Thriftway --> Metropolitan --> QFC???

There's a big brouhaha taking shape atop Queen Anne these days and it's not going to be pretty. First, QA's beloved Thriftway on Queen Anne Avenue changed hands and switched to Metropolitan Market. Now it looks like Metropolitan will give way to QFC. Where's the love, man?

According to the Seattle P-I , the owners of the property (check out this cool Pictometry link) already have signed an agreement with QFC. Designs call for a new two-story development to include a 38,000-square-foot grocery and 15,000 square feet of specialty retailing space. (it's about 15,000-square feet right now). Other details include: a glass storefront on street level, 90 parking spaces below grade and 40 on the second floor, an indoor-outdoor fireplace on the first floor and a "grand escalator."

The best quote about the neighborhood's attachment to the Met comes from Ellen Monrad, chairwoman of the Queen Anne Community Council:

"QFC will be surprised at how deeply held the sentiments of this community are towards Metropolitan Market. People have met their wives in its produce section."

Ouch. QFC never be able to compete with that kind of history. Never. This is the end of Queen Anne as we know it. Sell your properties now, people!