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Originally uploaded by jseattle.

Finally. We got a few ideas for things to write about from our request-a-post gadget but, well, sometimes it takes a long time to dig up details for a good story. Happy to say we’re finally tackling one of requests.

A neighbor asks: what’s going in at the new retail space across from group health on 15th? I hope it’s Thai food.

Dear neighbor,
Sorry to report this — it’s not Thai food (btw, what’s wrong with Jamjuree or Samui Thai?) The development of East John Court as a mixed-used space combining street-level retail with fashionable condos doesn’t seem to have gone exactly to plan. First, the development had to transition from the condo plan to apartment rentals given the downturn in the housing market. Now the retail spaces seem to be lagging. We haven’t spoken with the agent trying to lease the East John Court retail “opportunities” yet but none of the spaces are filled yet and only one has a tenant signed up.

Before we reveal the nature of this secret pioneer tenant, a rant. Have you seen how huge the East John Court retail spaces are? They look gigantic — as if they were designed for a factory to move in. Assuming the rent is correspondingly gigantic also. No wonder, then, that we end up with mixed-use combos of chain pizza and…

Dry cleaners.

Yes, neighbor, we’re sorry to be the bearer of boring news — but we’re told that the first tenant of East John Court’s retail spaces is going to be a dry cleaner. Not sure why this dry cleaner wasn’t interested in the other dry cleaner space currently available on 15th Ave but there you go. Please, don’t yawn right in front of us like that. Embarrassing.