stephmodo: Talking "Up" in Ballard

Talking "Up" in Ballard

• 09 December 2012



Today, I am dropping my usual Monday routine and instead spending the day taking my littlest sister around town (hopefully the kids won't notice the empty fridge and lack of clean clothes for another day!).  She is visiting from Boston and at the top of our list is a little exploration in Ballard--one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.  I plan on taking her on a spin through the industrial portion of the neighborhood (great signage and silhouettes reminiscent of Ralston Crawford paintings), and then on to Ballard Avenue--my favorite street in Seattle (post 1 and post 2 on what not to miss). And while it's not slated to be a sunny day, as it was when I snapped these photos recently, we will still have a wonderful time.  I love any excuse to justify multiple treats and good, spontaneous fun with someone I care about.  


There has been some recent activity at this small home, just past the Ballard Bridge on the east side (see below image). As you can see, it is surrounded by a large development, called the Ballard Blocks.  Apparently, the homeowner, the late Edith Macefield, refused to sell her home to the developer, despite being offered one million dollars for the property.  After she passed away, she left the home to the construction worker who checked in with her frequently and generally watched out for her during the massive construction project.  For some time the home lay still, but recently there has been some activity at the home and I've wondered what was going on...so I did a little research.   


Based on what I've read, it appears the construction worker sold the property to another developer (not the initial one who offered Edith $1 million dollars); and the home is going to be renovated to look like the home in the popular juvenile film, UP.  The renovation may even include lifting the home off the ground.  Upon completion, the home will then be rented out as a vacation rental.  It's an interesting saga to say the least; although I am still trying to decide how I feel about the outcome.  

If you're interested in more reading on this home in Ballard, enjoy these links.  I find these types of stories so fascinating!

Article 1   |   Article 2   |   Article 3


3 comments:

  1. this story is crazy. it reminds me of a story recently on a home in china where the owners were refusing to sell and were completely surrounded by highway.

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  2. I don't think you meant to write your sister is visiting "from Seattle"...promise I am not trying to be rude, just didn't make sense to me at first.

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  3. Much to love about this story. Thanks for sharing it.

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