Another business folds
Word on the street last week was that Spa del Lago had closed up shop, so we decided to check the story out (that's generally a good plan of action before reporting rumors). The Spa's website, however, is still up and functioning, with no notice of any closing. The voice message on the Spa's phone line, meanwhile, does not mention that the place is out of business. So we concluded we'd better head down there and get to the bottom of situation.
Spa del Lago was unoccupied today, other than by boxes, broken furniture, and a garbage can or two. The "Closed" sign on the door told the tale. The Spa had been open for only about nine months under its current management.
For many years Spa del Lago had been a successful neighborhood business, though the owners ultimately split up and listed the space for sale in 2010. Apparently much of the Spa's clientele followed the co-owner to the newly established Terzo Salon across the street. After many months on the market, the Spa location was eventually occupied last June, though not for long.
It's been a difficult year for many small businesses in the area, and it seems that Spa del Lago in its new incarnation never quite found its audience. One longtime Madison Park resident on hearing of the Spa's demise commented, "This is one tough neighborhood." But it's also been one tough economy. We understand this is not the last report we will be making this month of a local establishment closing its doors.
[Spa del Lago was located at 1929 43rd Avenue E.]
We need more banks here in the park. One business dies, another takes it place. I liked the book store, but when Key Bank ultimately occupied that space, I was in Heaven. What gripes me now is that we only have 4 banks within a few blocks of each other. We can do better. Where's US Bank, Citibank? We have room here in the park for at least 3 more banks if you count the probable demise of the red onion and the crazy space we all know but still wonder about.
ReplyDeleteIs there nothing that can be done about the empty and neglected shops on Madison? They are a blight on the neighborhood and unfairly take the polish off the retailers that are open and striving to be successful. The dark rundown storefronts on Madison make the neighborhood less appealing to shoppers coming from other neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteThe short answer to your question is "no" if you are referring to the two closed-up shops at the heart of the retail district. Click on "Constance Gillespie" under Labels (right hand column) for the explanation.
ReplyDeleteLOL about the banks! I'm annoyed because I still have a $25 gift card to the spa.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure we can blame the economy when 95% of the Madison Park residence can afford to go to the spa daily. I don't understand how shops here fail or stay empty, while the all the sub-par restaurants flourish. None of the food between 39th and 43rd are even close to Seattle standards. I sometimes visit the restaurants because they are in walking distance but I would never go out of my way for any of them.