An anonymous commenter had some very interesting things to say in response to our "Phew!" article:
That business with the brown-papered windows was Twinks Daycare. Word on the street is that the new owner paid too much for the building, is asking too much money in rent, and is expecting tenants to pay for capital upgrades (like retrofitting for earthquake safety). Hence, the place being empty for months.
The Wellington is close to being sold, and I've heard business has been down. Ya gotta wonder why Geraldine's is packed on Sundays for brunch, but not the Wellington.
Twinks Daycare - good to have confirmation of what was there. Interesting reason though for why they left! Has the housing slowdown started to affect the commercial properties in Columbia City? What other properties are starting to hurt? Looks like the admiral and I best get on it if we're to get to the Wellington before it changes hands. I'm thinking we'll go to take in some of their live music...
4 comments:
Do we really wonder why Geraldine's is packed and the Wellington isn't? Its an advanced sign of gentrification in the neighborhood and the loss of the neighborhood's original character. No doubt many of the Wellington's clientele have fled Columbia City. I hope it stays in some form, but my guess is it'll end up as white and middle class as Geraldine's is.
...ummm have you ever looked at the prices at The Wellington? Seems to me like you've got your facts a bit wrong. It's pretty clear which restaurant is the most accessible to Columbia City's population (original or current). Just because a place serves home-style food doesn't mean it is not gentrified. So, before you start pointing fingers, I'd take a closer look at both. I love the Wellington and would love it to stay...but try and see exactly what you can get there for under $10 (only appetizers and sides)...in fact, you might have better luck at La Medusa or Verve.
I dined at the original Wellington and also under the current ownership. The original was much better in my opinion. The current ownership is nice enough but the food portions and quality is highly inconsistent and the price point too high.
Several of our friends have also tried eating there and have come to the same conclusions. Too bad really, as we try and support all the places in the 'hood.
Geraldine's is friendly, has good food with consistent quality and portions. It probably also helps that they own a second restaurant and are able to cross promote.
Lastly, if you compare service/quality/portion/price with any of the other restaurants in CC, which one stands out as most inconsistent? It's the Wellington. Sorry to seem them go, but if they can get the house back in order I'll bet folks will come back.
Anonymous 1 and 2, I don't have my facts wrong - accessibility from a cost standpoint is not what I'm referring to specifically, although there are economic and racial implications are linked. Maybe I should have been clearer in saying that we're in danger of losing many of the traditionally african american owned businesses in the district, which have been central to the character of the neighborhood. In my opinion it would be a terrible shame if Columbia City ends up like Ballard. I'm all for growth and vitalization, but it doesn't have to come at the expense diversity.
Post a Comment