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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

C.C.'s Slaughtered?

Posted by Dominic Holden on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Seattle's bar for shockingly strong drinks and extremely large, jovial bears—a bar which has been around since shortly before the Big Bang—has numbered days. Developers plan to demolish the old C.C. Slaughters (currently called CC Attle's or the Men's Room or something) at 15th Avenue and East Madison Street. Reports the DJC:

[Developer Denis] Hayes said he envisions the building as being five stories with retail, commercial and residential space. He said Bullitt would probably occupy half of a floor, and would likely own the ground level retail and a few housing units. “We have to sell big chunks of this building to make it work,” he said. “(We) are absolutely confident that we will be able to do that.”

C.C.'s will be missed, especially its patio and oversized plasticine lumberjack statue. Developers expect to produce initial drawings for the new project by the end of the summer (but it's unclear when they plan to build). The new building won't be your typical box; they plan to create a "living building" that will stand for 250 years.

The team was looking for experience in meeting cutting edge green design, a strong local presence and an understanding of the Pacific Northwest. The architect also needed to understand that Bullitt was looking “not just for a piece of sculpture” but for a building that performed a series of technically rigorous functions in geology, hydrology and solar applications.

This sort of demolition and rebuilding tugs the urban devlopment enthusiast in at least two different ways. On one hand, popular and affordable bars like CC's make a dense neighborhood hospitable. The mixed-use building that replaces it won't be suitable as a disco-blasting, late-night hollering, ass-grabbing dive. Where is C.C.'s to go, and what happens when development pushes bars like this out of the neighborhood? On the other hand, it's a low-density lot—a one-story building with a parking lot—in the middle of an area that is begging to include dozens of homes, small businesses, and quieter bars. So does high-density always deserve to displace low-density high-use? Discuss.

From Slog tipper Sara, via the CD News.

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Comments (58) RSS

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1
Yep just like the condos going up behind Cuff back patio....tick tick tick......this really sucks!!!!! where are us FAGS to play???
Posted by no where to play on June 16, 2009 at 11:29 AM
2
Denis Hayes started Earth Day, and as head of the Bullitt Foundation has plowed millions into local and international enviro causes. He has my blessing. Plus I fell right on my face last time I was at Slaughter's.
Posted by gloomy gus on June 16, 2009 at 11:31 AM
3
How is building something that will be an icon for 250 years in harmony with something requiring "an understanding of the Pacific Northwest" --- seems like the typical mishmash of priorities that conflict -- what in the Northwest is so beautiful it has, or will stand for 250 years as something to be emulated?

I mean something man made, not mountains trees, etc.

The Shanty? The Elephant Car Wash sign? Ballard Denhny's, or Hat 'n' Boots?

The kind of totally boring bland breadloaf condos now being built?

Florence we ain't.
Posted by PC on June 16, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Steven Bradford 4
I guess this is why NYC and SF have no gay clubs? No single story bldgs with a parking lot available?
Posted by Steven Bradford http://www.seanet.com/~bradford/ on June 16, 2009 at 11:36 AM
5
RIP CC's. Drink Up!
Posted by Drunk on June 16, 2009 at 11:43 AM
6
As long as they don't tear it down and leave a graveled parking lot for ages.
Posted by keshmeshi on June 16, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Will in Seattle 7
Last nite I had fun driving around Georgetown, which is way cool. And has lots of fun places to drink.

That said, I'm still looking forward to a SLOG Happy where we bar hop along the light rail line.
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on June 16, 2009 at 11:49 AM
8
@1 - Correction. Not condos, it is the Packard Building Apartment being built on 12th next to the Cuff.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 16, 2009 at 11:50 AM
9
That's been Nickels aim since the begining. Tear down as many gay establishments as he can.
Posted by Vince on June 16, 2009 at 12:00 PM
10
The Men's Room.
There was a bar called The Men's Room.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's the place where you take a dump, isn't it? Just checking.
Posted by stu on June 16, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Hernandez 11
@3 I believe that phrase refers to the type of architect they are seeking for the project. It's one of those airy platitudes that finds its way on to RFQ's for projects like this.

If they manage to build something that meets such lofty goals for sustainable design, then hopefully it will become something to be emulated in local design.
Posted by Hernandez on June 16, 2009 at 12:12 PM
12
there are plenty of ass graby dive bars in super dense places like new york. density and fun are most definitely not mutually exclusive.
Posted by douglas on June 16, 2009 at 12:16 PM
michael strangeways 13
sigh...smart density is good, but the yuppification of Capitol Hill is depressing...the funky, alternative, kinda sexy/dirty vibe is being replaced with blandness, conformity, tanning salons and restaurants/bars catering to white people in Banana Republic casuals.

ugh.
Posted by michael strangeways http://strangewayssideshow.blogspot.com/ on June 16, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Fnarf 14
A Father's Day note: my dad used to frequent this place when he first moved to Seattle, in 1954. It, uh, wasn't a gay bar then. He took me to lunch here about 15 years ago, not realizing the transformation. It took him a while to figure out why everybody was male, and why they all had mustaches. Actually, I'm not sure he DID figure it out.
Posted by Fnarf http://www.facebook.com/fnarf on June 16, 2009 at 12:21 PM
reverend dr dj riz 15
i'm gonna just cuss..
ass eared smeggin dumphole clutching weasel eyed fuck demon puta brained uncle fucking WHORES !!!
there..
back to discussin....
Posted by reverend dr dj riz on June 16, 2009 at 12:25 PM
16
@11 yes.

Their goal is good despite the lofty and off putting silly language.

We all have good goals for density.
But, we all hate the crap that gets put up.

here's what would be nice:

could someone please point to a new building that is residential/retail/living whatever, that works as a building and for the public as part of the streetscape, and that is an actual example to emulate, whether in Seattle or elsewhere?

Just one, please?

That would say more than 1000000000 lofty archiegogratification words that mean nothing.

Anyone?
Posted by PC on June 16, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Will in Seattle 17
As we adapt to higher density, you'll start seeing new gay bars pop up. Some will be in basements (which are actually quite fun), some will be ground level in 20-40 story buildings, and some will be near light rail stations in 40-100 story buildings.

You'll love em. One of the fun parts of visiting downtown Vancouver is they have tons of such places all around.

Stuff happens. Things change. Density is now, and so is global warming (buried in WaPo today is news that it's hitting the US faster than anyone predicted, so get your Canadian citizenship while you can).
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on June 16, 2009 at 12:38 PM
TheMisanthrope 18
@12 Most of the bars in NYC are so fucking tiny, though. Far far smaller than C.C.s, The Cuff, Neighbors, or R Place.

And, not to mention, pricey. Because their rent is so sky high for such a tiny place, their drink prices are generally through the roof. Remember, kids: we don't have rent control here.

I like larger bars (with cheaper rent) because more people can fit, and drink prices are generally down.
Posted by TheMisanthrope on June 16, 2009 at 12:39 PM
19
Pony
Posted by paulus on June 16, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Cato the Younger Younger 20
Let's face it; the queers have lost Capital Hill.

And The Cuff, I give another year or two before we'll be talking about how that building will be torn down for another copy-cat mixed use building.

I like density as long as they're building over parking lots. Oh well, Obama would like it better that there were not gay clubs, or really any gay people.
Posted by Cato the Younger Younger on June 16, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Hernandez 21
@16 Hmm...that's a really good question. The closest thing I can think of off the top of my head would be The Village at Overlake Transit Center in Redmond - works as a building, part of the streetscape, transit-oriented development, affordable housing, minimal parking, pedestrian access to amenities, etc. However, it's not really a "green" development, and it's located in the suburbs, so it fails on a couple of major levels.
Posted by Hernandez on June 16, 2009 at 12:58 PM
care bear 22
How sad. I walk by this place every day on my way home and it always looks like everybody is having so much fun there.
Posted by care bear on June 16, 2009 at 1:00 PM
23
There's been rumors of the cuff closing. Neighbors has only a few years left. Manray is already gone and now CC's? I'm sorry but if people think new gay bars will come in and take their place... that won't happen. Cities like Atlanta all had this happen to them and new gay bars never re-opened.

It's frustrating that Capitol Hill's identity is slowly being chipped away. We don't have Pride on the hill and soon no gay bars.

I thought Planning boards were supposed to try keeping the character of each neighborhood.
Posted by hill_billy on June 16, 2009 at 1:05 PM
24
@14 - Many of the bars in that area used to be mostly black bars before the gay bars moved in. The Cuff was Oscars (before it moved to 21st and Madison), Thumpers was Eddie Cotton's Soul Food and C.C.'s was The Cottage. When The Cottage became Mikes on Madison in 1985, it was an old restaurant with a tiny bar. Over the years, the decks were added and the bar expanded. Mikes on Madison - C.C.'s Slaughters North - C.C.Attle's
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 16, 2009 at 1:08 PM
25
@18: Uh, no. CC's' drinks are wildly affordable, actually. The only "expensive" gay bar is Purr.
Posted by chubby chaser on June 16, 2009 at 1:17 PM
TheMisanthrope 26
@25 I meant the drinks at the NYC bars were pricey. I think I drink less when I go there because I can't afford it.
Posted by TheMisanthrope on June 16, 2009 at 1:33 PM
27
#25, #18 was talking about new york. and he's partially right. most bars in manhattan are kinda small compared to some bars in seattle. but not c.c.slaughters. that place isn't exactly huge. there are tons of bars, especially in brooklyn that are quite a bit larger than some of the gay bars i've seen in seattle. as far as affordability goes, that's more of a new york vs. seattle fact rather than an objection to density in seattle. all i'm saying is new york has a very loud night life blended with a very dense urban structure and it works fine. thus seattle could do it too.
Posted by douglas on June 16, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Mattini 28
CC's is -the- place I love to go to get a ridiculously strong and reasonably priced drink. Density is good, but I'm going to miss the stiff drinks and friendly bears.
Posted by Mattini on June 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM
TheMisanthrope 29
@27, I'm seeing rent going up and up in Seattle proper. Soon, the gays are going to have to queerify another ghetto, like West Seattle or something. And, we don't have rent control here, so everything is going to go up, and we'll have another severe class issue like New York.

NYC isn't exactly something to look up to in terms of imitation.

Of course, I think that quite a few Stranger writers wish they could live in NYC instead of Seattle, and want to turn Seattle into another NYC of the west coast.
Posted by TheMisanthrope on June 16, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Will in Seattle 30
NIMBYism is always in fashion.

But anti-environment, nonetheless.

This is why I'm proceeding with my plans to permit a gay bar across the street from Greg Nickels' home. It will be 8 stories and have no parking so that they'll have to park on his side of the street.
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on June 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM
TheMisanthrope 31
@30, I've never been a big fan of urban density to begin with. Its one of the reasons I really love Seattle. There seems to be more economic integration than in most large cities. And, not too many towers outside of downtown.

I'm also against procreation as well. Fuck, but don't create babies. That's my environmental stance, anyways.
Posted by TheMisanthrope on June 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
BombasticMO 32
Why the fuck can't they do something with the parking lot that used to be Manray? I am generally pro-densification, but they seem to be going after the gay bars aggressively.

I don't even like CC's that much, but shit, what's left?

RIP Man Ray.
Posted by BombasticMO http://www.BombasticMo.com on June 16, 2009 at 2:28 PM
michael strangeways 33
how many noisy, funky, neighborhood bars do you see in NEW construction ANYWHERE in the world?

answer: practically none. New buildings do not lease to nightlife establishments because nearly all new buildings are mixed use meaning that there are either condos or apartments overlooking the retail ground floor. All you ever see are upscale, expensive restaurants/wine bars/clubs with severe noise restrictions. Even if a developer were willing and able to rent to a noisy neighborhood bar/pub/nightspot the rents are too high in new construction for anyone but chains or it results in expensive, bland hotel bar like places. If you want to preserve a vibrant retail/nightlife scene in your city, there has to be SOME preservation of older buildings and unique neighborhoods...a few cities understand this, and that's why you don't see big huge new construction projects in the French Quarter or Greenwich Village.

West Seattle has a huge gay population but it no longer has a gay bar...if I had the money, I'd open a bar over there.
Posted by michael strangeways http://strangewayssideshow.blogspot.com/ on June 16, 2009 at 2:45 PM
34
@17: We're not Vancouver. Nothin' like it except the weather.
Posted by Weekilter on June 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM
35
This sucks. Does it mean I have to go to the Cuff to be around other big cool fags?
Posted by HipsterBear on June 16, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Will in Seattle 36
@34 - yeah, but we have light rail now ...
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on June 16, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Baconcat 37
Denny/Olive/Bellevue will be a temporary landing space for the bars, but when Link opens on Cap Hill, I guarantee everyone will be trying to open their dives down in SoDo.

Maybe we'll get a real eagle out of the deal and not a black hallway covered in chain link fencing.
Posted by Baconcat on June 16, 2009 at 4:14 PM
38
@33 Add to that the additional problem that Seattle zoning pretty much requires multi-use buildings on all urban blocks. So we'll never have any percentage of streets that are primarily retail/business/nightlife. All streets will have tall new buildings on every block with retail below and expensive residential above.

This means that eventually no neighborhhood will welcome bars, clubs, or performance venues.

Neighborhood development plans should always identify at least a block or two where residential buildings are de-emphasized or prohibited.
Posted by BugFruit on June 16, 2009 at 4:19 PM
TheMisanthrope 39
@37 I know that SF's and Detroit's Eagles are ginormous, but I thought they were the exception to the rule. Maybe I'm wrong?

But, they sure have more room for demos.
Posted by TheMisanthrope on June 16, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Baconcat 40
Portland's was pretty big, too, until they moved (and I mean the original, not the Purgle). Portland's Black Sunday was excellent, and the demo space was pretty large (and with a balcony, they could do various types of suspensions, sometimes two at once).

I'd like to see a new Eagle in one of those industrial spaces down by the SoDo station. Halfway between the station and Fastfood Row.
Posted by Baconcat on June 16, 2009 at 4:56 PM
41
Real night life (the big noisey ass grabbing loud music affairs are what I'm taking about, not just Gay Bars) have always had to live at a distance from where people live. Problem: I want to live in the EXCITING part of the city (Belltown, anyone?) but then "It's noisey, GOD I HAVE TO WORK IN THE MORNING!!!" so the bars get bitched into oblivion.

Real neighborhood bars tend to have loud music on the weekends, but they not stupid loud like a dance club. So, many of them seem like boring dead bars, but their intent is a place to go with friends to talk and laugh and drink.
Dance clubs will always have to move when the neighbors bitch. It's just the way it is. Best to plant things like that in the industrial areas, if zoning permits. But then what about it being walkable?
REAL music venues are really going to get the shaft, and soon. Small live music clubs like Neumos will get bitched out as soon as those horrific Trace apartments start selling to old people. Which they will.
A place like CC's is different isn't it? Not REALLY loud music. But loud people in outside space too close to the neighbors. I don't see why CC's couldn't move to any corner-of-a-building bar with condos above and be perfectly fine. Keep it conversational (Madison Pub) and use the sidewalk space appropriately.
Posted by Sparkplug on June 16, 2009 at 5:09 PM
42
@16: Some examples (these are obviously personal opinion but I think they work):
- The new 1111 Pike Building that is just being finished on Pike St. Looks nice, fits in between some pretty old buildings, and will have a nice little retail space.

- The Brix. Many people don't like this building but the retail has been a huge success and its a pleasant building to walk by that really engages the street nicely.

- 2200 in SLU. Add a nice staircase and mini-public plaza amenity and the Whole Foods there has a pretty cool little balcony. I like it.

- The Gallery in Belltown was a good historic renovation although the retail has yet to flourish.

- Wallingford Steps is an incredibly cute building that has a nice little public staircase down to Gasworks with various retail spaces.

- The Harbor Steps was a great project with lots of cool spaces.

Just a few that I personally like.

I don't understand why people are so upset. As the city gets cooler, more people want to live here, and land value goes up, thus, property taxes go up. C.C. Attle's small one-story building and a parking lot make a very, very small sum compared to what could be there, which is what they are taxed for. It is inevitable that they will no longer be able to afford that location and LUCKILY a really interesting Foundation with plans for a VERY interesting building came in to develop it.

I feel like the gay scene on Capitol Hill was one of the biggest factors in this neighborhoods gentrification. That was the start of its nightlife scene and the reason it even became a destination. I'm sure there are lots of old-timers who don't use the internet much who were pissed when the quiet hill neighborhood started having nightlife back in the '80's.

Also, if gay bars had any real market, they would still be popping up. Unfortunately homosexuality isn't as distinct of a scene anymore.Not that we shouldn't still be fighting for equality still but if a bar is happening, gays and straights alike are probably going to go there, regardless of its sexual flavor. I think that is EXACTLY why you are seeing all of the Cap. Hill holdouts falling one by one. They are no longer getting the draw they once were and as they inform their landowners about this, the landowner decides to sell instead of find another tenant.

Its incredibly doubtful that a gay-bar scene will pop-up in any of Seattle's poorer neighborhoods. As I recall from some survey, the highest concentration of self-identified gay people in Seattle is in Magnolia.
More...
Posted by JoshMahar on June 16, 2009 at 5:29 PM
43
I don't understand why people are so upset. As the city gets cooler, more people want to live here, and land value goes up, thus, property taxes go up. C.C. Attle's small one-story building and a parking lot make a very, very small sum compared to what could be there, which is what they are taxed for. It is inevitable that they will no longer be able to afford that location and LUCKILY a really interesting Foundation with plans for a VERY interesting building came in to develop it.

I feel like the gay scene on Capitol Hill was one of the biggest factors in this neighborhoods gentrification. That was the start of its nightlife scene and the reason it even became a destination. I'm sure there are lots of old-timers who don't use the internet much who were pissed when the quiet hill neighborhood started having nightlife back in the '80's.

Also, if gay bars had any real market, they would still be popping up. Unfortunately homosexuality isn't as distinct of a scene anymore.Not that we shouldn't still be fighting for equality still but if a bar is happening, gays and straights alike are probably going to go there, regardless of its sexual flavor. I think that is EXACTLY why you are seeing all of the Cap. Hill holdouts falling one by one. They are no longer getting the draw they once were and as they inform their landowners about this, the landowner decides to sell instead of find another tenant.

Its incredibly doubtful that a gay-bar scene will pop-up in any of Seattle's poorer neighborhoods. As I recall from some survey, the highest concentration of self-identified gay people in Seattle is in Magnolia.
Posted by JoshMahar on June 16, 2009 at 5:30 PM
44
We knew it would happen eventually. It's been bought & sold & changed so much it not even the same place any more.. CC's will be missed..& their wonderful drink(lots of booze with a splask of juice)

Soon the only place left for us to go drink will be Neighbours, there has been rumor's of it being closed as well.. What is this world coming tooo????
Posted by Shaun D. on June 16, 2009 at 5:50 PM
45
@18 - The Cuff was a much more enjoyable bar when it was small/medium. Any large gay bar in Seattle has to cater to twinks and fags too much to be enjoyable.

I would much prefer 50 smaller gay bars, each with its own flavor, over 5 mega-gay bars all fighting for the trashy tabloid crowds!

If The Cuff went back to what it was for the first decade I might go back to patronizing the place.
Posted by Cap Hill Sold Out 10 Years Ago on June 16, 2009 at 8:07 PM
46
Why doesn't someone open a gay bar (not restaurant) in the old 1200 Bistro space? Seems like the perfect venue.
Posted by Jakey on June 16, 2009 at 8:38 PM
47
I guess I'm old school as I remember and long for the days when the bars were all around town not just on the hill. Tugs in Belltown, Johnnys Handlebar, the Chophouse by the missions, the Park Bench by the bus station, 2024 ( Numbers) on westlake, the Golden crown downtown, Mr Larry's on Pike, The Depot, The 611 (shit hole) , Boren Street Disco...
Fuck that, I just made myself feel old as hell
Posted by Dax on June 16, 2009 at 9:37 PM
48
Good, balanced article, Dom! Trust me, we have been sensitive to the issue of demolishing a venerable watering hole. I look forward to showing you around the place when we have it all done. You old enviro, you...
Posted by Amber the Enviro on June 17, 2009 at 2:44 PM
reverend dr dj riz 49
@47
...marshal's office,daddy's,eastlake east, axelrock, spag's , sonya's ( the old one ), george's
( well that one was on the hill but still...
made myself feel old too...
Posted by reverend dr dj riz on June 19, 2009 at 3:10 AM
reverend dr dj riz 50
oh.. and the doubleheader ( still )
Posted by reverend dr dj riz on June 19, 2009 at 3:12 AM
NumberOne 51
I like the idea of a new multi-functional development, but srsly, is CC's even considering a new location? I will miss that old building, despite the fact that I only went for drinks there a few times. Hopefully CC's will find a new home!
Posted by NumberOne on June 19, 2009 at 9:34 AM
52
I'm told by Scott, manager and the new owner of CC's that he got a lease extention on the current location. Also that he has found a new location nearby. I have no other details. I'm happy that CC's will still be part of the Pike/Pine Triangle.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 11:14 AM
53
I'm told by Scott, manager and the new owner of CC's that he got a lease extention on the current location. Also that he has found a new location nearby. I have no other details. I'm happy that CC's will still be part of the Pike/Pine Triangle.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 11:14 AM
54
I'm told by Scott, manager and the new owner of CC's that he got a lease extention on the current location. Also that he has found a new location nearby. I have no other details. I'm happy that CC's will still be part of the Pike/Pine Triangle.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 11:14 AM
55
I'm told by Scott, manager and the new owner of CC's that he got a lease extention on the current location. Also that he has found a new location nearby. I have no other details. I'm happy that CC's will still be part of the Pike/Pine Triangle.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 11:14 AM
56
I'm told by Scott, manager and the new owner of CC's that he got a lease extention on the current location. Also that he has found a new location nearby. I have no other details. I'm happy that CC's will still be part of the Pike/Pine Triangle.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 11:17 AM
57
I'm told by Scott, manager and the new owner of CC's that he got a lease extention on the current location. Also that he has found a new location nearby. I have no other details. I'm happy that CC's will still be part of the Pike/Pine Triangle.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 11:18 AM
58
Sorry for the hiccup folks! Not sure why it posted multiple times.
Posted by Daddy Jeff on June 19, 2009 at 11:20 AM

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