Fremont Neighbor

The old Chase Bank at the corner of 34th and Fremont Ave N is about to get some color after four years of vacancy and beige.

Just in time for Solstice and World Cup, the Fremont Creative District is looking for seven artists to paint window murals there by June 18. Each selected artist receives a $1,000 stipend (funded in part by an Adobe grant).

Making it possible is building owner Mark Torrance, Seattle entrepreneur and philanthropist behind the Fremont-based Toba Group.

Themes are open but centered on community, movement, joy and the Fremont quirk. The murals are planned to stay up through the end of summer.

Read more at https://fremontneighbor.com/fremont-creative-district-seeking-artists-to-transform-empty-chase-bank-storefront/

Big news for Russell's Seattle on Stone Way.

Under-the-radar Seattle spot makes Esquire’s best bars list

If you've ever walked past the Lenin statue in October and seen a giant glowing jack-o'-lantern where his head should be, you've encountered the work of Black Jar Follies.

Black Jar Follies is one Fremont artist behind some of the neighborhood's most memorable public art moments: the JackoLenin, Luminata sculptures, parade puppets, and creepy handmade masks.

We sat down (over email) with the deliberately mysterious artist to talk about his work, Halloween as a transformative childhood experience, what the community means to his work, and whether the JackoLenin tradition could return.

His answer to that last one: "If there's interest from people, let it be known!"

Also: did you know Fremont has an official cryptid? Read the full Q&A to find out more.

https://fremontneighbor.com/meet-black-jar-follies-fremonts-most-mysterious-artist/

Hundreds of people turned out Saturday for the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival, which took over Fremont Studios, The Picklr Fremont, and Hidden Hall for a full day of live podcast recordings and big conversations. Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Monica Lewinsky, Laverne Cox, Ibram X. Kendi and many more made their way to the Center of the Universe. The recordings will be posted soon to cascadepbs.org.

Notices posted on trees near 508 N 36th St. are alerting neighbors to proposed removal of five street trees at the former Harvey Funeral Home site, with a sixth to be removed under a separate permit. The permit hasn't been officially issued yet, and once it is, neighbors will have 10 days to submit comments. Full details and how to weigh in at https://fremontneighbor.com/street-trees-slated-for-removal-at-former-funeral-home-site/.

A little Fremont history turned up at Ballard Reuse this week. Spotted among the reclaimed lumber and vintage fixtures: signage from Norm's Eatery and Ale House, Baila Bar, and the Backdoor at Roxy's... three beloved neighborhood spots that have closed in recent years. Stock moves fast if you're interested. Ballard Reuse is located at 1440 NW 52nd St. and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

https://fremontneighbor.com/fremont-relics-spotted-at-ballard-reuse/

NW 36th Street is back, and it brought an octopus.

The street quietly reopened last week after years of closure for the Ship Canal Water Quality Project. The reopening reveals "Release the Kraken," a colorful new mural by artist Justin Gibbens painted on the site's gooseneck air vents.

Full story at https://fremontneighbor.com/release-the-kraken-nw-36th-street-reopens-with-new-public-art/

Fremont in the Wild: The enchanted bathroom of N 36th Street

Green light. Flickering candles. A cat staring at you from the toilet seat lid.

This enchanted bathroom belongs to Mr. B's Meadery, the tiny tasting room tucked beneath Rudy's Barbershop on N 36th Street. Head down the stairs and you'll find yourself in what the owners call their "little Hobbit Hole," a cozy, art-filled space where Mr. and Mrs. B serve up one of the largest selections of mead in the Pacific Northwest.

The production site was established in 2019, the Fremont tasting room opened in July 2021, and they recently opened a second tasting room in White Center. The meads are made locally in small batches using PNW honey, unfiltered, and with no added sulfites. Flavors rotate regularly – with 18 or more on offer at any given time – ranging from dry to sweet to sparkling to spicy.

Mr. B's Meadery is open seven days a week at 475 N 36th St., Unit C.

Spotted something wild in Fremont? We want to see it. DM your photos and tips and your find might show up in a future edition of Fremont in the Wild.

After nearly 30 years, the Bhamipuri family is closing the chapter on their 7-Eleven in Fremont at 304 N 36th St. Tomorrow is their last day.

Ron Bhamipuri bought the franchise in the 90s, not long after emigrating from India. What started as a chance at the American dream became a family institution; Ron, his wife, his son Shawn, and extended family all worked the store over the years.
On Tuesday morning, they hand the keys to a new owner.

If you've grabbed a coffee, a Slurpee, or just exchanged a wave with Ron over the years, tomorrow is your chance to say goodbye. Stop by and wish the family well.

A longer story on the Bhamipuris and their time in Fremont is coming soon.