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Part 4: The current impact of Kirkland’s Totem Lake Malls BY MATT PHELPS AND CARRIE WOOD Kirkland Reporter
W
alking into the main building of the Totem Lake Malls is surreal, especially during the holiday season. The normal hustle and bustle, white noise of conversation and sale signs were replaced with a musty smell, shadows of old storefront signs and the echo of one set of footsteps. The silence is deafening with only 10 of the 23 available spaces occupied in the lower mall. That feel has persisted for years. In this fourth of a five-part series on Totem Lake Malls, the Reporter will look at the current state of the malls, the economic impact of the
Newest biz The ShopSmart Bazaar is the newest business in Totem Lake Malls. Find the full story on page 21. malls and how the larger neighborhood has survived during the decline of one of the most important pieces of real estate in Kirkland.
Economic impact The impact of Totem Lake Malls goes beyond shopping convenience. Tax revenue from businesses help the city provide essential services to residents. Tax records give a glimpse into the success or failure of some business [ more MALLS page 2 ]
Above, John Fleshman, left, began working at Denny’s Pet World when it opened in 1974 and bought the business from his brother in 1985. Fleshman is joined by Kelley Parsons, middle, who has worked for the business for over two decades, and Thomas Nelson, who has been the manager for the past 10 years. Below, these three bunnies are just a few of the tenants of Denny’s Pet World. CHAD COLEMAN, Kirkland Reporter
A World unto itself
Goodman to run against Reichert in 8th District
mphelps@kirklandreporter.com
Reichert, who beat former Microsoft executive Suzan DelBene in November, is State Rep. Roger Goodcurrently serving his fourth man, D-Kirkland, is the term. He has not announced first candidate to yet if he will run file with the Federal again for the conElection Commisgressional seat in sion to challenge 2012. Republican U.S. Rep. “All of my closest Dave Reichert for his supporters and famcongressional seat. ily have told me that Just two months I have to take a look after winning his at 2012 now because legislative seat for the Roger Goodman I’m ready to step up third time in Kirkto the next level,” land’s 45th District, Goodman told the Reporter. Goodman will run for the “After two months of delib8th Congressional District in eration, they’re right. I have 2012, according to an FEC to set sail on this venture – I filing on Monday. [ more GOODMAN page 5 ]
Most people consider their dog or cat a part of the family. For employees and customers of Denny’s Pet World the business has become like family during its 37 years at Totem Lake Malls. “Many of the customers feel like friends to us,” said Kelley Parsons, who has worked at the store for more than two decades. “It is a fun job.” But the longevity of owner John Fleshman and his employees sets Denny’s apart from many other businesses in Kirkland. “I think the No. 1 thing that sets us apart is our ser-
BY CARRIE WOOD
cwood@kirklandreporter.com
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Denny’s Pet World has been a staple at Totem Lake Malls since the beginning. Loyal employees and a family atmosphere has helped the business thrive during its 37-year history.
BY MATT PHELPS
vice, I hope,” said Fleshman, dogs any more. People come who has 20 employees, 12 of in here year after year. We which have been with have some loyal customDenny’s for longer ers.” than a decade. “We The customers DENNY’S PET come have customers that back for the come in and tell us knowledgeable they bought their help they receive. dog here in the 1980s The employees stay, and we don’t even sell in part, because most are
Find us at KirklandWindermere.com 737 Market Street Kirkland, WA 98033 | 425-823-4600
WORLD
full-time and have health and dental coverage. “They take really good care of me so I try to do the same for them,” said Fleshman. But the feeling of family comes from the top. Fleshman has worked at the store since he was 13 years old as his brother’s employee. Dennis Fleshman, the original owner, was the first business person to sign a lease in the upper mall. When Dennis started the business it was located in a space that was just 1,400 square feet. Now the store occupies 17,000 square feet. “Our office is about the size of the original store,” [ more WORLD page 19 ]
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