Local art lovers and fans of unique Capitol Hill nightlife were chagrined to learn that the Grey Gallery on 11th Avenue lost their lease last summer due to issues with their landlord and a rent hike. Eric from Grey Gallery promised he was going to relocate the popular art gallery and lounge to a new location in the near future. Unfortunately, relations between the Gallery and its former landlord have deteriorated with the landlord filing suit against the Gallery for $80,000 in damages. Eric, has issued a cry for help in fighting this lawsuit and sent out the following email to everyone on the Grey Gallery mailing list:
What seemed a worst-case scenario has, unfortunately, gotten even worse. The building owner has filed a lawsuit, against me and Grey claiming $80,000 in damages to a space that was left in better condition and with over $50,000 of improvements left behind. It’s a nightmare. His case has no merit though I have to defend against it and that takes money that I do not have. Or… it takes the help of a compassionate lawyer willing to work on contingency or pro bono.
This is where I ask for help: if you are a lawyer or you know of a lawyer in the Seattle area willing to help a community-centric, small business work through a case…please get in touch…
We really can’t take sides in this issue because we’re only hearing one side of the story and maybe Grey did cause some damage, but I do have to say that it does seem odd. Before Grey moved in, this space was an old, rundown, (but pretty awesome) thrift store; obviously Grey’s remodel vastly improved the value of this space. I’m smelling some serious sour grapes.
We’ll keep an eye on this story and keep you posted. Hopefully it can be worked out, because Grey WAS a great space and an important asset to the Capitol Hill ‘hood.
-Michael Strangeways
