November 16, 2023

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Today’s Forecast

🚙 Safety first

A rendering shows the new protected intersection layout that includes five new concrete islands to direct traffic patterns.

The new intersection design aims to keep bikers and pedestrians safer with concrete islands and updated traffic patterns. | Rendering via SDOT

South Lake Union may get a little safer for bikers and pedestrians soon thanks to Seattle’s first protected intersection.

The change is coming to the intersection of Thomas Street and Dexter Avenue North, which had been pegged for the upgrade since the late 2010s. In January 2023, a police officer killed 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula while speeding at 74 mph through the intersection on the way to a call, drawing more attention to safety issues.

The project is a part of the Thomas Street Redefined project that aims to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle connections between the Waterfront and Eastlake. This upgrade will also help connect the greenway on Thomas Street to the Dexter Avenue North bike lanes.

What’s a “protected intersection,” anyway?

The design has several elements intended to protect pedestrians that differ from other intersections, including:

New traffic signals to stall cars for those who need to cross on foot, bike, or scooter
Five concrete islands that prevent cars from making left turns and add a bit more separation for bikes + pedestrians
Traffic diverters which help reduce traffic volume

Bikers and buses will have the shortest detours during construction, but cars will need to travel six blocks east.
|
Map via SDOT

Logistically speaking

The $1.8 million project is expected to be completed in 2024. Detours are already in place for bikes and motorized traffic, but roads around the interesection may open and close as crews go to work.

Even through construction, businesses and homes in the area will always be accessible to those looking to enter.

Want to learn a little bit more about the philosophy behind protected intersections? Check out this video SDOT uses to explain the concept.

Events

Thursday, Nov. 16

Barbour & Bourbon | Thursday, Nov. 16 | 6-10 p.m. | Steele Barber + Spa, 5201 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle | $20 | Bring the crew along for fresh cuts, bourbon, beer, cigars, raffles, and good food.
Coffee Chat & Meet Up with the Chamber | Thursday, Nov. 16, Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7:30-8:15 a.m. | Kent Chamber of Commerce, 524 W. Meeker St., Kent | Free | Meet members of the Kent Chamber of Commerce and hear about how their 2023 strategic plan has progressed.

Friday, Nov. 17

International Gem & Jewelry Show | Friday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Nov. 19 | 12-5 p.m. | Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | $6 | Shop jewelry directly from designers, wholesalers, and manufacturers and find sparkling deals.
Haley Reinhart | Friday, Nov. 17 | 8 p.m. | Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland | $68 | This LA-based singer is known for her covers of classic rock + pop songs.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration | Saturday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St., Seattle | $0-$10 | Get ready for meatballs, mulled wine, mead, and lots of Nordic vendors at this holiday market.
Grumpy Bean Cameras and Coffee | Saturday, Nov. 18, Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Grumpy Bean, 910 Stewart St., Seattle | Free | Have a cup of coffee or tea, eat a pastry, and talk about photography with other local artists.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Edu

The Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Brent Jones confirmed that the system would not be consolidating any of its schools in the 2024-25 school year, as was previously proposed to address budget deficits. However, SPS said that the option remains on the table for the 2025-2026 school year. (Seattle Times)

Drink

Today, critically-acclaimed restaurateur Tom Douglas opens his new wine bar downtown Neb. In addition to wines, look for a variety of Negronis, dinner and snack options, and desserts like olive oil cake. The spot at 316 Virginia St. is open Wednesday-Sunday with varying hours.

Concert

Like a rolling stone, Cat Power is wandering into town to perform Bob Dylan’s 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert in full at the Moore Theatre on March 13, 2024. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Nov. 17.

Civic

The United States Postal Service failed to snag ballots from the drop box at 15th Avenue East and East John Street in Capitol Hill. The 85 ballots will be added to the final count once their submission dates are verified. (Seattle Times)

Coming Soon

Two new White Center restaurants are getting ready to open on a block damaged by fires in 2021. Big Mario’s Pizza and The Alpine Diner and Bar will share the space formerly occupied by Bizzarro Italian Café at 9635 16th Ave. SW. Each will open this winter. (West Seattle Blog)

Environment

King County streams seem to be doing pretty well these days. About a quarter of the 120 sites monitored by the county’s environmental scientists are healthier than when the study first started. Only 3% have declined. (Seattle Times)

Opening

This news is giving us a sugar rush. Shug’s Soda Fountain is opening a second location called Shug’s Mini on Friday, Nov. 17 at 3800 California Ave. SW in West Seattle. The little spot’s menu will include a variety of the Pike Place scoop and milkshake shop’s classic treats.

Drink

🎄 Fa-la-la-libations

The Christmas Dive Bar is also open for private party rentals. | Photos courtesy of Tanner McLaughlin

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — especially in these pop-up holiday bars around Seattle. Here’s where you can expect to get cheers-y and bright.

Christmas Dive Bar | This new and wildly decorated pop-up is taking over The Woods at 1512 11th Ave. in Capitol Hill with cocktails like the Eggnog Espresso Martini and a Campfire Old Fashioned made with a marshmallow garnish.

Miracle on 2nd Avenue | The classic holiday takeover at Rob Roy is back with drinks like it’s Christmas Cricket made with tequila, vanilla liqueur, and minty amaro. Proceeds go to charity.

Sippin’ Santa | Navy Strength’s tropical spin on traditional holiday flavors will feels like you took a sweet winter vacation to the Caribbean. Cocktails include the Surf Nut made with Puetro Rican rum, spiced coconut water, coconut cream, and apricot brandy.

Asked

What other holiday do you think deserves its own pop-up bars?

Tell us

The Buy

Know someone who loves candles and cosmos? Add this candle to your cart this holiday season.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

It’s not really a holiday pop-up per say, but one bar that’s a total hoot to visit during the holidays is Bait Shop in Capitol Hill.

The team there always sets up lights all over the bar and every so often will put on a coordinated light show to Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells.” But what makes it really fun is that they don’t have a fancy tech system to do it for them. No, no — it’s just the staff at the back of the bar being silly with the light switch. It’s good-hearted fun on a night out.

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