I just attended the Seattle Boat Show. We stay across the street from the Lake Union in-water location. Being able to walk to the show, as well as enjoying that very interesting area makes for a great experience. Having all the brokerages there, along with the show, makes it like Disneyland for trawler heads.
That whole lake area is being bought up and high-rises. For instance, West Marine was torn down and replaced with condos. I think a city runs the real risk of being rendered sterile by removing areas like South Lake Union that make it distinctive. I realize that the dollar per square foot figure for glass high-rises is higher than a few brokerages and some docks, but I don't think anyone at Vulcan Properties is going to starve. They may compromise their other investments by rendering an interesting and eclectic city devoid of character.
By the way, what a great collection of boats at Lake Union. If you can hit the show this week, do so by all means. I saw a beautiful Hampton 658 LRC, the new Nordhavn Coastal pilot, several pristine Selenes, a perfect Outer Reef 70, two new Krogens, Defever, Helmsman, great Offshores, Nordic and Americans Tugs, anything you want.
It would be a real shame to lose that show, I agree. It would also wipe out the Boats Afloat Show in September.