if you live in seattle, i am sure you have heard that the building on the NW corner of 15th Ave NW and NW Market was declared a historic landmark. that building, until a few months ago, was the site of a Denny's. Though that in and of itself is not why it was declared a landmark -- before it was a Denny's it was "Mannings Cafeteria." Mannings was a flagship store at the Pike Place Market at one time. In spite being called a cafeteria, Mannings was pretty swank. I used to go there with my relative sometimes, when I was a child. The architecture, while apparently not a good representation of ANY given style, is unique. Unfortunately the building was remodeled and neglected when it was a Denny's. But it is now a historic landmark and plans to tear it down and develop retail and condos there have been set aside.
It is unclear what will happen to the building now. the current owners wanted to sell it for this develpment and seem to have no interest in restoring it. a month ago they said if it was declared a landmark that they would not be able to sell or rent it except at a significant loss. the Denny's, interestingly enough, would be happy to move back in, or at least that was what the franchise owner said a month ago. i really hope that it is purchased by someone who wants to restore the building and open it as a public space, whether a restaurant or something else. it was the closest restaurant to my house -- 4 blocks. but i had not gone there in years because i am not so into Denny's. It was much better as a Mannings. They had a pudding bar!
news story on the decision
photos of the building's interior as it was.
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