10.16.2023

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Today’s Forecast

👻 Exploring old local haunts

Take a stroll through Georgetown’s haunted history

A view of the Georgetown Steam Plant from the mid-20th century

The Steam Plant totally doesn’t look like the scene from a zombie apocalypse movie, why do you ask? | Photo via Seattle Municipal Archives

There’s something strange in your neighborhood... of Georgetown. That’s right Ghostbusters — one of Seattle’s oldest enclaves may also be its eeriest, with a history of haunts dating back more than a century.

Let’s peek cautiously behind a few corners to see what’s lurking.

The Steam Plant

Built by the Seattle Electric Company in the early 20th century, this esteamed national landmark is open to the public every second Saturday of the month. But visitors beware…

Paranormal investigators have spied a mysterious presence in the catwalk above the boiler. There have also been reports of equipment and gears starting for no reason — weird.

Jules Maes Saloon

Georgetown’s venerable dive bar is a lively spot — though there may be an undead element, too. Some folks have sighted the apparition of a female wearing an elegant gown hanging near the restrooms.

Considering the Saloon’s rough-and-tumble history, it’s a little surprising that a high society ghost would settle down there. Hope she checked her hem for toilet paper stuck to it.

Georgetown Castle

The Gessner Mansion is more of a fancy house than a castle, but there’s an element of gothic horror to it. According to lore, the privately-owned building was originally built by a blackjack dealer named Peter Gessner in 1902, who died under suspicious circumstances.

Some believe Gessner died by drinking poison after his wife left him for a chicken farmer. Others think he may have been murdered. In either case, Gessner may be just one of dozens of spirits residing at the home, with reports of disembodied voices echoing through the halls.

Not fully creeped out yet? Then watch this video from a recent haunted steam plant tour — and don’t forget about the Georgetown Morgue, which is a full-fledged haunted house open for visits, if you dare.

Asked

What year is emblazoned on the front of the Steam Plant?

A. 1885
B. 1900
C. 1906
D. 1912

Take a guess

Events

Monday, Oct. 16

Silly Science | Monday, Oct. 16 | 2-2:30 p.m. | Corner Workshop, Seattle | Free | Keep the kids occupied with handmade catapults, gooey slime, and STEM-related fun.
Tommy Tiernan: Tomfoolery | Monday, Oct. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle | $40 | Fans of “Derry Girls” likely know him as the long-suffering “Jerry” — but the Irish performer is funny live, too.

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Seattle Kraken vs. Colorado Avalanche | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. | Climate Pledge Arena, 334 First Ave. N., Seattle | $95-$570 | Wave those foam tentacles — the Kraken’s 2023-24 home opener will be hopping.
Wilco | Tuesday, Oct. 17-Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, Seattle | $39-$89 | Jeff Tweedy and alt-country’s iconic band will have you singing along to hits like “Radio Cure.”

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Gender Fluidity in Opera | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | Tagney Jones Hall, 363 Mercer St., Seattle | Free | Soprano Nina Yoshida Nelsen leads a panel in discussing how vocal range and gender have developed an intricate relationship since opera’s origins.
“Twilight” Trivia Night | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | Clock-Out Lounge, 4864 Beacon Ave S, Seattle | $6 | “Say it, out loud...” show off your sparkly knowledge of all things Cullen and Forks-related.

Thursday, Oct. 19

“This Is Halloween” | Thursday, Oct. 19-Friday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle | $39-$59 | Enjoy a sultry “dark fantasy” burlesque musical parody based on “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Spirituali-Tea | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Hood Famous Cafe + Bar, 504 Fifth Ave. S., Seattle | Free | Filipinx-American educator Raiza de Vera leads a yoga class, followed by a tea ceremony and mindfulness seminar.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

Goal unlocked — the OL Reign earned a NWSL playoff spot with a 3-0 win against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday. That means Megan Rapinoe will play at least one more game in her pro career when the Reign take on Angel City FC at Lumen Field on Friday, Oct. 20.

Announced

Seattle City Light announced it will up its charges soon. In addition to a 4.5% rate increase approved last year, there will be another 5% billing bump due in part to costs the department accrued over unfavorable weather. The new rates averaging ~$9 per month take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Open

Anybody up for a sushi sundae? That’s one of the creative offerings at new Japanese restaurant Minato, which opened Friday at 1616 N. 45th St. in Wallingford. You’ll also find a selection of customizable donburi bowls on the menu at the fast-casual spot.

Ranked

After the Huskies’ thrilling victory over Oregon on Saturday, UW football is now ranked No. 5 in the country. This is the highest ranking for the program in six years. The big dawgs remain undefeated at 6-0. (Associated Press)

Edu

Attention, class — Basis Independent Bellevue private school recently signed a new lease for space in Bothell. The institution is part of a national network of schools, one of which has operated at 15749 NE 4th St. in Bellevue since 2021 offering pre-K through high school programs. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Traffic

The Washington State Department of Transportation will vote tomorrow on possible toll changes. Public outreach will soon begin on a number of proposals, including toll increases on I-405 + Highway 167. If approved, the changes wouldn’t arrive until 2025. (Seattle Times)

Environment

An Amazon Fresh on Aurora Avenue became the world’s first grocery store to be certified as Zero Carbon. The shop — which opened in 2022 — uses natural refrigerants + electric-powered heating systems, and offers EV charging stations for customers, among other green amenities. (GeekWire)

Biz

After 22 years in Ballard, retailer Ascent Outdoors is trekkng over to Interbay. There’s no timeline for the move yet, but the new location at 15th Ave. W. will be larger and have improved parking options, according to an email the store sent to customers. (My Ballard)

Eat

Need a good dining rec? The New York Times recently listed the 25 best restaurants in Seattle right now, according to its food critics. Among the honorees are longtime favorites like Canlis and Le Pichet, as well as newer hot spots like Off Alley and Pancita. (New York Times)

Festival

Listen up — Bellevue-raised clarinetist Jahnvi Madan will debut an original, five-piece composition at the Earshot Jazz Festival reflecting her Indian American upbringing and music education experiences. You can check out her performance at Town Hall Forum on Saturday, Oct. 21. (International Examiner)

Try This

What would you do with $1 million? Retire early? Buy a vacation home? All of the above? ICYMI, here’s your chance: The Two Million Dollar Puzzle awards each buyer with a cash reward — and two people will snag that lucky $1 million. Use code 6AMCITY for an extra 10% off.*

Theater

🎟️ Cirque-le your calendars

Teatro ZinZanni makes a grand entrance at the Lotte Hotel

An acrobat at Teatro ZinZanni balances on a table in front of a dinner theater audience

Your jaws may job between courses at Teatro ZinZanni’s dinner theater. | Photo by Nate Watters via Teatro ZinZanni

Downtown is turning into quite a circus — thanks to Teatro ZinZanni.

In its 25th year, Seattle’s eclectic cabaret debuted its temporary residency at the Lotte Hotel at 809 Fifth Ave. last Thursday night.

The roving show started on Mercer Street in 1998 before moving to the Eastside and then SODO for a spell. It combines aerial stunts, comedy, and dinner theater all in one high-flying package. Featured performers include:

Drag comedian Kevin Kent
Soul singer Tiffany Wilson
Local trapeze artists Duo Madrona
Contortionist Elayne Kramer

Attendees — who tend to dress up a bit — are served a multi-course meal of items like artichoke goat cheese fritters + miso-glazed salmon. Between those bites, the Teatro ZinZanni cast may ask for audience participation, so bear that in mind if you’re shy.

Performances will take place at the Lotte’s fancy Sanctuary Grand Ballroom through March. Tickets are on sale now starting at $119.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Gabe

From the editor

Did y’all catch the big UW-Oregon game on Saturday? It was super cool to see the college football world descend on our town for ESPN’s Gameday. Get used to that national hype once we’re in the Big Ten.

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