MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — In the heart of downtown Mountlake Terrace, one piece of property is getting some sprucing that should make it an attractive location for current and potential businesses.
The plaza, located at 5602 232nd St. SW, was acquired by Seattle-based West Plaza LLC for commercial use and site improvements that could include landscaping, a fresh coat of paint and better parking.
The area is adjacent to the post office at 23210 57th Ave. W, within walking distance of the site of the proposed Civic Campus, library and Transit Center.
That block, which is the new venue for the Mountlake Terrace Farmers Market, is considered the center of the city’s downtown area, said Shane Hope, the city’s community and economic development director.
“There’s a real interest in seeing that area get used better,” she said.
There are some challenges, considering some of the buildings are more than 50 years old. But making improvements is doable, Hope added.
The plaza, spanning 18,000 square feet, houses businesses such as Double D Meats, Prime Pizza and Queen’s Cleaners.
Attracting new businesses to Mountlake Terrace and supporting current businesses is a top priority.
“We don’t control businesses; we encourage them to stay,” Hope said.
Kimberly Nygard, owner of Double D Meats, said she’s excited there’s a new landlord who wants to clean up the plaza.
“There are fix-ups needed,” Nygard said.
Future plans for Double D include expanding by 1,800 square feet once the site is tidied up. The business’ biggest challenge is its size, or lack thereof, with 17 employees crammed in the store at a time.
“We’ve been there 56 years; everyone knows where we are,” Nygard said. “We don’t want to move.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
