White Center businesses reopening after destructive fire – KIRO 7 News Seattle

The White Center business district, which was burned nearly two months ago, turned into a fundraising block party on Sunday.

The fire was started in a gay bar but quickly spread to nearby shops.

There have been no arrests, but there is some progress for businesses. Some of them open again.

According to the participants, the block party is a sign of how close and caring this community is.

It was a nice reception in this White Center business district that had its share of adversity.

“This is her second home,” said Beacon Hill’s Alvin Jansuy. “You come to your neighborhood, your community for support, your sense of ownership, I think.”

This sense was reinforced by the arson that ripped through shops here in early July.

“You’re like a big part of this community,” said Erica Bush of the White Center. “And we were horrified that it happened. It’s really great to see how people reacted to coming out and supporting them. “

“The building definitely burned down,” said Sharon Lei. “But it doesn’t have the passion and love to serve the community.”

Lei helped organize the party. She was about to open her bubble tea business when the fire broke out.

“Our goal here is to somehow liven up the White Center,” she said. “You know, bring that positivity with you. See this music. Everyone is having fun. Bring some love, some joy, a smile. “

That was sorely lacking on that terrible night almost two months ago.

But now the Lumberyard – the Strip’s only gay bar and the arsonist’s target – is about to reopen; many of the adjoining shops will too.

“Fortunately, many of them are slowly finding their place,” said Michale Farrar, co-owner of Lumberyard. “I mean, the tattoo parlor has found a place. One of the hair salons did it. The Mexican market has found a new place. So you can burn us. But we’ll be right back. “

And his 8 year old son agrees.

“I’m just happy that the whole community has come together again after all the destruction,” says Markus Adams-Farrar, “and like everything that has happened in the world.”

Many of the companies had GoFundMe accounts. But not all got what they needed to start again.

The organizers said all proceeds from the block party will go to companies that need it.

They added that it is a way to restore what the fire couldn’t destroy.

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