Small Biz Needed for 9th and Commerce

Jenyum December 21, 2007

Pizza by the slice! Grab a slice (or I guess a salad for me) and a paper, and wait for your next bus to roll in.

I tried commuting to Seattle briefly a year or two ago, and dreamed of something like that near the bus terminal every time my express bus would miss the number 16. (Which was often.)

izenmania December 21, 2007

Honestly, I feel like the area could use something like what was there, only better. There isn’t much in that area in the way of a non-sketchy mini-mart. Now I don’t know if it’s a function of the neighborhood and the clientele automatically making such a venture turn out the way that the D-Town Market did, but it seems possible to have that kind of business and run it in such a way (for example, windows you can see in) that it stays on the up and up.

Vidiot December 22, 2007

The Tacoma Gnome could open a Norwegian specialty store.

RR Anderson could open the “Happy Time Political Cartooning School” where he leads a weekly class in the fine art of Political Cartooning.

Maybe a DVD rental store with all the cool DVDs

Be a great place for a Police Substation.

Two words: Hot Dogs and Beers. (ok three)

in-tacoma December 22, 2007

gunshop, maybe bullseye will move

Erik B. December 22, 2007

The place has alot of potential. Needs to remove the beer and cigarette signs and open the windows up and have some new wiring.

It is right next to the LINK and between the lively spots of Broadway and Pacific.

A corner shop which could have alot of energy like the Bostrick Building.

Tons of people walk by here each day. An independent coffee shop and deli would be nice now that Java went out of business.

Are you ready to start your coffee shop yet Morgan?

Whatever it is, it needs to be open and bright.

(There are still two small markets downtown)

mardod December 22, 2007

oooooo…I love the idea of a coffee/deli shop.

Jenyum December 22, 2007

Any coffee shop that stayed open later than Cosmic Coffee (which closes before all the commuters get off the buses) would be excellent.

michael g. December 22, 2007

An independent burrito place — like Taqueria El Antojo on 38th and McKinley. They’d clean up with a location there, at least on weekdays.

Andrew December 22, 2007

Lets reclaim the mini-mart. Put in a deli with good take out food as well as, albiet, overprices basics like bread, eggs and milk. They have a good seating area and an espresso stand. Who wants to be partners, lets have a 10 way split.

Crenshaw Sepulveda December 22, 2007

A mini-Marlene’s would do the trick. Some natural foods, deli section, soy milk, cereal, and Robert is your mother’s brother.

The Gulag December 22, 2007

Well, previous uses include Ben-Dew’s (a fried chicken\ spaghetti\sandwich, with catering, business), and I believe one of the first to occupy that space was Tidemann’s Cigar Store and Fountain Lunch, although that could have been off Pacific. All in all, I believe that space has spent a majority of its 83 years as some form of lunch counter type business.

Myself, I wouldn’t mind a Haberdashery.

Rebecca December 22, 2007

Is this the same space the mini-mart was in? I never went in that place, simply because it looked a little scary. I think a nice mini-grocery with a coffee shop and deli in it would work great there. I used to get off the bus and be starving walking home up hill.

RR Anderson December 22, 2007

I vote for a christian bookstore. as I feel the folks in the area would do well to spend more time in church.

I WANT TO BELIEVE!

rich December 23, 2007

something that enhances the proper foot traffic and get rid of the trash……..one of these days, I would love to walk outside after the symphony and see a Grand ol Hotel busy with new and old visitors to Tacoma…….what a dream…….

Crenshaw Sepulveda December 23, 2007

I sure would like a Bulldog News downtown. A sure sign of civilization, to be sure. There are a lot of things I’d like to have downtown in this particular location but what do we really need? We need a business that serves the area and the population of the area in a why that has been lacking in the past and adds to the continual development of the area. We speak of a lack of grocers in downtown, we speak of a lack of late night coffee shops. The space is large enough to encompass a number of purposes well into the evening. A smart selection of retail goods for quick meals and emergencies. A place to pop in to get a quick and tasty meal at a reasonable price (please, no more teriyaki). A place to sit, have a cup of coffee and talk with friends after everything else has closed down and you don’t want to be in a bar. The place must be comfortable and appealing to a wide variety of people with no variety of person being uncomfortable in such a place. What we want is high class 7-11 with seating and something more than a hot dog grill and chili dispenser.

Mofo from the Hood December 23, 2007

RR @13

I bet you’d be seriously interested in studying the Christian faith because it has a highly developed theology that appeals to brainy folks like yourself.

I personally enjoy studying Christian Apologetics or defense of the faith. So, for starters I would recommend reading the writings of the second most influential person in history, Paul of Tarsus. He came to know Christ after the resurrection and after a personal conversion experience noted in Acts chapter 9.

Paul had a classical Greek university education in Tarsus (Turkey) and he also had Jewish theological training. Paul (Saul before his conversion) was a religious zealot. He persecuted Christians. He was basically a terrorist.

After his conversion he was rejected by the Jewish religious order although Paul did not reject them.

Paul spent his life after his conversion basically involved in intense missionary activity and interpretation and explanation of the Old Testament prophesy of Christ and His life.

So first read the challenge he has to defend in 1 Corinthians 12-19.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his most thorough explanation of life in the spirit. It’s the writing above all others that attempts to come to terms with everyman’s personal turmoil with temptation.

The Christian faith is a resurrection fellowship. That was a tough sell in the first century and it still is. But the evidence for the life of Jesus and His resurrection is so compelling that it would stand up in any reasonable court of law. No university professor would risk his credentials by denying the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth. There were hundreds of people who saw him before and after His resurrection. Also, the writings about Jesus are not limited to the Bible. He was noted by the Jewish historian Josephus, plus many secular writers including official Roman historians.

Lastly, Christians are not moralists. They’re evangelists. They want to share the gospel or “good news” of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. That’s also a cultural mandate for them as prescribed by Jesus. Everything they do is for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith. It’s a faith that is both exclusive and inclusive. That’s why so many people hate them. They’ve always maintained that their living God is the “only” god. But the faith accepts everyone. The gospel is free. It’s complete. Nothing is to be added and nothing is to be subtracted.

It’s not enough to own a Bible. It’s not enough to read the Bible. It’s only enough to understand the Bible.

There’s enough evidence to believe it and there’s enough evidence to disbelieve it.

Crenshaw Sepulveda December 23, 2007

Mofo,
I thought this was Exit133, not Exodus 13:3.

Mofo from the Hood December 23, 2007

C.S., the reason I’m such a big fan of this blog is because of the Guidlelines for Comments. I haven’t seen any other blog that has made such an effort in written rules. Secondly the graphic layout of the response field is equally well thought out and so easy to read because of the background color scheme, typestyle and scale, and block style response divisions.

This particular blog is or should be the standard for any similar forum. I’m talking about the parameters for discussion and ease of response.

Lastly, I enjoy all of the writing whether it is sincere or not. As for my comments, I’m responding to both a particular writer and also to the invitation stated at the end of each topic introduction: If you have something to say, say it now!

Erik B. December 24, 2007

What we want is high class 7-11….

Please god no.

Tacoma already has 10,000 of these. In my book, the RR’s idea of a christian bookstore idea trumps another 7-11.

Christy December 24, 2007

Isn’t that right up the block from 2 deli/marts on Pac Ave?

Pizza by the slice that stays open after 2am. That’s what I talkin’ about.

Crenshaw Sepulveda December 24, 2007

Mofo, I, for one, welcome the diversity of the comments and opinions expressed here on Exit133, and your comments are amongst my favorite both for style and content along with the ability to be thought provoking.

It could very well be that Exodus 13:3 provides us with some sage words on the matter at hand, let me look it up:

13:3. And Moses said to the people: Remember this day in which you came forth out of Egypt, and out of the house of bondage, for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought you forth out of this place: that you eat no leavened bread.

Erik Hanberg December 24, 2007

OK, so Crenshaw doesn’t want a bakery …

I’ll second the burrito bar, though.

Les December 24, 2007

The cigar store was on Pacific Ave, but what a spot for a soda fountain/deli/newstand. AKA – the old Brown’s Star Grille or The Spar in Olympia.

RR Anderson December 24, 2007

My dear Mr. Mofo from the Hood… I’ve seen the trailer for da vinci code so i’d like to think I know a thing or 2 about JESUS. However, I enjoy your comments so shine on you crazy diamond.

Keep it real yo.

evenso, the worst thing about d-town market was all the god damn crap in the windows. Anybody turning that place around will have great karma fo sho

Mofo from the Hood December 24, 2007

Revision to #17:

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

That’s a major difference that’s important to defining Paul’s mission for the rest of his life.

Mofo from the Hood December 24, 2007

RR, in the words of Seal:

“We’re never gonna get by unless we get a little crazy.”

Anyway, if I get my wish that corner will have a store where I can buy a 40 oz. bottle of Pabst for two bucks and then I won’t have to drive all the way up to 6th & Proctor from the Stadium district.

RR Anderson December 24, 2007

if you liked SEAL, you may also enjoy Diogenes: “the art of being a slave is to rule one’s master”

Mofo from the Hood December 26, 2007

If you like Diogenes then check out Anonymous:

“I don’t know what I’m doin’, but I’m doin’ it.”

Elliot December 26, 2007

Gah, Exodus 13:3 is a pain, it’s why I have to search around to all the grocery stores in town explaining that, “no, that matzah you have on the shelf all the time won’t work, you have to order special stuff for this time of year, thanks,” before giving up and going to Seattle.

I hate that about Tacoma. You have no idea how many people tried to sell me birthday candles for Hanukkah this year. Great selections of Christmas stuff, though!

Mofo from the Hood December 26, 2007

You know, maybe Tacoma could use a Jewish bakery…
Call it 7-Unleaven?

Andrew December 27, 2007

Elliot….

I’m sorry you weren’t successful in your attempt to get some unLEVINed bread.

Get it?

hahahahahaha….

I’m dead inside.

Laura Hanan December 27, 2007

Somebody better come up with somethin’ quick – when I walked by today it looked like D(rug) Town Market is correcting the out of code things required to open back up.

Laura Hanan December 27, 2007

RE: “Any ideas? Any dreams?”

“I have a dream today!”

I have a dream that one day, down in Tacoma, — one day right there in Tacoma —sisters and brothers will be able to walk up 9th street without being intimidated by thugs and drug dealers..

I have a dream today!

crenshaw sepulveda December 27, 2007

7-Unleaven, omg, I’m busting a gut. 7-Unleaven, rotflol. Thank you Mofo from the Hood. Now I can get back to my Talmudic studies.

Mofo from the Hood December 27, 2007

Talmudic studies?

Would that be with or without Culture Club rockin’ your casbah?

J Rex December 27, 2007

ahem

I recently wrote a business plan for a L-A-T-E night dessert/coffee/chai spot that, by night, would draw theater goers from the Pantages and Rialto theaters as well as late night bar hoppers (think Matador, Paddy Coynes, etc.) and in the day time it would service the downtown busness employees with light lunch.

So what came of this said business plan? Nothing. It’s sitting on my desktop as a word file just waiting for the perfect location. I thought maybe that location would be the suddenly empty One Heart location on Broadway but maybe… just maybe.

Any interested investors out there? I’m a trained chef with a world of ideas and nothing holding me back…

Oh Tacoma. I love being able to dream.

Jake December 27, 2007

http://www.scratchspokane.com/
???

Crenshaw Sepulveda December 27, 2007

In Leviticus 11:30 we are admonished to eschew the chameleon, along with the weasel.

Mofo from the Hood December 27, 2007

Gesundheit.

Sassy McButterpants December 27, 2007

I love stores that sell books about Jesus as much as the next gal, but I still dream of a really good shoe store.

Mofo from the Hood December 27, 2007

Sassy, the suggestion for a Christian bookstore was an interesting revelation.

There has always been a demand for wisdom. The best selling book in history is the Bible—-the story of Jesus, God’s definitive revelation.

Great suggestion Mr. Anderson.

Tacoma (A)roma December 27, 2007

As long as the new business has a phone booth out front ;-)

Christian bookstore? Mmmm…

RR Anderson December 28, 2007

Shirley Mr. Mofo, you realize the bible is not divinely revealed but compiled, edited and manipulated by human beings… that the human soul is mortal… that heaven & hell are silly superstitions—purveyors of fear, ignorance and prejudice.

if there is any progress to be made, reject the idea of a personalized, loving god in favor of one equal to nature and indifferent to human fate.

Are you down with Spinoza hommie?

Mofo from the Hood December 28, 2007

Okay Mr. Anderson. I’m going to attempt to answer your comments but not in a comprehensive way. Not that you or the other readers don’t appreciate comprehensive explanations, but because I don’t claim to be a member of the intellectual elite. Although there’s a lot of them who spend their whole lives making simple ideas sound complicated.

Here we go:

1) Spinoza.
First if you, as an artist, agree with his doctrine of ethics then I find that really puzzling. Basically Spinoza says that all events in nature are predetermined including man’s attitude toward the events, so one is essentially powerless to alter events and his attitude toward them.

The problem with that doctrine which Spinoza never reconciled is that we all know from experience that nothing is inevitable. We all make judgements and choices every waking moment and we know ideas and courses of action have consequences. We know the outcome of events involving humans cannot be predicted totally and strictly as cause and effect. Men are not rational. Men are not irrational. Men are almost rational.

But what I find puzzling about you mentioning Spinoza is that his broad view of human life is similar to Stoicism in that it suggests that men should basically shut down their emotions. That may work in cases of dealing with hardship, but it would make artistic creation impossible.

2) Progress and the notion of a personal god versus an impersonal god.
First lets start with an impersonal god or what is called pantheistic monism. “All is one.” Well if that’s true that we’re all part of nature and therefore gods, then how come our lives are sometimes just total chaos? That aetheistic view just doesn’t cohere with reality.
Now how about a personal god? The fundamental premise of Judaism and Christianity is that the universe and everything in it was created by a god that has always existed. He is the creator, the sustainer, and ordainer. But first I want to make a simple distinction between Judaism and Christianity. Judaism believes in a singular God and Christianity believes in a triune God—-The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Now, how could one come to know anything about God? 1) God has revealed himself in nature—-the sun, moon, stars, the earth and all its splendor. 2) He has revealed himself in the written word of the Bible. 3) He has revealed himself in human form as Jesus of Nazereth. Jesus, God’s son, is his definitive revelation. One can read about Jesus in the Gospels of the Bible. The Gospel of John, along with Paul’s Letter to the Romans, have been noted as the two most essential books of the New Testament.

Now, I want to address the notion of progress. I would say that Christians are the true progressives. The whole point of the faith is that the faith is based on what is known. It is a faith founded on facts. The Bible calls for discernment in what is true and what is false. What is right and what is wrong. The sufficiency of Apostolic Scripture is founded on the life of Jesus. Is there a more sufficient mind than the mind of Jesus?

At this point I want to say that even though Christians seek to spread their faith as commanded by Jesus, Christians do not want a Theocracy. They do not want to mix government and religion. Christians know that (See Paul’s Letter to the Romans) faith is a matter of the heart. No government decree make an individual believe in God. Even if such a government were formed, it would be inherently flawed or imperfect because man is imperfect.

Now, I do know that it is part of man’s nature to rebel against God and the knowledge about Him.
And the question about a Savior..I mean, why would anyone need a Savior unless he was a sinner? Well, that’s what the Bible points out. We are sinners. A sin is a transgression against God. It is an act that dishonors the relationship between man and God. The Ten Commandments define man’s relationship to God. They show what man is and they are impossible to follow. Only one man ever did live his life sinless by them—-Jesus. And this is an important point. We are not capable, that is, we are not adequate to follow the Ten Commandments and live a sinless life. We are not worthy to stand before God. That’s why we need a mediator, a Savior in Jesus.

Okay, at this point you can ask, “How do we know that Jesus is the mediator commisioned by God to atone for our sins and allow us to stand justified for eternal life?” We know that Jesus’s work on the cross was a sufficient atonement to God the Father because Christ was resurrected after His death. That resurrection is the foundation on facts that Christianity is based on. If there is no resurrection then there is no Christianity.

Millions of people have been persecuted and killed for their belief in Christ. People don’t sacrifice their life for a made-up story. People do give their lives all the time for what is true and what is right.

And that brings me back to Spinoza. He is a relativist. He says that nothing is good or bad in itself, but only so in relation to someone else. The problem with that thinking is that it reduces all behavior to actions based on feeling and pragmatism. There are no absolute morals. The only law is the law of the jungle.

There’s no sense in that kind of thinking.

But for the those who rebel against the Bible and its revelation of God, that kind of thinking which makes God obsolete is very appealing. They don’t want their world to make sense.

If you’re not a Christian then this world is as good as it gets. If you are a Christian then this world is as bad as it gets.

Which type of thinking is filled with fear, ignorance, and prejudice?

Which type of thinking is progressive?

Laura Hanan December 28, 2007

Thank God (I think) because my brain hurts…

Tim Farrell December 28, 2007

As I recall, Ben Doo’s located on 6th Avenue started off at this location in the late 1930’s early 1940’s. So, coffee shop, small deli eatery would be a nice add.

Tim

The Gulag December 28, 2007

That’s correct, Ben D(e)w’s did start at this location. I believe their 6’th Ave. place opened in 1954 and they operated at 9’th and Commerce for eight years prior to that.

RR Anderson December 28, 2007

Verily, Rocket Market would be the way to go. After soldiering through comment #45 I will need to replenish my Rocket Sauce supply.

Laura Hanan December 28, 2007

I vote for Jamie’s Rocket Market with the phone booth as a biodiesel fuel station/Christian Science Monitor Reading Room run by Mofo and featuring weekly existential debates with RR Anderson…

Mofo from the Hood December 28, 2007

Laura, I’ll have my people look into that.

If it’s a go then I plan to kick off the festivities with RR doing caricature portraits, live music by Scope Creep, and a midnight seance featuring Michael Tetherow.

Mofo from the Hood December 28, 2007

Okay Laura, here’s the latest. I just got off the phone with the library and they have two slide projectors I can borrow. So looks like maybe two walls of ongoing photo displays. Wall #1: Rich showing cityscapes from around the world that have 40 plus story office towers. Wall #2: Eric B. showing his collection of Tacoma parking lots and strip malls.

Also working on a poetry slam between Erik H., Daniel Blue and MFTH. This could be pretty cool if we all had our microphones on at the same time and like did sampling and overdubs, you know kinda like a street thing ‘cause like I want to keep the affair coarse and like show respect for the peeps that used to hang on the corner.

Bring your camera baby girl.

Laura Hanan December 29, 2007

Mofo, my batteries are charged…but don’t tell my boyfrann.

Another possibility – a live interview with Doreen Deeble – to mix it up a little…most potentious!

Mofo from the Hood December 30, 2007

Yet to be confirmed for RM Grand Opening:

•Catering by Feng Shui’s

• Ring toss on the Tacoma Gnome

53 comments