- dmcopernicus on Flickr
At a staff meeting this afternoon, the managers of the Lusty Lady announced they were going out of business and would permanently close their doors in just two months.
Gypsy, a dancer at the Lusty Lady, said the meeting was “heartbreaking” and “very, very emotional” as general manager Darrell Davis, longtime location manager Deborah Seaver, and staff members told stories about working at the iconic, woman-managed peepshow.
Despite the landlord cutting their rent several times in recent years, the Lusty can’t afford to pay its bills. “It’s really the world economic climate,” Davis said in an interview after the meeting. “Amazingly, pornography is not recession-resistant. The other recessions we’ve had in the past have not had much impact before. But we’re right across the street from the Washington Mutual Tower, all the small sandwich shops nearby are closing—there’s just no traffic.”
The internet has also steadily eroded business. “We had our all-time high in 1998,” Davis said. “The fact that you can get massive amounts of fairly high-quality pornography for free has had a definite effect.”
- _saturnine on Flickr
The peepshow was originally called the Amusement Center—company lore says it took its name from the already-existing sign for a business that used to have pinball machines. “Then we changed to adult amusement, 16mm films called ‘Panorams,'” Davis said. In 1981, the Amusement Center installed its first New York-style peepshow (live dancers on a mirrored stage with two private booths for viewing) and in 1985 changed it name to the Lusty Lady, after a San Francisco business Davis and the other owners had opened.
The SF location was sold to an employee cooperative in the early 2000s and Davis and the other managers focused their efforts on the Seattle location.
The Lusty is known as a friendly, family business. “Candy [sister of manager Deborah Seaver] still sometimes gets up to dance on holidays,” Gypsy said. “Their daughters work there, too.”
“We’re amazingly different,” Davis said. “There used to be this idea that ‘those kinds of women’ weren’t dependable or reliable, all these assumptions about people who take off their clothes and dance for a living. And we’re women-managed. I’ve been shocked to hear women say they’ve felt safer working at the Lusty Lady than in a law office and I’m like ‘what?!’ Like the RCA dog with my head cocked: I just couldn’t believe the stories of sexual harassment.”
“I had a very, very hard time not crying at the meeting,” Davis continued. “One of the women got up and told Deborah that she had taught her all the things her own mother hadn’t—you could take that sentiment and reproduce it a thousand times for lots of the women who worked with Deborah over the years.”
From Wikipedia.
Mimi Gates, stepmother of Bill Gates and director of the Seattle Art Museum, said “The Lusty Lady’s marquee is a Seattle landmark.”
In 2006, the Seattle Lusty Lady survived a threatened wrecking ball when the building’s owner, a Seattle family, refused a multi-million-dollar tear-down offer from developers of a new Four Seasons Hotel next door. The owners instead received $850,000 “for air rights to the views over their property”. Employees celebrated by posting on their reader board: “We’re Open, Not Clothed!”
Mimi’s right: the Lusty’s marquee is a Seattle treasure. More photos of it here.
More in NEWS
Local (and not-so-local) news from your favorite writers.
So wait, the Central Cinema is putting together a fundraiser to get itself out of the hole but nothing, nothing is happening for the Lusty Lady to … I’m too upset for puns! This is no time for puns!
When I say this, I mean it with completely sincerity… my heart is broken.
Depressing!
God, what is the world coming to? (Damn that could have been another marquee!) @ 38 – that was my fave too!
Where, I ask. Where will the spooge moppers go?
My favorite one was in honor of the Hammering Man statue across the street at SAM: “Hammer on, Big Guy.”
i know for a fact that mimi gates wrote one of the marquees
Both this sign and the South End Steam Baths sign (currently languishing in Underground Seattle) need to be at MOHAI.
It’s funny to me that so many people on this board are all like “I’ve never been, but it’s so sad.”
Uh, it’s sad in a sense – I get the whole “woman-owned and managed” aspect of it (versus the sleazy world of compulsion depicted in the Colarucio indictment) – but it’s really kind of a sad place. It smells like burnt rubber – the byproduct of hundreds of evidently desperately sex-starved dudes spilling loads on the floor. And whether woman-owned or not, it still perpetuates the notion that women’s primary value is as objects of male attention.
It seems to me it’s just another manifestation of a culture with an unhealthy attitude towards sex. I’m not going to over-romanticize it now that it’s closing.
Could they move to somewhere with more foot traffic–maybe to Capitol Hill or somewhere–the way Elliot Bay Bookstore and Pioneer Square Video have? I don’t understand how the economy can support new adult businesses like Sin Rock and Little Darlings, but not an old established one.
@62: “…it still perpetuates the notion that women’s primary value is as objects of male attention.”
Not exactly. You have to agree that women are, in fact, objects of male attention, yes? (This is lovely and accounts for the perpetuation of the species.) Why, then, should not women get paid for that if they choose?
The problem is that women (in general) have fewer options for economic self-sufficiency in our system (and most systems) than do men. When any person, female or male, is compelled to violate their personal integrity to survive, then you have a problem of economic injustice.
The Lusty Lady was an example of female economic self-empowerment, as far as I can tell.
You know, #62, unhealthy attitudes towards sex are in the eye of the beholder. I could, and possibly might, argue that the LL actually represents a much healthier attitude towards sex than the one implied by your comment.
Whats sad is that the people of seattle no longer support local businesses who resist the push of corporate homogenization. I, like many others, have watched seattle “evolve” (if that’s what you want to call it) from a city that was cool funky and a little raunchy into a city of glass and chrome filled with northface and pottery barns.
And as for an “unhealthy attitude towards sex” definitelynotsad, you assume that a healthy attitude towards sex is the one you possess. how narrow minded can you be? and as for perpetuating that the notion that women’s primary value is as an object of male attention… IDIOTIC. the lusty lady is work for many women… how they earn their income. do you let your job define your worth as a person? people choose to work there. it is clear to me that you do not value choice nor do you have any idea what you are talking about.
learn about fourth wave feminism.
Oh and to Kelly O…..
please do a story about the lusty and please make sure to get the insight of all the amazing people who work there. so many stories need to be told about the lusty to bust stupid assumptions and make people wake up to and fight for the seattle they are losing.
The last thing that made downtown Seattle NOT like Bellevue finally fell….
Why all the angst? You can still have titties shaken at you at Showgirls on 15th.
Such a bummer, however I’m really happy the SF cooperative, Lusty Lady, is still in business! Farewell LL! XOX
This makes me so sad. I worked there for 5 years from while I was in school and met some of the most amazing women you could possibly imagine there. I’m still friends with many of them to this day. Working there was a weird experience and sometimes felt like a bizarre sociology class but it never failed to be the most fun, supportive work environment I have ever experienced. It definitely played a big part in giving me the confidence to be myself and the comfort to express my sexuality without fear or shame. I will always treasure the women, the memories, and the impact the Lusty lady had on my life. I wouldn’t trade those years for the world! RIP LL.
This makes me angry at the Internet.
Very sad. Especially since from what I understand it’s actually owned and operated by women. So for women who want to get into that profession, it’s actually a good environment. Maybe Oprah will buy it.
And now my favorite sign. Posted when the movie came out …
“We’ll free your willy here!”
@74, what tax rate are you proposing to impose on “free”?
@58.. i believe the correct term is ‘cum busser’.. i knew a woman who worked there over twenty years ago, that’s what she did there and that’s what she called it.
@62, how could you miss the fact that a bunch of guys jacking off to a woman in a box is a healthy sexual outlet? I think having them sitting at home in front of their computers is just fine. Let’s not have five feet from a live woman.
So sad, i worked there off and on for 11 years. End of an era, dowtown will never be the same. Many years of many guys getting a safe sexual outlet! And it was soooo fun! best job I ever had.
Sammy
My nomination for Best Sign, global economics category: “Welcome APECers!” Which was a friendly hellooooo to delegates attending the Asian-Pacific Economic Co-operation conference in 1993. I laugh every time I think about it! Although Veni, Vidi, Veni is pretty darn good, too. Can’t believe I missed it!
Dear #38, #45, #52, & #57 … thanks! I got a tee-shirt out of the deal that I still own. I never thought it would become a collector’s item, but it looks like things change. I wonder if there’ll be some sort of auction or sale where those of us who were around in the heady days could pick up a tee-shirt or a play day poster.
One day I walked by and it said “The Constant Hardener”…LOL.
I have worked at the lady for nearly 10 years. It is my home. I still cant beleive I wont be able to come in and have my locker, and see my girls, and go on stage and dance. I love the women. I love my boss. I love dancing. I am so heart broken. P
I’ve worked at the LL for nearly 10 years. Thank you all for your supportive comments. It is a truly unique place and I for one am heartbroken at my impending loss. I encourage everyone to come out and show your support in the next couple months. If you’ve never been, now is the time to go! And look forward to our final days in June, we will be throwing and epic celebration.
So sad !!! It would be cool if a coffee table book of the creative marque posts would be published. I’d buy at least 10. Project anyone ?
One of the last remaining business that contributed to the character of the Seattle I grew up in. Sad to see it go.
If you’re going to miss the Lusty (I will, and so will my girlfriend “Clover” who works there), become a fan of the Facebook page: “We Will Miss the Lusty Lady.”
@15, yeah but you can’t pull it out and stroke it. Thanks Lusty Ladies for all the fun and fulfilled fantasies.
Thank you #38! Veni Vidi Veni is one I’ll remember to my grave. I’m a girl and have never been interested in going in there, but I’m so depressed they’re closing. Back when I lived in Belltown, and walked to Pioneer Square for work, I also loved them because I could walk under the marquee and get out of the rain for a few seconds. Well, they say every good-bye is a reminder of death!
so so sad, the Lusty is one of my favorite things about living in Seattle besides the Wildrose.
I have worked there off and on for almost 20 years. The LL is and has been so much more than a job. It will always be family, friends, fun, and more so much more, all rolled into one.
To The Lusty Lady; I’ll see you again before the end, old friend!
I’ve truly been touched over the years by The Lusty Lady. I’ve brought dozens of people from all over North America into those hallways as personal guests. I’ve seen some amazing things there that could never be recreated in a Starbucks cafe. I’ve known both values of a quarter; in hand, it’s worth a kinky suspension of time in blissful perversion. Drop that same quarter on the floor and it’s not worth bending over to pick up out of a puddle of man. The Lusty Lady was Seattle’s dirty little secret and without it, we will suffer.
‘I have worked there off and on for almost 20 years”
Part of the low-hanging, flapper’s hour?
@93 Sure, because 38-year-olds are so horrifically saggy. What a jackass.
@93 you sad dried up human being. how dare you talk about people that way. what’s so great about you?
@64 – I like your comment about women being an object of male attention being key to the survival of the species and lovely. I agree, but my point was the whole money changing hands thing. Society still gives women the opportunity to express themselves sexually first and foremost. That’s why I’m ambivalent. Yeah, it’s more empowering than a male-owned strip club, but is it really empowering in the way everyone seems to believe?
@65 – I’m fine with sexuality thanks, but sort of like my response to @64, I just don’t know that guys having the outlet of whacking off in a booth in semi-public semi-privacy is something to be celebrated, you know what I mean? There’s still an element of shame inherent in that, whereas you go to a Portland strip club, and there’s none of that. In fact, I’d argue Portland’s got it nailed, dead to rights. Strip clubs are no big thing, the dancers can hang out with the clients with zero pressure (still can’t believe it).
And @66 – chill out. I didn’t say “I’m glad it’s closing.” I didn’t say “Ban peep shows!” I didn’t say “It’s wrong.” I just said – I’m not sure we should idealize the place. Also, I have no respect for people who tout some ideology as the definitive answer on a topic. I don’t need fourth wave feminism to help me think.
Seattle strip clubs do NOT allow alcohol. I like my sex sober, my strip club ventures drunk.
It’s the only way to convince myself of the fantasy …
A view from the future:
marqee side 1:
“hard up, the Lusty Lady goes down”
side two:
“Breast example of bad economy: lusty lady goes bust”
Going to miss this place. Hopefully someone will step in and help.
It has been there longer than any of those uppity places. It is a shame.I guess adult entertain is a crime.
I’ll never forget the year I worked at the Lusty Lady. I’ll never forget the women who were there for me when I needed a boast and helped show me that I was a beautiful and strong person. The end of the Lusty Lady is a sad end, one to be mourned, not celebrated. It was original and unique, with it’s ever changing, witty marque and it’s variety of beautiful women from all walks of life. It was the best job I ever had.
THE MANAGEMENT WAS THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN THE DEMISE OF “THE LUSTY LADY” I HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE LL FOR 20 YEARS. THE LL HAS BEEN A PART OF SEATTLE HISTORY. IT WOULD STILL BE THERE IF THE GIRLS WORKING THERE WEREN’T AT LEAST 8 YEARS OF THAT HISTORY. THEIR DOWNFALL WAS THAT THEY COULDN’T GET RID OF THE OLD ASS TIRED GIRLS THAT HAVE BEEN THERE FOREVER! THE IDIOTS RUNNING IT HAD BEEN THERE FOREVER TOO, THATS THE REASON FOR THE BAD BUISINESS CALL. KNOW WHEN TO PUT THE COWS OUT OF PASTURE! YOU FUCKED IT UP YOURSELF! IT’S A BUISINESS, TREAT IT AS SUCH. WE GOT TIRED OF OLD ASS UGLY REJECTS FROM THE RODNEY MORE 90′ FILMS. TELL THOSE BITCHES THAT THEY CAN GET SOCIAL SECURITY.
ITS YOUR FAULT THAT I STOPPED GOING TO THE LL. I USED TO LIVE IN RENTON AND DRIVE ALL THE FUCKING WAY DOWNTOWN TO SEE SOME TEEN PUSSY. IN 2008-2010 OVER THIRTY SKANKFEST OF PREGGOS AND HAIRY BITCHES. REALLY? YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD CONTINUE? SHOULD HAVE ASKED THE CUSTOMERS YOU FUCKING IDIOTS. IF THE GIRLS ARE BELOW AVERAGE, EXPECT BELOW AVERAGE SALES FOR THE DAY YOU FUCKS. WHOEVER STARTED THIS BUISINESS IS TURNING IN THEIR GRAVE BEACUSE YOU ARE SO STUPID, I WAS A CUSTOMER FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS AND STOPPED GOING BECAUSE THEY LET THE QUALITY AND REPUTATION GO TO SHIT. THE LL WILL BE MISSED, BUT HAS BEEN A JOKE SINCE 2000.
A deep hearted thanks to those who fought to save this building and those who have aspirations of new life in this historic building. This one won’t fall to the wreaking ball and we thank those that saved it!!!!