Last Wednesday, occult bookstore Edge of the Circle Books was told to find another hill by August 1. While I waited for the property managers who were responsible for that decision to respond to my queries, The Stranger's editorial staff casted a sun spell in hopes that the owner, Robert Anderson, would find a new building soon, one decked out with fur walls, a 24-hr Tarot reader, and managed by a good landlord who'd treat them with dignity.
Late in the afternoon yesterday I received a reply from Dave Enslow, a partner at Timberlane Holdings and the man Anderson said he talked to when he was asked to leave after paying rent for 20 years. I got in touch with Enslow via e-mail. Here's his response:
Could you tell me as much as you can about the exact terms of the lease agreement you had with Robert Anderson and Fun Time Inc.? Was he going to be kicked out on August 1 no matter what he did?
DE: The terms of the lease are month-to-month. If Mr. Anderson has questions about his lease or terms, we are happy to discuss this with him directly.
Anderson had been paying rent, on time, for 20 years. He’s been successfully running a business that’s important to a number of people living in Capitol Hill, one that some say helps to define the area. From my understanding, you’re asking him to pack up and move along. How do you feel about that?
DE: This space is the location we’ve had the most interest in, and we made the tough decision to explore other possible tenants.
What are your plans for the space once Edge of the Circle is gone?
DE: We don’t have anything to announce at this time.
Will the adjoining businesses, Babeland and Stitches, be affected?
DE: No, there is nothing planned for either space.
Is your “decision to explore other possible tenants,” related to the fact that Edge of the Circle Books is an occult bookstore?
DE: This is the marquee space in the building and we want a tenant that will drive more foot traffic.
Is it accurate to say that your company is located in Sumner, Washington? Do you have any personal feeling about or connection to the cultural history of Capitol Hill?
DE: We are actually located in Capitol Hill and have a strong connection to the neighborhood. Our goal is to help improve walkability and services in the neighborhood.
I live in Cap Hill with my family and have been here for 15 years.
What kind of tenant are you hoping to attract, if not a 20-year-long tenant who always pays his rent on time?
See the answer to your first question.
