Montlake neighbors fight to protect historic market; WSDOT considers other options

A Seattle neighborhood met with transportation officials Wednesday night to discuss the future of a historic market that is at risk of being demolished.

Montlake neighbors have been fighting to protect the Montlake Market from getting swallowed up by the State Route 520 project.

WSDOT had plans to create an improved Montlake Boulevard interchange. In order to do that, crews would need to demolish the market, which has been in the community since the 1930s.

The Montlake Market is one of the only stores in the area and neighbors said they need it.

"If we lose the market, we'll have a food desert in this area," said Jeff Albertson, a Montlake resident. "That's why you see such a strong community turnout here tonight to advocate for it."

At Wednesday's meeting, WSDOT officials presented alternative construction plans that would keep the Montlake Market open.

Dave Becher, the director of construction for the project, said saving the market now comes with big challenges.

"Lengthen the contract a little bit, maybe 45 days or so," said Becher.

He also said it's going to cost roughly $15 million to keep the market open.

Neighbors told KIRO 7 they don't know why it wasn't an option from the beginning.

"I never quite understood why it was, that it couldn't be preserved," said Josh Haberman.

Neighbors said losing it would be like losing a part of the community.

There are many other facets to this project, like traffic and construction.

Crews are still dealing with ground contamination from a nearby gas station that is slowly getting under control.

WSDOT says the discussion is far from over.

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