Seattle’s former convergence zone for drug sellers and crack addicts (the corner of East Denny Way and East Madison Street) has been stripped of its former identity. Jim Mueller, a developer who bought two parcels of land, razed the notorious Deano’s building on the corner (more on that here). The former Twilight Exit building across the street—which was notorious for drunken, feckless hipsters, not crackheads—is now vacant.

Mueller has submitted near-final plans to the city for the excellent buildings that will replace them. Here’s the Twilight site recently:

And Mueller’s plans for 96 apartments above retail:

The former Deano’s site before the demolition:

And Mueller’s plans for 222 apartments with retail:

The two buildings will cost $75 million, Mueller says; he’s waiting for the lending markets to thaw before beginning construction. He expects to break ground within the next two years. “I think it will be positive for the neighborhood,” says Mueller. “You get the right kind of retail and you’ve really made a statement.” The right kind of retail is “neighborhood” and “local.” Aw, c'mon, Jim, crack is neighborhoody and local. "Friendly, neighborhood and local," he says. "No imports."

A public design meeting for the latter project is scheduled for May 6, at 8:00 p.m. in room 3211 of Seattle Central Community College, 1701 Broadway.