South Lake Union Walkability

So just how walkable is South Lake Union? Sure, we're about 10 minutes from downtown, but we also have Mercer, Denny, and Aurora to contend with. Let's see what Walk Score's algorithm has to say—here are the walk scores for three popular SLU residences:

• Alcyone Apartments — 89 out of 100 (Very Walkable)

• Alley 24 — 92 out of 100 (Walkers' Paradise)

• 2200 Westlake — 100 of 100 (Ultimate Walker's Paradise)

Three very impressive scores. It's definitely possible to get by sans car in South Lake Union, what with the nearby grocery stores, shopping and restaurants, and the general emphasis on mixed-use development and alternative modes of transit (we heart the S.L.U.T.). And more and more companies are relocating a large chunk of their operations to South Lake Union.

SLU residents: Do you own a car? How often do you use it? Could you live without it?

Scraps is Doing Just Fine

Photo: Seattle Post Intelligencer

Not every tenant in 2200, or South Lake Union for that matter, is falling on hard times. Co-owner of Scraps: Dog Bakery, Healthy Grub and Cool Gear, Dave Figueroa is all smiles in a recent Seattle P-I report. Though I can't possibly imagine ever spending $200 on a crystal-encrusted collar for Chloe—those people and their pampered pets do exist. Dave says he's been keeping busy and doesn't know how he'll handle all the business once the trio of new Vulcan condos open up, a good problem to have I'd say.

The Rhum Runs Dry

Marazul, the Asian Latino restaurant (???) nestled into the Pan Pacific Hotel at 2200 Westlake, has closed its doors. The notice on the door says the restaurant will be closed for dinner, but still available for private events and lunch with a hotel menu. Between the chef and the rent, I guess they couldn't keep the lights on.


The 2200 has experienced a decent rate of turnover in their retail spaces, with Koot's Green Tea moving out a few months earlier. That hasn't swayed the minds of newcomers Vida Spa, FedEx Kinkos, or Tutta Bella. Whole Foods is there to stay, and a retail anchor of their caliber will always attract retail tenants.