Madison Park Times April 2026

Serving East-Central Seattle since 1983

Madison Park Times

Madison Park ‘No Kings’ Demonstrators Join Nationwide Day of Action

By Susan Sullivan

On March 28, approximately 350 people gathered peacefully along the sidewalks of Madison Park to raise their voices against tyranny and exercise their right to speak out. Many participants then joined the major Rally and March at Cal Anderson Park and Seattle Center.

This local “No Kings 3” event was part of a nationwide rally and march organized by Indivisible, with support from numerous pro-democracy organizations. In Madison Park, this

sidewalk protest—held at the intersection of East Madison and East Garfield—was a special Saturday action and an extension of Madison Indivisible’s regular weekly “Stand,” which takes place every Wednesday from 3:00– 4:00 p.m.

The Madison Park chapter organized a team of safety wardens to help integrate participants into the normal flow of a busy Saturday morning. Attendees brought their own signs or used those provided by Madison Indivisible. Neighbors, friends, and even dogs lined the street together,

voicing concerns about threats to democracy, abuses of ICE, war, disregard for the rule of law and due process, and the rise of authoritarianism.

Homemade signs offered both serious and humorous messages, reflecting a wide range of personal concerns. Standing together provided a renewed sense of energy and purpose for the important work ahead—mobilizing voters, protecting voting rights, and preparing for the November elections.

Join us every Wednesday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. as we continue raising awareness. We are in this together.

Your April Event Guide: From Tea Traditions to Truck Rides

Spring has officially arrived in Madison Park and across Seattle, bringing with it a full calendar of cultural events, community gatherings, and family-friendly activities. Here are several highlights worth adding to your April plans:

PRINCESS ANGELINE SPRING TEA

Duwamish Longhouse

Saturday, April 4, 2026

This annual event honors Princess Angeline, the daughter of Chief Seattle, and reflects on the city’s Indigenous history and heritage. Featuring tea service, storytelling, and community voices, the gathering offers a thoughtful and educational way to engage with Seattle’s past.

SEATTLE CHERRY BLOSSOM & JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Seattle Center

April 10–12, 2026

Held during peak bloom season, this festival celebrates Japanese culture through traditional performances, art, and food. Visitors can expect music, dance, and cultural demonstrations alongside some of the most iconic spring scenery in the region.

BEST OF THE NORTHWEST SPRING SHOW (37TH ANNUAL)

Magnuson Park Hangar 30

April 11–12, 2026

One of the largest juried craft shows in the region, this event showcases EVENTS, 4

Heat, Cold, and Why Seattle Is Falling for Sauna Culture

By: Annie Lindberg, LAc, MES, MAcOM

This time last year I wrote about cold plunges. Now I’m embracing their perfect partner: saunas — ideally interspersed with a brisk plunge into Lake Washington or the Sound. Over the winter I began visiting some of Seattle’s waterfront saunas with friends. The rhythm quickly became a ritual: twenty minutes of deep warmth, followed by a cold dip — an immersion into icy winter water. Repeat. Beyond the immediate exhilaration, I noticed something unexpected. As someone who tends to run cold, my hands and feet stayed warmer this winter than in years past. It made me curious: what does the research actually say about sauna bathing?

Much of what scientists know comes from Finland, where sauna culture is woven into everyday life. In a country of about 5.5 million people, there are roughly 3 million saunas, and most adults use them regularly. Large population studies there — many led by cardiologist Jari Laukkanen — have revealed striking associations between frequent sauna use and improved long-term health outcomes.

LONGEVITY & HEALTHSPAN

One of the most compelling findings from Finnish research is the connection between sauna use and longevity. In long-term

population studies, people who used a sauna four to seven times per week had about a 40% lower risk of death from all causes compared with those who used a sauna only once weekly.

Researchers often talk not just about lifespan, but healthspan — the number of years we remain healthy, active, and free from chronic disease as we age. Practices that support circulation, metabolic health, and nervous system balance may help extend that healthier portion of life. Sauna bathing is one of those supportive habits.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

The strongest scientific evidence for sauna benefits relates to the cardiovascular system. Frequent sauna bathing — typically defined in research as four to seven sessions per week — has been associated with a 40–46% lower risk of hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, and sudden cardiac death.

During a sauna session, heart rate rises — often to levels similar to moderate aerobic exercise — while blood vessels dilate and circulation increases. Core body temperature rises and sweating begins. After the session, heart rate and circulation gradually return toward baseline, while the

body shifts into a more parasympathetic, “rest-and-digest” state—often accompanied by a sense of calm and relaxation. Over time, repeated sauna use improves vascular flexibility, blood pressure regulation, and overall cardiovascular function. Though sauna bathing appears to mimic some of the physiological effects of moderate exercise, it does not replace the need for physical activity.

BRAIN HEALTH

Researchers have also found intriguing links between sauna use and brain health. Observational studies have reported a significantly lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease among frequent sauna users — with some studies suggesting up to a 60–65% lower risk among those who sauna four or more times weekly. Huge! Scientists believe this may be partly due to the close relationship between cardiovascular health and brain health. Good circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and vascular health is increasingly recognized as key in reducing dementia risk.

MENTAL HEALTH & STRESS REGULATION

Anyone who has stepped out of a sauna into cool air knows the deep calm that can follow. Research

suggests this feeling isn’t just psychological. Sauna use appears to influence the nervous system, increasing heart rate variability — a marker of stress resilience and stronger parasympathetic activity.

Heat exposure may also have meaningful effects on mental health. Some studies have found that elevating core body temperature — even from a single session — can produce antidepressant effects lasting for weeks in people with major depressive disorder. While researchers are still studying the mechanisms, many people report improved sleep and emotional well-being with regular sauna use.

Interestingly, the benefits appear to be dose-dependent: longer and more frequent sauna sessions are associated with stronger health outcomes. Research suggests that sessions around 20 minutes offer substantially more robust benefits than shorter exposures.

Part of what may be happening at a deeper level involves heat shock proteins — cellular “stress response” proteins activated by heat exposure. These proteins help stabilize and repair other proteins in the body, preventing them from becoming damaged or misfolded. This process may play a role in protecting tissues over time, including in the brain and cardiovascular system.

So enjoy your sauna — and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the traditional sauna hats. They’re delightful, and they serve a purpose: helping keep your head and ears cooler so you can stay comfortable in the heat a bit longer.

In many ways, sauna bathing aligns with traditional perspectives on warmth and circulation. In Chinese medicine, heat is considered yang-building, helping to move blood, support circulation, and counterbalance the colder yin energies of winter. Whether described energetically or physiologically, warmth encourages the body to relax and circulate.

Most long-term population research has focused on traditional dry saunas, typically heated to 160°F or higher. Infrared and steam saunas are not as hot; they raise core body temperature and stimulate sweating to a lesser degree. It’s plausible they offer similar — if perhaps more modest — benefits. Though populationlevel research on infrared and steam saunas is still emerging, I enjoy them as well nonetheless.

A hot sauna session can produce half a liter to over a liter of sweat per hour, so hydration during and afterward is important, potentially

with electrolytes. Sauna bathing isn’t appropriate for everyone in every situation. Children and pregnant women, as well as people with cardiovascular disease, recent heart issues, or very low blood pressure, should check with a healthcare provider before use.

For many people sauna bathing is more than a wellness trend. It’s a ritual that blends heat, rest, community, healthspan enhancement, and sometimes a plunge into cold water. Especially in the darker months, that combination feels like potent medicine.

Annie Lindberg is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine practitioner, and Ayurvedic practitioner. She also holds a Masters of Environmental Studies. She owns and practices at The Point Acupuncture & Ayurveda, located in Madison Park and is a regular Madison Park Times health columnist.

Public Hot Saunas Around Seattle

Seattle’s sauna culture has grown quickly in recent years, with several community saunas offering drop-in sessions open to the public. Many combine traditional sauna bathing with cold plunges in Puget Sound or Lake Washington — a uniquely Pacific Northwest ritual.

Bywater Sauna --- Leschi, West Seattle, Ballard Mobile cedar saunas located at waterfront parks including Golden Gardens and Alki Beach, paired with cold-water immersion.

Von Sauna — Kirkland Floating sauna experience on Lake Washington with scenic views and optional cold plunges.

Banya 5 — South Lake Union A traditional Russian-style bathhouse featuring dry saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunge pools.

Olympus Spa — Lynnwood A Korean women’s spa offering multiple sauna rooms, pools, and relaxation areas.

Seattle Bouldering Projec t Several locations across Seattle include saunas that can be accessed with a day pass.

Many gyms and athletic clubs throughout the region also offer saunas, though most require a membership. These above locations are among the places where visitors can drop in and experience sauna culture without joining a club.

Seeking the Fountain of Youth Part One: Stretch and Hydrate

By Michele McCauley

Stretch and hydrate–is that really all there is to it? The short answer is no. The longer answer is, no, but it’s a really good start!

Water makes up 55-60% of our adult bodies. (The exact percentage varies, because fatty tissue has less water than lean tissue, and body fat varies). Throughout the body, water plays a significant role in dozens–if not hundreds–of processes within and between the cells, and plays a major role in lubricating internal surfaces.

So it makes sense that dehydration would stress the whole system and that staying hydrated would minimize the kind of wearand-tear and minor malfunctioning that, as we age, snowballs more and more easily into sickness, medical issues, or just not feeling quite right.

Our muscles are 79% water.

OK, so…personal experience is not the same as scientific evidence. Once upon a time, though (about

We’re Not Saying the

my mid-forties), I started to feel the difference between a well hydrated workout and a poorly hydrated one. I felt it in how my muscles tightened up. Science might still be catching up to my experience, but we do have quite a bit of other information about hydration and exercise. The big issue is replacing water lost through sweat–allowing for core temperature regulation, optimal cardio-vascular function, and smooth metabolic process. Significant dehydration (measurable as even a small weight change) can hinder reaction time, neuromuscular coordination, and even cognitive function.

Let’s talk about the other half of the partnership: stretch. There are many things we associate with youth–ease of movement is certainly one of them. And maintaining flexibility is key. But if you think of stretching only as that thing where you take, for example, your leg as far as it can go and then hold it in this agonizing position while each second ticks by more slowly than the last… well, for one thing, you’re probably not going to stick with your stretching routine

long enough for it to do any good. This kind of stretching (called a static stretch) is more effective when paired with foam rolling. And when I do static stretches with my clients, I encourage them to look for something more like the sensation of a good yawn–maybe just a little farther. Your muscles will resist the pull for about 30 seconds, before a reflex in the tendon kicks in triggering them to release. If you pair this daily with proper foam rolling, you’ll see progress. Oh, and foam rolling is the one technique that’s been shown to mitigate soreness after your workouts.

Other stretching techniques include active stretching, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation). An active stretch is when you move into and out of the stretch repeatedly. You don’t have to hold it very long, just a couple seconds. Here, too, you can go for something that feels like a yawn, rather than the agony you went through back in gym class. The key is repetition. PNF activates related muscles to facilitate the relaxation of the targeted muscle.

Sonics Are Back…

But We’re Also Not Not Saying It

Staff Report

Seattle is having one of those rare moments where everything seems to be lining up at once.

This month, Kraken owner Samantha Holloway announced the launch of One Roof Sports and Entertainment, a new umbrella organization bringing together the Seattle Kraken, Climate Pledge Arena, Kraken Community Iceplex, One Roof Foundation, and the redevelopment of Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center-along with broader investments in regional sports.

Holloway framed the launch as a long-term investment in both competition and community.

“We’re committed to this community,” she said. “This parent brand brings together everything we’ve built and positions us for what comes next.”

That “what’s next” could be historic.

On paper, it’s a structural move. In Seattle, it reads differently. It feels like preparation.

Because hovering over all of this is the question that never really left: What if the Sonics actually come back?

For anyone new to Seattle-or anyone who’s only experienced the city without an NBA team-the SuperSonics were once a defining part of the city. They left in 2008, and the aftermath has lingered somewhere between heartbreak and unfinished business ever since.

Now, for the first time in a long time, that conversation has offi-

cially moved beyond speculation.

The NBA Board of Governors has voted to formally explore expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, marking the first concrete step toward bringing men’s professional basketball back to the city after an 18-year absence. Commissioner Adam Silver said the move reflects the league’s interest in both markets and signals the beginning of a deeper evaluation of ownership groups, arena readiness, and financial implications.

This is the first step in a multistage process, with a final decision expected later. If approved, the league is targeting the 2028–29 season for new teams to begin play.

Locally, momentum has been building toward this moment and the momentum isn’t just coming from the league.

Gov. Bob Ferguson, a “die-hard Sonics fan,” is set to meet with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ahead of the vote and made it clear the state is ready to help. “I feel I have a pretty good appreciation for the loss that our community experienced,” Ferguson saidputting words to something many Seattleites have felt for years. “Obviously, if this is to happen, there will be a role for the state in some capacity to be helpful,” Ferguson continued. “What I’ve tried to emphasize with him and others is that the state stands ready to be helpful, that this is a priority for me.”

This push has also been building behind the scenes. In a June 2024 Interview, (now former) Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said

“We know (NBA Commissioner) Adam Silver’s talked a little about the process that it will entail. It’s much like how we competed for the FIFA games. I am actively not only creating the buzz, but looking at how we build the infrastructure here in Seattle. ” The city needed to show both the fan energy and the infrastructure to support a team.

That’s what makes this moment feel different.

The arena is done.

The city leadership is aligned. And now, with One Roof Sports and Entertainment, there’s a structure that looks ready to support something bigger.

Holloway framed it as a longterm commitment to the region: bringing everything under one roof “positions us for future opportunities.” Around here, nobody needs that translated.

There are still hurdles ahead. Expansion requires another vote, ownership bids could reach $7–$10 billion, and nothing is guaranteed. But for once, this isn’t just nostalgia or rumor—it’s a real process, happening in public.

If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the appropriate response isn’t overconfidence. It’s cautious optimism, with just a little emotional armor.

So no, the Sonics aren’t back. Not yet. But if this all works out? Seattle gets something it never really stopped wanting. And if it doesn’t… well, this city is famously calm, rational, and completely normal about the Sonics. Obviously.

Knowing what’s tight and how to best access a stretch for it is crucial. Sometimes it’s obvious. But when it comes to smaller muscles–hip or shoulder rotators, or the little bitty muscles between one vertebra and the next, people are often less aware of exactly what it is that’s limiting them and what stretches will help restore mobility. Finding a regular class to attend, working with a personal trainer, or seeing a physical therapist can help.

And when we stretch it’s important to understand that our joints need to be supported, too. That comes from being able to maintain the right amount of tension around them as we move. Obviously too much tension is not good, but too much slack can also cause problems. We’ll dive into that in another article.

Michele McCauley is a personal trainer at Resilient Body Fitness. She would love to be your Best Friend in Fitness! E-mail your fitness questions to bff@ResilientBody.Fitness

Urban Survival for the Powerless: a Ukrainian Teacher’s Story

BY DANA ARMSTRONG Madison Park Emergency Preparation Volunteer

The end of February marked the fourth year of the Russia-Ukraine war. During the first week of February, while temperatures approached -4 Fahrenheit, Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy grid with missiles and drones, per The Washington Post. On March 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored as heroes “all employees of energy companies, every repair and emergency crew, the entire staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.”

Ukraine managed to preserve its energy sector, but power loss is still a daily reality for most Ukrainians. As someone focused on emergency preparedness, I’ve wondered what life is like amid this insecurity.

To find out, I asked a close friend to connect me with her family friend Oksana, a teacher living in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, near the Russian border—not far from conflict areas. Oksana teaches teenagers chemistry and grows her own vegetables.

My friend has sent Oksana care packages throughout the war—a labor of love that includes emergency supplies along with fun items for Oksana’s small family and students. Central to the packages are several types of light and power sources to help Oksana’s family through her town’s intermittent and unpredictable power outages. They often live with just one to two hours of power per day.

I asked Oksana to help me shed some light (as it were) on how she manages to live without reliable power—not just for a few days after a disaster, but facing a prolonged, uncertain future. She thanked me for the chance to share some “simple, human ways of adapting and surviving.”

I’ve grouped her answers by category, with small tweaks for readability (Oksana’s English is remarkable!). I’ve also included my thoughts on applying what she shared with me to my own emergency prep.

GETTING THROUGH THE DAY: LIFE WITH UNSTABLE POWER

Q: Have you had to visit a shelter?

A: Yes, during air raid alerts. Shelters are available in every school and other municipal buildings. Usually, we stay for a few hours.

Q: Does your town have a schedule for when your power is on or off?

A: There is usually a schedule, but it can change due to damage to power infrastructure. We get updates through official announcements and group chats.

Q: Do you change your sleeping schedule when the power is out?

A: We adjust to the hours when electricity is available. Sometimes we shower, do laundry, and cook at night.

Q: What is it like being outside at night when the power is out?

A: Nights are unusually quiet and dark. People behave more cautiously, and children return home earlier. There is a curfew starting at 11:00 p.m.

Q: What’s a creative way you used the darkness to teach or amuse the kids in your class?

A: We usually rely on battery-powered lights. Fortunately, local authorities equipped shelters with generators. If the power were completely unavailable, I would turn lessons into conversations, reading aloud from a laptop screen, or imagination-based activities.

My thoughts: Long-term life without power requires more changes than most of us are prepared for. Think about how your day might go without reliable electricity, and add necessary items to your emergency kit.

STAYING SAFE: GEAR FOR POWER OUTAGES

Q: What items have been the most useful for dealing with power outages?

A: The most useful items have been a high-capacity power bank and a rechargeable headlamp. They give both mobility and a sense of control.

Q: Do you use candles or battery-powered devices more often?

A: We mostly use battery-powered devices and flashlights. Candles are only a last resort.

Q. Which item in the care packages were you most surprised by, and which items have been the most useful?

A: I was most surprised by thyroid protection tablets. I was 14 during the Chernobyl disaster and have thyroid issues. The most useful items were the medical kit and a heated blanket powered by a power bank.

Q: Do you have any special ways to keep warm?

A: Layered clothing, hot tea, and heating only one room helps. One simple but effective method is using plastic bottles filled with hot water.

My thoughts: I don’t think enough about warmth during power outages! Also worth noting: in a prolonged outage like Oksana’s, disposable batteries may outlast rechargeable ones — consider keeping both types on hand.

NEWS AND ALERTS: STAYING INFORMED

Q: How do you share information, and where do you get it?

A: Our main sources are mobile internet and messaging apps, including special Telegram channels. A lot of information is also shared directly between people in online community groups. Many areas now use GPON fiber lines, which helps us stay informed and teach remotely.

Q: Are there mobile alerts on your phone to tell you of dangerous conditions or power outages?

A: Yes, we receive alerts about dangers and air raids through phone notifications and special alert apps.

My thoughts: Get ahead of communication issues before they happen. Bookmark important emergency sites and install emergency apps on your phones and tablets. (Contact me for copies of earlier columns on good emergency websites and apps.)

Also think about how you’d reach friends and family if cell and internet service went down — creating a group chat on Signal or WhatsApp for this purpose is a simple place to start.

STAYING FED: PANTRY ITEMS WHEN POWER IS NOT A GIVEN

Q: How has what you eat been affected by power outages? Do you change what you buy at the store? What is good food to keep on hand?

A: We try to buy food that does not require long-term refrigeration and is easy to prepare. These are mainly semi-prepared foods, grains, and pasta. We also use homemade preserves made from vegetables and fruits that we grow ourselves, as well as dried fruits, dried mushrooms, and honey.

In addition, we keep a strategic stock of canned meat and fish, energy bars, and packaged meals that only need hot water. This supply is intended for possible disruptions in food deliveries or in case a quick evacuation becomes necessary.

My thoughts: Dried fruits and vegetables weren’t on my radar for my emergency kit (though I’m already a big fan of dried mango), but make sense: they’re nutritious, lightweight, and no cooking is required.

And one surprise item my friend sent Oksana: seed packets for her garden. If you’re a gardener, consider storing some long-lasting seeds for emergencies.

My heart goes out to Oksana and her family, and I hope the situation in Ukraine improves soon. Want to help? Consider donations to UNICEF or the International Rescue Committee.

As always, this column is part of Madison Park Emergency Hub’s outreach effort. The Hub is a neighbor-run organization dedicated to helping neighbors help each other after a disaster. To be added to our mailing list, please contact us at madparkhub@gmail.com.

work from artists across the Pacific Northwest. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of handmade goods, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and fine art.

FAMILY SATURDAY: ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN WITH P.A.P.E.R.

Seattle Japanese Garden

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 11

a.m.–1 p.m.

Volunteer origami instructors will lead instruction on

introductory origami techniques suitable for guests of all ages in the Tateuchi Community Room. Admission is free for all youth 12 and under for Family Saturday.

NIGHT OF IDEAS

Town Hall Seattle & Gage Academy of Art

April 18–19, 2026

Part of an international initiative, Night of Ideas brings together thinkers, artists, and community members for an evening of discussion and

creativity. Events often include panel conversations, live performances, and interactive exhibits centered on global and local issues.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL (17TH ANNUAL)

Seattle Center April 18–19, 2026

This family-focused event highlights global cultures through youth performances, crafts, and hands-on activities. Designed to promote

understanding and connection, it’s an engaging way for children to experience traditions from around the world.

SPRING PLANT SALE

Washington Park Arboretum Sunday, April 26, 2026

A favorite for gardeners and plant lovers, this seasonal sale offers a wide variety of plants suited to the Pacific Northwest. It’s a great opportunity to prepare your garden for spring while supporting local horticulture efforts.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

Magnuson Park Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Popular with younger attendees, this interactive event allows kids to climb aboard and explore a variety of vehicles, including fire trucks, construction equipment, and public service vehicles. It’s both educational and entertaining, offering a closer look at the tools that keep a city running.

Nothing People Do Or Say Surprises Me Anymore

Much like things done or said throughout the world lately, nothing my friends do or say really surprise me anymore.

For instance. A friend who lives in Kingston is moving to Costa Rica “to live near toucans,” she said. “Toucans are beautiful and known for their problemsolving abilities, so, you know, way smarter than the folks running this country. Go ahead, quote me, I don’t care.”

We nod at each other because we both know I will.

An eagle circles above as I make my way down the narrow road that leads to the Kingston ferry and quickly turns back up the hill, as if it wants the steady influx of tourists to merely glimpse the sea before retreating.

I’m often moved by the sight of an eagle. Its sweeping vision reminds me to see the bigger picture. Like how there are so many reasons to move on. And how for most of us a bird, any bird, even an exotic bird, is something. For others, it’s enough.

And it barely fazed me when a neighbor told me that I’m out of touch. Actually he said, “I can’t be-

lieve you don’t know the Seahawks won the Superbowl! It’s the NFL!”

I didn’t know.

I will never know about football. You couldn’t pay me to know about football. What I do know is that sometimes I love the idea of neighborly chitchat more than the chitchat.

Besides, he didn’t know what PNB stands for. So in my world we are even.

But wait. I did hear something lately that did surprise me. And it’s been circling around in my head waiting to be told.

I was enjoying a cup of coffee when the friendly guy across from me shared that he’d just returned from directing the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Here’s what he said, though I’m sure I’m leaving some important details out: “We hooked the kids up to these head monitors and asked them to think, just think, the lyrics, no actual singing, and then we replayed the song their brainwaves resonated.”

I don’t know why this kind of work should surprise me by now. But it does.

I stirred my coffee for a good long minute, asking my insides for the perfect response that did not come. So I said, “That’s amazing!”

It wasn’t how I felt.

It was more like a necessary lie when a necessary lie is all you’ve got. I could not for the life of me think of what else to say because what I really wanted to say is what I said next, “I lied. That’s horrible!” “I know, I know,” he said with a laugh (thank goodness), but he

used to live in a small apartment in Pioneer Square. And with his new work in AI, he’s been able to buy a home on Bainbridge Island. So there’s that.

There is always that.

I used to think the world would progress past profit at any cost, but I don’t think that anymore.

To be fair, we also talked about the good things AI is creating. Because it is. And about all that will come, and how fast it will come. We talked about how difficult it is for any of us to understand the full depths of AI, calling to mind a note I’d scribbled down, one of many that make up my toolkit: Upton Sinclair’s wise saying, “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.”

I sat there feeling the inevitable future―humans working to replace humans―with, I admit, a child’s level of comprehension. I grew more and more edgy as I imagined those kids who love to sing being preempted by artificial sound. Preempting our voices might be the thing that proves too much for me, so when I reached home, I grabbed my bike and rode out to my favorite park. I needed to be surrounded by trees. And well, not to overdo it, forgive me, but Northwest trees always make me remember how unbelievably lucky I am to choose where I live. Ahead of me, a welcome sight. Three women walked and talked and even from a distance, I enjoyed their company. I loved

how their chatter spread through the chilly air; how the tone, the inflection, the humor made me feel as though they were bound to discover things by speaking freely, things about themselves and things about each other that they didn’t know before, or didn’t want to know before, may not even want to know now, but that’s just it. I loved it when one woman said, “I can’t believe I just said that.” And another said, “I can.” I loved every minute of their conversation because I loved every minute of it. With each step I calmed. The relief I felt wasn’t gullible denial or

naïve hopefulness, it was recognition. In the most human sense. Recognition of sounds that will find their way past all our defenses and aim straight for our . . . I almost said heart. But that word is such a cliché.

Then again one person’s cliché is another person’s eye-opener. And we can always hear the intention behind it. Heart. So be it. Our voices took between 100,000 and 200,000 years to develop into language. And they will be around until I die. And that’s the first time a thought like this actually makes me happy.

Welcome Spring In Madison Park

s the weather begins to warm and the days begin to lengthen, Friends of Madison Park has a packed schedule of events for the neighborhood. Just a peek at all the fun for adults and children alike.

3RD ANNUAL EASTER EGG

HUNT: APRIL 4TH 10-12 IN THE PARK

Join us for this free event featuring egg hunting, delicious treats, face painting, crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny, games, and so much more!

Egg hunt begins at 10:15, there will be three age groups for the main egg hunts: 10:15 am for 0-2 yr. olds 10:25 am for 3-5 yr. olds 10:35 am for 6-8 yr. olds

PROSPECT PRESERVE

WORK PARTY: SATURDAY APRIL 18TH FROM 9-12

Tools and gloves provided. Join your neighbors for 2-3 hours to weed, mulch and get the street end ready for summer visitors. Located on 41st Ave E behind the Seattle Tennis Club.

FRIENDS OF THE PARK:

Monthly Weekday Weeding Parties in our Parks- First Tuesday of each month: 10-12

Meeting at Madison Park Bathhouse: April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2. First Spring

Work Party Sunday April 19: 9:30-12:30

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING: Tuesday, April 21 at 7 pm at the Bathhouse

We have a full Agenda: Updates on the Bathhouse Renovation and the One Seattle Plan, SPU rep to speak about our Summer Beach Closure and possible solutions, PCC reps will answer questions about the new Madison Valley PCC, learn more about our neighborhood institution the Junior League of Seattle, Farmer’s Market updated details and more…

IT’S A MADISON PARK YARD SALE! SATURDAY MAY 9TH FROM 10-4

SOOOO EASY TO REGISTER, A fun way to unload your old treasures and find new ones. Join with your neighbors, set up in driveways, parking lots, yards, courtyards….

WE DO ALL THE HARD WORK- You give us your address, and we create the maps, do the promo, provide you with tips on how to price, manage payments. Click on the poster QR Code to register and learn more.

MAY 16TH IS A BUSTLING DAY

Our Annual Spring Clean Day + the Opening Day of the Farmer’s Market. You can do

it all! Pitch in to sweep, clean, weed, plant for a couple of hours- before or after you celebrate the return of Madison Park’s the Farmer’s Market. Learn more about both at www.friendsofmadisonpark. com.

MADISON PARK GARDEN TOUR RETURNS SATURDAY, JUNE 13: 10-3

A wonderful array of gardens awaits visitors this year- from a hidden waterfront beauty to small jewel gardens, from mediterranean elegance to creative backyard spaces- from kid friendly to a garage renovation that will delight and inspire. Tickets on sale now (only $25/ticket) Click on the poster’s QR Code to purchase tickets and learn more. Volunteers for the Gardens get FREE tickets for a 2-hour shift. We NEED volunteers to cover all the gardens. www. friendsofmadisonpark.com/ volunteers.

INFORMATION ON ALL EVENTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR HOME PAGE WEBSITE: WWW.FRIENDSOF MADISONPARK.COM.

3 simple ways to support Friends of Madison Park Subscribe to our Newsletter; Become a Monthly Donor; Volunteer for one of our Events or Projects.

The Antebellum Pacific Northwest

By Steve Lorton

Deeply embedded in the American psyche is the notion that Magnolias belong to the Deep South. The mental picture comes with hooped skirts, Neo Classic plantation mansions at the end of allees of ancient trees dripping with Spanish moss.

If we’re talking about the American native, the broad-leafed evergreen Magnolia grandiflora, the South can take the trophy. If we’re talking about the wide world of the genus, the prize goes to our corner of America. As is the case with rhododendrons and camellias, we successfully grow a huge percentage of the Magnolia genus, more than 85 species in all. Our gentle climate, loose, rich acid soil, and a gardening culture which loves adopting plants from around the World, has established and perpetuated a now famous horticultural collector’s mentality and tradition.

Magnolias basically fall into two categories: Deciduous and Evergreen. Different species are native to the Himalayas, China and Japan, southeastern North America, down through Central America and into Venezuela. In all these cultures they are revered ornamentals. The foliage is beautiful. Evergreen leaves are leathery and in deeply saturated hues. Deciduous foliage is papery, oval (usually the size of a lemon or larger), delightfully responsive to the touch of the wind. A youthful lime green in Spring, they darken in Summer, turning yellow (for the most part) in Autumn before exposing their exquisite form in Winter nudity. Magnolias are four-season trees. But it’s the spring bloom that cements their fame. The large and abundant blooms carry between 6 and 23 petals, dependent on the species, in white, pink, purple and yellow, solid or variegated. The nursery trade has carefully selected, named and propagated innumerable named varieties, all of them worth consideration for urban gardens. If you are thinking of adding a Magnolia to your garden, there are six species, along with their cultivated varieties, with

which to start your search.

Magnolia grandiflora and M. virginiana, both from the Deep South are the standout evergreens. The sturdy leaves are often cut for flower arrangements and wreaths. The blossoms of both species are deliciously fragrant, a light lemony scent. M. grandiflora can reach 80 feet in height. Flowers, the size of grapefruit, have large, waxy petals. Highly adaptable and disease resistant, this Magnolia has captured the attention of the horticultural world. In the 1990s and early 21st Century, the Chinese government built new villages around the country. Many of the new streets were lined with Magnolia grandiflora.

Flowers of M. virginiana are much smaller, a bit like a standard tulip, on trees that reach 35 feet. Both are best suited to the North side of the garden due to the deep shade they cast.

Of the deciduous Magnolias, look at four to start your search. Magnolia X soulangeana, likely the most common of the genus in Pacific Northwest landscapes, is widely available in over a dozen varieties. Generally these trees grow to 35 feet. The bloom burst (in full swing now) is abundant and vividly colored. Don’t dismiss the Winter form. The twiggy, artfully upright branch-ends are often the subject of Japanese Sumi-e painting and scrolls. Magnolia stellata is the earliest to explode. It hit its peak in mid March with clouds of white, albeit it appears less commonly in shades of pink to deep rose.The tree tops out at 10 feet and is less graceful in form than most other Magnolias.

For a big tree (50 feet or more, with a 30 foot spread) that will put on a huge spring show, look for Magnolia dawsoniana and its varieties. It is an excellent choice for parking strips.

For eye-popping botanical spectacle nothing will top Magnolia macrophylla. Stretching to 30 feet, this tree has the largest leaves and flowers of any plant native to North America. Leaves can be up to 3 feet long and half as wide. the fragrant flowers are the size of volley balls. Unlike the

other deciduous Magnolias, this one blooms from late Spring into early Summer. The drawback is that it does not bloom until the plant is 15 years old (likely already 5 when you buy it in a nursery container). The leaves, as gobsmacking as they are, drop in fall and the clean-up, though not back breaking, is a major job.

Once you’ve considered these trees, your interest will expand. In the trendy circles of horticulture, a number of new yellow flowering Magnolias have been introduced. Most are varieties of M. denudate with names like “Elizabeth,’ ‘Gold Finch,’ and ‘Yellow Bird’.

All have the sweet citrusy scent that Magnolias are noted for.

One important thing to keep in mind is that the vigor and resilience of this genus comes with a price. Magnolias have a network of fibrous roots, a large percentage of which stays close to the surface of the ground, more than adept at pulling water from the soil. It’s

sometimes hard to garden under these magnificent trees. if you’re using shrubs as an underplanting, get them settled in deep as you’re putting the new tree in the ground. Or, if you’re planting under an established Magnolia, dig out a deep cylinder, taking a tight circle of surface roots. They will quickly recover. Put good planting soil or compost in the bottom of the hole, set in the accompanying shrub and fill-in with soil. Magnolias are lifelong garden investments. They flourish in the Pacific Northwest, so successfully that once you’ve established one or more in your garden, you’ll feel confident in conjuring the ghosts of William Faulkner, Margaret Mitchell, Harper Lee or, even Scarlet O’Hara. They’ll see just how far that glorious thing they call ‘Southern Charm’ can extend. It’s enough to make them gulp down a mint julep or two.

Memories of Madison Park and Hard Times

By Richard Carl Lehman

It is hard to believe some of us old-timers have seen the end of one depression and maybe the start of another. Here’s hoping that does not happen. I was very young, but I still remember my dad taking me along in his big 1928 four-door Buick as he delivered the Seattle Star to the many newsstands downtown. As we came up to the stands, Dad would whistle loud and the vendors would come running for their bundles. They called me the little swamper because I helped fold the papers.

One of the vendors I remember best was, as I recall, a man named Tervo. He stood head and shoulders above the rest. He had a booming voice that could drown out just about anything, even the fellow on the corner yelling scriptures while carrying a sign that said, “The World Is Coming to an End!” This vendor had a full head of white curly hair and eyebrows so thick I used to wonder if there were really eyes under there. He had a huge smile and an even bigger laugh.

“Life

was not easy, but there was still humor, still community,

and still some joy to be found.”

If you were anywhere near 3rd and Pike, you either heard Tervo or saw him. He would hold a newspaper out at arm’s length, high enough for everybody to see, and then he would yell the headlines, and I mean yell them. Then he would add his own commentary, full of sarcasm and humor, and people loved it. I imagine a lot of folks went off to work saying, “Guess what Tervo said today.” In spite of the depression and the coming war, Tervo brought people some joy. Some probably thought he was a radical, but that did not stop them from listening.

Tervo’s Corner was more than a place to buy a paper. It was a gathering place. You saw all kinds there—men dressed up, working men, men in overalls, fishermen whose clothes had seen better days, shoeshine boys carrying their little boxes, flower vendors, usually women with warm smiles, and beat cops standing around talking and keeping an eye on things. Some men were plainly down on their luck and asked for a handout. Hard times were all around, but people still gathered, talked, joked some, and listened to what was going on.

By the time Dad had made most of his deliveries, the back seat of that old Buick, which had been stacked nearly to the roof with newspapers, was almost empty. Then he would head toward Skid Row, what we now call Pioneer Square. Back then it was the north end of Hooverville, a place where people lived in whatever they could patch together to keep out the rain and cold. I remember seeing a group of men standing around a steel drum filled with wood chips. Clouds of steam rose from those who had slept out in the rain and were trying to warm up. Being homeless would be bad enough but being wet and cold besides had to be pure hell.

Hooverville was a long way from Hawaii. I used to lay in the sun with gusto, and doctors later took so many spots off me that for a while I figured I could not go out on a windy day. One time in Waikiki, while putting enough oil on myself to feel like a basted turkey, I saw a disheveled fellow in dirty clothes, looking like he and a razor had not been introduced in some time. He had his hand out toward two young ladies nearby, and I remember thinking if life ever went downhill and I wound up homeless, let it be in Waikiki with a tan. Even the down-and-out looked better there.

That was a far cry from Hooverville. There were long soup lines and none of the niceties people take for granted, not even toilet paper to wipe your butt. In time Roosevelt and the WPA, the Works Progress Administration, put millions to work. There was finally a little light at the end of the tunnel. Other programs followed too, things like welfare, food stamps, and unemployment insurance. People needed all the help they could get. I remember other things too that seemed ordinary then and now sound like they came out of another world. As a boy, I would leave Madison Park, take the Kirkland ferry for 35 cents, and then take a taxi to the farm for another 50 cents. Back then, that was just the way you got there. There were serious things happening in families too. When Dad enlisted, so did his brothers, and even some of his friends his age. That was just how people thought then. They stepped up.

But kids were still kids, even in hard times. In Madison Park, 10 or 15 boys and girls might spend a summer day in Canterbury Woods, playing war, roaming around, and making our own fun. We did not need much. One of the best things was taking a waxed cardboard box from the neighborhood grocery and sliding down a grassy hill at top speed. I can still remember coming down that hill with a big smile on my face. For a little while, that was enough to wipe away the worries of the day.

That is what stays with me now. Not just the hard times, but the people, the talk, the laughter, the corner newsstand, the ferry ride, the farm, Canterbury Woods, and the ways people managed to keep going. Life was not easy, but there was still humor, still community, and still some joy to be found.

When I think back on Madison Park and those years around it, I remember people doing the best they could. Maybe that is why those memories stay with me. They remind me that hard times do come, but so do resilience, laughter, and the habit of carrying on.

That is how I remember it.

In the leafy, prestigious streets of the 98112 zip code, where the historic gates of Broadmoor meet the manicured homes and estates of Washington Park and Madison Park, the real estate market is entering a sophisticated new chapter. While much of the city is feeling the heat of a "Spring Awakening," our community is moving with the deliberate, calculated pace that defines the staying power of one of Seattle’s most affluent neighborhoods.

According to the latest Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) data for March 2026, we are witnessing a long-awaited rebalancing of power between those who own and those who wish to purchase.

THE 98112 LEDGER: HIGH STAKES AND HEALTHY INVENTORY

While the broader King County market saw an inventory surge of over 30%, 98112 is seeing its own targeted growth. For buyers who have been waiting for the right home in one of Seattle’s most sought-after urban zip codes, the wait is effectively over as inventory begins to rebalance.

• Inventory: As of March 26, 2026, there are currently 39 active single family home listings in zip code 98112.

• The Median Price: The median sales price in 98112, year to date, currently sits at approximately $1,709,500. The average sold price in 98112 year to date is $2,170,000.

• The Upper Tier: The ultra-luxury segment continues to defy broader trends. A recent $9.4 million closing in Broadmoor reminds us that the 98112 pedigree remains a blue-chip investment.

Luxury, 7

PacSci Shrinks Footprint in Deal With Space Needle Owner

Pacific Science Center (PacSci) has reached an agreement to sell the northeast corner of its campus to Space Needle. The parcel includes Building 1, the Carnevali Pavilion, the Boeing IMAX Theater, and a portion of the Ackerley Family Exhibit Gallery.

PacSci leadership describes the transaction as a strategic move designed to support long-term sustainability, fund facility improvements, and reposition the institution for future generations.

“This transaction will generate funds to support PacSci’s ongoing operations and facility improvements, while ensuring continued community access and evolving our campus to meet the needs of future generations,” the organization said in a public statement.

The sale also establishes a new partnership between PacSci and the Space Needle, one that both parties say will bring new energy and experiences to Seattle Center.

Plans include cross-promotion of programming, joint ticketing opportunities, and shared benefits for members of both organizations.

For PacSci, the decision reflects mounting financial and operational pressures tied to maintaining a campus originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Like many institutions of its era, the facility now requires substantial investment to modernize core systems such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC infrastructure, while also updating exhibits to meet contemporary

visitor expectations.

“We had more property than we could operate sustainably,” the organization stated. “By selling a small portion of our real estate, we reduce the amount of property that we must sustain and upgrade while unlocking capital that we can use to make improvements in the property that we continue to own.”

PacSci's Board of Directors worked with advisors to explore a wide range of options, including leasing, selling, and restructuring portions of the campus to balance mission impact with long-term financial stability.

President and CEO Will Daugherty described the agreement as a step toward economic sustainability while maintaining the organization’s public mission.

“I am excited about the opportunities that this transaction and our new partnership with the Space Needle create for PacSci and the people we serve,” Daugherty said. “This helps ensure that we can maintain and grow our impact.”

For the Space Needle, the acquisition continues a pattern of investment in Seattle Center aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and activating underutilized space. In the short term, the group plans to continue operating the Boeing IMAX Theater, which is expected to reopen in May following renovations.

“We’re excited to partner with Pacific Science Center as they continue to build out their vision for sustainable, awe-inspiring experiences,” said Ron Sevart, CEO of the Space Needle. “While

continued operation of the Boeing IMAX Theater is our short-term focus, we look forward to exploring additional opportunities that support the future of Pacific Science Center and Seattle Center.”

Redevelopment plans for the rest of the acquired property have not yet been announced, the transaction aligns with broader trends in Seattle’s real estate landscape, where institutions are reevaluating how to leverage land assets in response to rising costs.

Seattle Center leadership framed the agreement as an example of mission-aligned collaboration between public and private partners.

“This transaction exemplifies the kind of thoughtful partnership that strengthens Seattle Center as a civic campus,” said Acting Director Diamatris Winston.

“When anchor institutions work together to activate underused spaces, expand public access, and steward our landmarked history, the entire ecosystem benefits.”

At the same time, Winston noted that partnerships alone cannot address the full scope of Seattle Center’s long-term needs, pointing to the continued importance of public investment in maintaining and revitalizing the campus.

For PacSci, the proceeds from the sale are expected to support a series of planned improvements, including the development of a new Maker & Innovation Lab, expanded STEM education programming, and greater public access to the campus courtyards. The organization has already begun implementing changes, including

reopening with new exhibits and extending courtyard access hours, with plans to remove gates and fencing entirely by summer 2026. The sale also preserves the historic character of the site. Both PacSci and the Space Needle have committed to maintaining landmarked elements of the campus, including the iconic arches and courtyard designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki. Any changes to those features will remain subject to oversight by the City of Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board. The transaction reflects a broader pattern playing out across Seattle and other major cities. As land values rise and operating costs increase, nonprofits and cultural institutions are increasingly forced to make strategic decisions about how much space they can

realistically maintain. The deal offers insight into the evolving balance between public mission and private investment in Seattle’s built environment. It also underscores a growing reality: even longstanding civic institutions must adapt to remain viable. For now, PacSci will continue operating on its remaining campus, with leadership focused on reinvesting in programs and infrastructure. The Space Needle’s next steps for the newly acquired property remain to be seen, but the partnership marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of Seattle Center.

As the city continues to grow, transactions like this one highlight the complex interplay between history, economics, and the future of public space.

“Laura took the time to truly understand my wants and needs, and she worked tirelessly to find the ideal property. She was incredibly effective, leaving no stone unturned in her search. Her keen eye for detail and deep

Lisa Turnure lisa.turnure@cbrealty.com

206.919.6605

Contact me for a complimentary consultation.

Medina

$30,000,000

Where Financial Intelligence Meets High-Stakes Real Estate: The

Producer’s

Edge

In a market as sophisticated as Seattle’s, your home is more than a residence, it is a significant financial asset. You shouldn’t just hire an agent; you should hire a proven producer with the financial acumen to protect your equity and the competitive drive to win.

Lisa Turnure’s journey into real estate, over two decades ago, was fueled by a desire for results. As the former CFO of a nationally recognized brand strategy and design firm, she reached a point where she no longer wanted to manage - she wanted to produce.

Lisa became Rookie of the Year her first year and was quickly among the top 10 Coldwell Banker brokers in Washington. She is consistently ranked in the top 1% of all Coldwell Banker brokers worldwide.

Why Strategy Matters

Lisa brings a “perfect blend” of marketing, finance, and contract negotiation to every transaction.

Top Producer: Named the #1 Coldwell Banker Broker in the City of Seattle multiple times, including 2019 and 2022

The CPA Advantage: As a Certified Public Accountant with a degree from the University of Washington Business School, Lisa employs strong negotiating and contract management skills and develops pricing strategies designed

Windermere

$14,850,000

EXPERIENCED. INNOVATIVE. TRUSTED.

New Washington Law Targets "Pocket Listings" in Real Estate Market

Anew Washington law will change how some residential properties are marketed across the state, particularly in competitive housing markets like Seattle. Senate Bill 6091, which targets so-called “pocket listings,” was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on March 16 and takes effect June 11.

The measure aims to limit the use of so-called “pocket listings,” a practice where residential properties are marketed privately to select buyers rather than publicly advertised to the broader market.

Supporters say the change is intended to increase transparency and fairness for homebuyers by ensuring that most listings are available to the public rather than shared only within limited professional networks.

WHAT THE LAW WILL DO

At its core, Senate Bill 6091 prohibits real estate brokers from marketing residential properties exclusively to a small or restricted group of buyers or brokers unless the property is also made available to the general public and all other brokers.

That means if a broker promotes a property to potential buyers or other agents, the listing would also need to be publicly accessible, such as through widely available real estate platforms or the regional multiple listing service.

The law does allow for limited exceptions. In certain situationssuch as when limiting marketing

is reasonably necessary to protect the health or safety of the owner or occupant-a listing could be restricted, though these cases would be narrowly defined.

WHY LAWMAKERS PURSUED IT

The legislation was introduced amid growing concern about the rise of private listings in competitive real estate markets.

Pocket listings occur when a home is marketed quietly, often through an agent’s personal network or brokerage contacts, rather than through publicly accessible listing services. Buyers outside those networks may never see the property advertised.

State Sen. Marko Liias, one of the bill’s sponsors, said the practice can create unequal access to housing opportunities.

“Private real estate listings make our housing market less fair,” Liias said in a statement supporting the legislation.

Supporters argue that requiring listings to be publicly marketed will give more buyers a chance to compete for homes and could help improve transparency in the state’s housing market.

IMPACT ON BUYERS AND SELLERS

The law could reshape how some real estate transactions occur in Washington.

For buyers, the change likely means greater access to available homes, that might otherwise have been marketed privately, especially in high demand areas where the practice has become more common.

For sellers and brokers, the new law may limit strategies used to quietly market high-end or in-demand properties to select clients before they appear on public listings.

Some real estate professionals argue that pocket listings can benefit certain sellers, particularly those seeking privacy or testing market interest before a public listing.

However, supporters say the practice can reinforce unequal access to housing opportunities by favoring buyers with personal connections to agents or large brokerages.

PART OF BROADER HOUSING TRANSPARENCY EFFORTS

The measure reflects a broader push by policymakers and industry groups to ensure housing listings remain widely accessible.

In Washington’s competitive housing markets-where bidding wars and limited inventory have been common-lawmakers say greater transparency could help level the playing field.

WHERE THE BILL STANDS

SB 6091 has now completed the legislative process. It passed the Legislature, was delivered to the governor on March 10, was signed March 16, and takes effect June 11, 2026.

For homebuyers searching in tight markets such as Seattle, the law could mean more homes appearing on public listings rather than remaining behind the scenes in private networks.

• Days on Market: The "frenzy" has matured into "forethought." Median days on market have increased, offering a reprieve from the 48-hour decision windows of the past and multiple offer frenzies of the past. And while some homes are still selling in competitive scenarios, others are offering buyers a chance to contemplate and negotiate.

• The Negotiation Gap: For the first time in nearly a decade, the sale-to-list price ratio has dipped to 98.2%. I am seeing buyers reclaim leverage, often securing homes slightly below the initial asking price.

A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE FIELD: BREAKING THE ‘LIFESTYLE LOCK’

I’ve observed a fundamental shift in the "why" behind the move. For the last several years, many 98112 homeowners were in a "Lifestyle Lock”, staying in homes that no longer fit their needs simply because they didn't want to part with a 3% interest rate. As we enter the Spring of 2026, that mindset is dissolving. With mortgage rates stabilizing close to 6%, the value of a "rightsized" life is finally outweighing the value of a low-interest loan. I am seeing a long-awaited "Hand-Off" occur: the established generation is finally ready to transition from larger homes to luxury lock-and-leave residences, while a new wave of buyers is stepping in to take advantage of the increased inventory. In this market, the "3% rate" is no longer a golden handcuff; it is a chapter that my clients are finally ready to close in favor of a home that actually fits their current reality.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEW TAX LAWS IN WASHINGTON AND THEIR EFFECT ON OUR MARKET?

In Seattle's luxury market, some real estate agents have begun warning seller clients that high-end homes are becoming difficult to move, claiming a mass exodus is underway due to Washington’s evolving tax landscape. However, I do not agree with this "doom and gloom" outlook, especially when one examines the actual legislative specifics. While the state recently passed a 9.9% "Millionaire’s Tax" on

income over $1 million, that measure is not scheduled for implementation until 2028 and its ultimate future is unknown. Additionally, the state’s estate tax, which had briefly seen its top marginal rate spike to 35%, is set to revert to its traditional 20% cap this coming July 1, 2026. I believe there is still a robust population of affluent buyers who are deeply committed to the region. These are individuals who currently own and operate thriving businesses within Seattle, have their children enrolled in local schools, and remain fully immersed in the civic life of their communities. Rather than fleeing, these buyers are still actively purchasing highend homes and betting on the city's long-term resilience, proving that for those with active roots in the Sound, the future remains bright.

STRATEGIC MARKET TAKEAWAYS

As we move into the Spring market, many buyers and sellers ask me about what their strategy should be as they prepare to buy and sell.

• For Sellers: Prestige still carries immense weight, but it no longer masks deferred maintenance. In this price bracket, buyers are seeking "Turnkey Elegance." If a home isn't move-in ready, expect it to linger as buyers weigh the costs of high-end renovations.

• For Buyers: This is your window of "Patience and Precision." With more active listings in the area, you can afford to be choosy in some cases. Properties that have surpassed the 30-day mark represent the most significant opportunities for negotiation.

Do you have questions about the value of your property in this market or how to prepare it for an effective sale? Or are you a potential buyer curious about how to navigate today’s market? As a longtime Madison Park resident and real estate broker with over two decades of experience, I believe deeply in the power of preparation, strategy, and long-term relationships. If you’re considering making a move now or down the road, I’d be happy to connect confidentially and share the realtime data and insights that can help guide your decision-making. Luxury, From 1

Sub Pop Closing Amazon Campus Store, Moving to Seattle Waterfront

Staff Report

Sub Pop Records is closing its retail store on Amazon’s downtown campus and preparing to open a new location along the Seattle waterfront.

The company announced that its shop at 2130 Seventh Avenue will close after five years in the space. The store sits at the base of Amazon’s re:Invent office tower in the Denny Triangle neighborhood.

Sub Pop plans to open a new retail location April 1 in the Maritime Building at 908 Alaskan Way on the city’s redeveloped waterfront.

Amazon confirmed the move and expressed support for the label’s next chapter.

“Sub Pop is an established and well regarded institution in Seattle,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. “We’ll miss having them on Amazon’s campus and wish them the very best in their new space.”

The relocation marks the latest shift in Sub Pop’s retail footprint. The company closed its store at Seattle Tacoma International Airport at the end of 2025 after operating there for more than a decade.

A DISTINCTIVE PRESENCE IN AMAZON’S NEIGHBORHOOD

Sub Pop opened the Seventh Avenue store in January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many retailers were scaling back or closing physical locations.

The shop stood out among the glass towers of the Denny Triangle

tech corridor. Its exterior, covered with stickers and posters, contrasted sharply with the modern office buildings surrounding Amazon’s headquarters.

Inside, the store offered a mix of vinyl records, clothing and merchandise featuring the label’s distinctive logo. It also carried releases from artists associated with Sub Pop as well as other independent music acts.

Located across the street from the Amazon Spheres and near the company’s first Amazon Go store, the shop became a small cultural outpost in an area dominated by technology offices.

A LABEL TIED TO SEATTLE’S MUSIC HISTORY

Sub Pop is widely credited with helping bring global attention to Seattle’s music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The label played a major role in the rise of the grunge movement, releasing music from bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney.

The company was founded in 1988 by Jonathan Poneman and Bruce Pavitt, years before Amazon founder Jeff Bezos launched his online bookseller from a garage in nearby Bellevue.

Both companies have since become internationally recognized brands closely associated with Seattle’s identity.

A NEW CHAPTER ON THE WATERFRONT

The new store will be located in the Maritime Building along Alaskan Way, part of the city’s ongoing waterfront redevelopment following the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The move places Sub Pop closer to Seattle’s tourism corridor, where the Pike Place Market, ferry terminal and waterfront attractions draw millions of visitors each year.

While the Seventh Avenue store served office workers and residents in the tech focused downtown neighborhood, the waterfront location may introduce the label to a broader audience of visitors exploring the city.

Sub Pop has not announced details about the layout or design of the new shop, but the company indicated that the move will allow it to continue selling records, apparel and other merchandise connected to the label’s artists and Seattle music culture.