A lot of small scale builders don’t have the expertise to know how to build for acoustic separation. Wood construction in multiplexes introduces some real challenges.

Acoustic isolation clips separating the studs from the drywall can help reduce noise transfer or structure borne noise from one unit to the other as an alternate to an air gap between studs. This issue is having a contractor knowledgeable enough for installing that type of system.

I think this is driven by the US being a less reliable trade and defense partner to our traditional allies. A lot of countries are turning to their domestic industries or or to other allies for national defense instead of buying from the US.

The Melody Apts on Rainier and S Grand St has small format retail spaces that from what I can tell walking by are partially leased, mainly to small beauty shop businesses. The small format definitely makes it more affordable to people wanting to start a small business. We need more spaces like that

As for markets, there’s Mekong, Lam’s, McPhersons and other markets that serve a local purpose. It’s a little different than what you have in mind but it serves a niche for immigrant communities

artstationmtbaker.com check out what art station is trying to do. It’s an art market. Hoping over time it catches on and becomes something akin to the Fremont Saturday market.

The Burke museum takes a similar approach where the cedar planks are allowed to age and weather with time. This is reminiscent of coast Salish longhouse construction. You also see it in traditional Japanese buildings. I think there’s something to letting natural materials be what they are.

We very likely need a park levy to be able to fully fund a new park development. The last park levy funded the purchase of 14 park development sites and it took county, state and other funds to develop a portion of the land acquisitions. Design fees are a small % of development costs

It sounds like the fire department is maybe on board since they don’t use the north lane right now due to the condition of the road / damage by tree roots

Some great placemaking with an art collaboration between Franklin students and local artists could turn this into something great. Throw in some food trucks for community events or high school sports and you have a place that can draw people to it

Some great placemaking with an art collaboration between Franklin students and local artists could turn this into something great. Throw in some food trucks for community events or high school sports and you have a place that can draw people to it