevelopment appropriate and best for the community if it eliminates historical, architectural or cultural connections to our past? How much is enough when it directly jeopardizes and impacts the very core a neighborhood identifies with? Worthy of note is the B & O Espresso and Café, which was one of the first establishments offering espresso in Seattle, and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary at this location. This in itself establishes deep cultural ties to the neighborhood. Eliminating this building would destroy the unique character and cultural identity of this retail core."
No doubt.
If you want to support the B & O, visit this website and sign the petition—there's even a place to add comments. Then go get some coffee and breakfast from the B & O to show your support in person. For Jesse Froehling's hearty endorsement, check out his Soak It Up review here.
4 comment(s)
simonthegreat says:
Why are there so few comments in the weekly's blogs? Does no one read this rag?
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 28 2008 @ 4:46AM
Justin says:
As nice as the B&O was inside, and all the tasty treats they offered, still did not draw me in. It was not what I considered a part of my Capitol hill. Maybe it would have been better off on 15th, (on top of the hill,) or the east side. Always over priced, and not welcoming to the single coffe drinker. Let them take it down, there are more important fights in our city. (glad Denny's in bal. is gone too!)
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 28 2008 @ 9:37AM
Duh says:
Um, you're like to or three years late. B&O is moving up to Broadway to the space that has housed Dilettante (which will move to the Brix). Also, the 1650choice.org web site has apparently not been updated since 2006. Things like this are why no one reads your sad paper. I'm only here because the Stranger linked to this posting.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 28 2008 @ 9:39AM
anonymous says:
duh...your wrong. The B&O will remain in it's current location for another three years and they will also open the Broadway location. The Broadway location will have a slightly different menu.....
DUH!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 28 2008 @ 9:48AM