Retirement center gets its own liquor store

The first Merrill Gardens retirement community to share space with college students also became the first to get a state liquor store Friday, and residents' opinions are not split the way you might expect.

As case after case of whiskey, vodka and tequila were hauled into the storefront near University Village this week, students who live in the non-senior part of the complex — called The Corydon, though Merrill owns it — barely turned their heads.

When asked, several said they couldn't care less. Do they drink? "Yes, but not enough to need a store," one tenant called over his shoulder as he ran for the bus.

The story in the senior dining room was different.

"I'm all for liquor stores," said Ann Cahill, a resident since Merrill Gardens at the University opened last April. "They're usually very dignified places, and it's a great convenience to have in the neighborhood."

One resident who initially expressed apathy followed up with a question: "Are they going to have free samples?"

Alas, no.

But the 5,585-square-foot store will be fancier than its previous location near QFC in University Village, with tile instead of linoleum, walnut trim and improved lighting.

The Washington Liquor Control Board decided to move because QFC, its previous landlord, has plans to remodel and expand at University Village.

That store was one of the board's best performers — No. 6 statewide last year, with $9.5 million in sales, according to board spokeswoman Anne Radford. (The highest sales were at 2300 Seventh Ave. in Seattle, which brought in $20.4 million, largely because so many restaurants are assigned to the store.)

The new store at Merrill Gardens is the first on retirement-community property in recent board memory, Radford said.

"We try to stay where there's a grocery store or in a strip mall, so the fact that there's an apartment complex above it is definitely unique," she said.

The 103 apartments above the store make up the non-senior part of a full-block complex along 25th Avenue Northeast just north of University Village. They start at around $1,000 a month and are open to anyone, but attract a large number of students, including graduate and medical students.

Across a courtyard is the retirement part of the complex, with 123 apartments that start at $1,995 a month including meals, activities and other amenities.

It's the first of Merrill Gardens' 56 facilities to include non-seniors, and to have a liquor store, said Billy Pettit, Merrill vice president. Other tenants at the complex include BECU, Shun Japanese Cuisine and — coming soon — Mamma Melina Italian restaurant and Forza Coffee.

The owner of the Urbanity clothing boutique next door to the liquor store is thrilled to have the state as his neighbor.

"College students go to liquor stores, and that's who I'm trying to reach," said Lee Smith, who graduated last year from the University of Idaho.

He also welcomes senior clientele. Several retirees have patronized Urbanity during its two months in business, he said, including an 80-year-old customer who bought an orange hoodie.

— Melissa Allison

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Retail Report appears Fridays. Amy Martinez covers goods, services and online retail. She can be reached at 206-464-2923 or amartinez@seattletimes.com. Melissa Allison covers the food and beverage industry. She can be reached at 206-464-3312 or mallison@seattletimes.com.