Come mid-March, much of the buzz in our local retail industry will likely be centered on 10th Ave as Elliott Bay Book Co. makes final preparations for its Hill opening. A smaller change will happen on 15th Ave E as Tilden — an old-timey store filled with gifts and tchothkes replete with a sign warning that the shop is ‘difficult for children’ — closes its doors. After 37 years, Tilden is moving out of its brick and mortar space and going online only at tildenseattle.com (The site is not yet live). Thanks to offtopicdude for the off-topic but useful tip about the “for lease” sign he saw in Tilden’s window.
An employee of the store confirmed Tilden’s 15th Ave E closure for us this morning. We have not yet spoken with the store’s owner James Gunn.
We did, however, speak with Billy Poll from Morris Piha Real Estate about the property that is now for lease. The broker says he is putting out feelers now for what kinds of businesses will be interested in the space. “The landlord is pretty open,” Poll said. “But not open to somethign that doesn’t fit the character of the great building.”
According to King County records, the property is owned by Ann Kumata, a Seattle elementary school teacher.
In the past, the space was home to a Piggly Wiggly grocery store. CHS documented some of that history in this post: A Piggly Wiggly history of chain stores on 15th Ave.
Poll said he is hoping to find a match for the 2,660 square-feet of space with a “business that will make the location its home for many years.” He’s asking for rent of $24 per square foot. “We would love to talk to people who are interested about the space,” Poll said, providing his phone number. You can reach Poll at (425) 974-4232 if you are interested, by the way.
If you have your hopes up that Tilden’s former home might add to the restaurant or lounge choices on 15th, don’t get too excited. Poll said the space would require a full buildout for food and drink needs. Interestingly, the first use of the building in 1922 included a restaurant, according to the county records. So, hey, it can be done. Live your dream.
Meanwhile, a few blocks up the street, the old home of Horizon Books remains empty behind a wobbly chain-link fence. We reported on the building this summer when the owner was looking to sell it for around $1.25 million. Another 15th Ave retail space — this one in the mixed-use John Court Apartments development — has finally come to life with the opening of an Edward Jones office on the building’s ground-floor retail level. Financial advisor Paula Fedirchuk has hung her shingle as the first — and, currently, only (I’m reminded that a dry cleaners does, indeed, also do business in John Court) — inhabitant of the development’s retail space.
On the North side?
Sorry, yes. Has been a tenant long enough that I forgot about it (though in classic dry cleaner biz fashion, had Grand Opening banners up still recently — maybe still do?) Will clarify above.
I’ve been raising kids on Capitol Hill for >20 years now and walked by that sign countless times. I’ve always regarded it as a middle finger salute to anyone trying to have a family here. Glad it will be gone finallly!
“I’ve always regarded it as a middle finger salute to anyone trying to have a family here. Glad it will be gone finallly!”
Oh please, I love children, and I could take or leave a tchothke shop, but either it’s not referring to your kid and you can control them, or it’s one of those “MY KIDS ARE GREAT SHUT UP” situations where you’re oblivious to how much of a snot-nose your kid is, running around and picking up all the ceramics.
Places with ceramics and porcelain dolls aren’t designed for the tykes, i have no idea how someone could be insulted by that idea.
It was an honest warning, and I took it as such. I took my children in there on multiple occasions. They needed close supervision, but were welcome.
that much rent? 2600sf at $24 a square foot is $62k…That means a business would have to take in $2k a day just to pay rent…that’s a lot of money which pretty much limits any tenants to bar/restaurant.
I was raised in the area, and that sign has always fueled a somewhat unconscious dislike of that store.
That store was a joke! I can’t believe it survived for 37 years selling ugly housewares and unfriendly to neighborhood moms. We need some real retail on 15th. Why is 15th the land that time forgot?
Unfortunately, many parents don’t adequately supervise their children. Not everyone wants merchandise with slobbery finger prints on it or enjoys shopping around screeching toddlers. I wish all stores had signs like Tilden’s.
I recommend another bar…
…that also sells $10/pint ice-cream…
…and balloon bouquets…
…and hardware. (and specialty foods)
here we go with the “us vs them”
…or something like City Peoples.
Nice staff, card and wrapping paper selection. A realist’s attitude toward kids (parents please watch your tykes until they’re old enough to not need watching), not an unwelcoming attitude. caphilldad, how long did that sign prevent you from impregnating your wife or adopting? Kept you up, or shall we say down, for many nights, did it?
I have lived on the hill for 36 years and have been going to Tilden’s ever since. I love that store and was devastated to see it go. I never thought of it as shop devoted to a certain class. I don’t see any reason for children not to be supervised at all times no matter what store they are in. Tilden’s was an institution on 15th Ave and a it’s a real shame to see it go.
Call me odd, old-fashioned, or whatever, but Tilden was always on the list of places I hit for Christmas presents and birthday gifts. That and some places over on Phinney Ridge that have all gone out of business. I could avoid the malls and support local businesses, and now it’s gone too. Just figureed that out last Saturday. Sniff. As for the sign, whatever. I’ve raised two children in Seattle and I’m now working on raising a grandson and there are places they have to be under control, or not taken into. Guess I’ll go check out their online store. Thanks for this blog as I wouldn’t have known otherwise.
I loved shopping at Tilden. I bought many presents and cards there. I especially loved their Christmas displays. I bought many Christmas ornaments and have a beautiful assortment of minature Christmas ornaments I bought there. I was sad to see them close. It is the end of an era for the 15th Avenue area of Capital Hill. I wish them the best of luck with their online business.
We lived in the old apartment building that was there for many, many years before redevelopment forced us to move. We lived there for 20 years. It was a wonderful home and I miss Capital Hill. Prices and the type of apartments available forced us to leave Capital Hill. I miss all my Capital Hill neighbors, shopping, and stroles down 15th Ave. It was a wonderful home for us.