Fremont Neighbor

09/24/2025

You know how it is living in Fremont. You're walking to grab coffee, heading to a store, or just wandering around our wonderfully weird neighborhood, and suddenly you spot something that makes you stop dead in your tracks and think, "Well, that's... different."

Maybe it's the head of a mannequin perched on a sign in Canal Park. Or a sticker that says, “Polish your Cybertruck with Oven Cleaner.” Or perhaps it's the mysterious appearance of dozens of yard flamingos lined up along the Burke-Gilman Trail with absolutely no explanation.

Welcome to Fremont in the Wild, a new photo series celebrating all the bizarre, charming, and head-scratching discoveries that make our neighborhood the quirky Center of the Universe.

First up: this doozy of a find was spotted on the Burke-Gilman trail near the Brown Bear Car Wash a couple weeks ago. Among a scattered area of urban debris, sits a humble drawer with a hand-lettered label that simply reads "Epstein Files."

We don't know if this drawer contains actual documents, news clippings, or if it's simply empty and making a statement. What we do know is that this anonymous piece of street commentary perfectly captures our neighborhood's knack for turning current events into unexpected art.

In a time when "the Epstein files" dominate headlines, someone in Fremont decided that discarded furniture was the perfect canvas for a little guerrilla art. Or maybe they just have a very specific sense of humor about their filing system.

This is quintessentially Fremont… taking heavy topics and presenting them in ways that are both thought-provoking and slightly absurd.

Spotted something that belongs in Fremont in the Wild? DM me your photos!

09/23/2025

Look up in Fremont and you'll inevitably spot one of these creations.

It's a once-contaminated lot. It's a community art project. It's a well-reviewed theme park. It's not here to stay, but it's capturing South Seattle's imagination.

09/23/2025

After years of pandemic-related delays, the A.B. Ernst Park Addition project is finally moving forward and the community is invited to learn more about the updated plans at an open house next Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The Seattle Parks and Recreation project, which will expand the A.B. Ernst Park next to the library, has faced significant challenges since its original timeline was disrupted in 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the City of Seattle had to redirect resources to essential services, putting many capital projects – including this park expansion – on indefinite hold.

The project received funding when money was secured through the Seattle Park District’s 2023-2028 cycle, with $1.9 million allocated for planning, design, permitting, and construction.

Unfortunately, the years-long pause created unexpected complications that the project team is working to address.Expired permits, updated city codes, and contaminated soil discovered on the expansion site all require the design to be reworked and re-permitted.

“Due to the nature of these new constraints, the site design is being revised to fit within the available funding,” according to the project website.

While waiting for the official expansion to move forward, Fremont volunteers have taken matters into their own hands, sprucing up the existing park space. The volunteer efforts underscore just how much neighbors want this small green space to get the attention it deserves, making the upcoming expansion all the more meaningful for the community.

Despite the challenges, the community-driven vision for the park addition remains largely intact. The updated design includes a small slide, new pathways, a gathering area, landscaping, and irrigation systems. The addition will expand the existing park westward onto the vacant lot that Seattle Parks purchased back in 2010.

The design reflects extensive community input gathered during the original planning process, when neighbors worked with SPR and the design team to create both the addition and accessibility upgrades to the existing park.

Join the Conversation
Community members are encouraged to attend the open house on Tuesday, September 30, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the park itself (723 N 35th Street). This will be an opportunity to see the updated plans, ask questions about the timeline, and provide input on the revised design.

The project team is currently working on re-permitting and completing construction documents, with hopes to break ground sometime between early 2026 and early 2027.

https://fremontneighbor.com/a-b-ernst-park-addition-open-house-set-for-september-30/

09/22/2025

What a magical evening at Green Lake! The Fremont Arts Council's Luminata lantern procession brought people together Saturday to celebrate the autumn equinox with hundreds of glowing lanterns creating a stunning display around the north end of the lake. It was beautiful to see neighbors of all ages participating in this special tradition that supports our local arts community.

https://fremontneighbor.com/fremont-arts-council-lights-up-green-lake-with-luminata-procession/

09/20/2025

Hello, neighbors! Welcome to Fremont Neighbor Notes, spotlighting can't-miss community events each Friday.

September 19-21: Fremont Oktoberfest - Fremont Oktoberfest returns Sept. 19-21 as Seattle's largest beer festival, featuring craft brews from local and international brewers, traditional German food, and live entertainment in downtown Fremont as a fundraiser for the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. The 21+ event runs Friday 5-11 p.m. and Saturday 12-11 p.m., with Sunday 12-5 p.m. welcoming dogs for a Top Dog Showcase along with contests like brat eating and stein hoisting throughout the weekend. Attendees are encouraged to don lederhosen for the full Bavarian experience at this iconic three-day Seattle beer celebration.

September 20: Luminata - The Fremont Arts Council celebrates the autumnal equinox with Luminata, an illuminated lantern procession around Green Lake on Saturday, Sept. 20, with lantern sales opening at 5:30 p.m. and an opening act at 7 p.m. The procession begins at 7:30 p.m., following a lead band around the lake, with all lantern proceeds benefiting the nonprofit Fremont Arts Council. The evening concludes with illuminated art displays for participants to enjoy after the procession.

09/19/2025

The Center of the Universe keeps changing, with new sushi, beauty treatments, and craft beer arriving just as beloved green spaces and comic book havens prepare their farewells.

Openings
Four new businesses have recently opened in the neighborhood, bringing fresh dining and service options to residents.

Eyes on me seattle, a beauty studio specializing in Russian manicures and eyelash extensions, opened at 3501 Fremont Ave. N. The business, which has locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, combines European techniques with California style and has served thousands of clients since 2022.

Pluto Organic Cafe launched at 3418 Fremont Ave. N, founded by two brothers and their friend with backgrounds at Microsoft and in retail. The cafe focuses on organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and vegan options, along with smoothies and organic coffee made with award-winning Caffe D’arte Italian beans.

Sushi Taiyo opened at 3801 Stone Way N, adding a high-quality sushi option to the area. Early reviews praise the restaurant’s fresh fish, specialty rolls, and homemade soy sauce. Customers note the cozy atmosphere and attentive service, with many expressing excitement about having a quality sushi spot in the neighborhood.

West Seattle Brewing Company opened at 513 N 36th St. in the former High Dive space. The veteran-owned brewpub, which began as a neighborhood spot in West Seattle, describes itself as a cultural destination that’s “artist-powered” and focused on creating community connections.

Closings
Two beloved local businesses are preparing to close, citing rent and development pressures.

Urban Earth Nursery at 1051 N 35th St. will close permanently Nov. 1 after nearly 30 years as a nursery. The nursery’s property was sold to developers working on a high-rise project on adjacent lots. (See more in this recent Seattle Times article: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/fremonts-urban-earth-nursery-to-close-after-nearly-30-years/)

While the physical location is closing, the business plans to continue its landscaping and garden services with hopes of eventually reopening.

The nursery, which has operated under four different names with five owners since 1998, will host an “End of The Earth” farewell party Oct. 18.

Outsider Comics and Geek Boutique at 223 N 36th St. is relocating to the Central District in October when its lease expires. Owner Wing cited affordability concerns and declining foot traffic that doesn’t align with the comic shop’s clientele.

“We can’t afford Fremont rent, especially since we’re not getting the pedestrian and tourist traffic to justify it,” Wing explained on the shop’s website.

The q***r, trans, woman of color-owned business will move near the intersection of Dearborn and Rainier, where lower rent costs should offset reduced foot traffic. The shop will hold moving sales in September before closing temporarily for the relocation.

Temporary Closure?
Robin's Restaurant and Market at 3801 Stone Way N Suite A has temporarily closed even though it only recently opened in the spring. The restaurant is owned by Model Restaurant Group, which did not respond to requests for comment. Unconfirmed social media reports suggest the restaurant group may be for sale.

Know of other business openings or closings in Fremont? Send tips to [email protected].

09/18/2025

"Urban Earth, situated at 1051 N. 35th St., is closing at the beginning of November. Its landlord, Fremont Dock Company, sold the property earlier this summer to a residential developer planning housing on two lots behind Urban Earth. Finding a new spot with an appropriately sized outdoor space at an affordable price is a struggle in Seattle’s rent market — leaving the nearly 30-year-old nursery no choice but to close, all of its employees looking for a new job and the city’s plant enthusiasts with one less place to congregate."

The nursery is closing Nov. 1 after its landlord, Fremont Dock Company, sold the property earlier this summer to a developer planning residential housing.

09/18/2025

Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Parks and Recreation are providing updates to the public to learn more about Lincoln High School - Seattle related upgrades at Woodland Park.

Track Upgrades at Woodland Park Field #7
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Lower Woodland Field #7 (near the bleachers)

The following Public Service Announcement was submitted to Wallyhood by Paige McGehee, Project Manager at Shiels Obletz Johnsen, about upcoming public meetings to discuss proposals for Woodland Park upgrades. Additional information has been added from the project website, including FAQs and an amend...

09/17/2025

Seattle Department of Transportation crews are shifting gears this month, constructing sidewalks and curb ramps as part of the Route 40 project.

Where: Fremont Avenue North, North 36th Street, North 35th Street and nearby intersections.

What: Out with the old sidewalks, in with new wider ones plus ADA-compliant curb ramps. Crews will also dig trenches for electrical conduit and pour concrete.

Heads up: Sidewalks will close with detour signs posted. Some driveways and businesses may be temporarily affected, but crews will work with property owners to keep access open when possible. Expect the usual construction sounds and dust during work hours.

New sidewalks and curb ramps mean safer, more accessible streets for everyone. The underground utility work sets us up for better lighting and signals down the road. It’s all part of making Route 40 (one of Metro’s busiest routes) work better for riders.

This sidewalk work happens alongside the other Route 40 construction going on around the neighborhood through 2025, with some spillover into 2026.

Chat with the project team: Tuesdays, 9:30-10 a.m. at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83530373889

https://fremontneighbor.com/construction-continues-in-fremont-sidewalk-edition/

09/16/2025

The Seattle Public Library wants to hear from you about their spaces, collections, programs and services, and that includes our beloved Fremont Branch at 731 N. 35th St.

Whether you’re a regular library user or haven’t visited in years, your input matters. The survey takes about 10 minutes and closes at 5 p.m. Sept. 24. As a thank you, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.

Take the survey here: https://www.spl.org/about-us/the-organization/community-survey-2025

Your survey responses are anonymous and will help the Seattle Public Library system – including our Fremont Branch – better serve our community’s needs.

https://fremontneighbor.com/seattle-public-library-wants-fremonts-input/

09/15/2025

At the top of the stairs from North 43rd Street, between Palatine Avenue North and Greenwood Avenue North, sits an unofficial neighborhood park that offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and a place for Upper Fremont residents to connect.

Accidental Park, as it’s come to be known, began in 2018 when three neighbors placed a few chairs on the small hillside space. What started as a simple gesture has evolved into a community hub where residents gather for sunset views, celebrate birthdays and weddings, and share meals together.

The grassroots park operates on an honor system. Neighbors contribute tables and chairs that remain available for public use, creating what organizers describe as “a very natural beautiful space that invites safe community building and individual quiet time.”

The initiative faced a brief setback when the city removed furniture following a complaint about broken chairs. After contacting city officials, organizers confirmed the community setup doesn’t violate any laws and resumed placing furniture at the site.

A sign at the location encourages visitors to enjoy the space while being “good stewards of Accidental Park.” The volunteer-maintained gathering spot continues to serve as an example of neighbors taking initiative to create shared community spaces.

This post is part of the “Where Fremont Gathers” series, exploring local spots where the community comes together. Where do you like to go in Fremont to connect with others? Share your favorite gathering spots with [email protected].

https://fremontneighbor.com/where-fremont-gathers-accidental-park/

09/14/2025

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