Three years later, downtown Burien still waits for its transformation | Business

Parts of the Puget Sound-area economy are improving, but some communities still feel left behind.

One of those places is downtown Burien, which was supposed to be transformed by a massive redevelopment project.

But even with new buildings and parks, many business owners and locals are still waiting for change to come.

The project was supposed to be the cornerstone of a new Burien, centered around the Burien Town Square condos with luxury touches and mountain views. But after opening back in 2008, just eight of 124 condos are sold.

The Los Angeles-based developers defaulted on the loan, and in October the building was handed back to the lender. Locals are now left wondering.

"Well, I don't think the plan worked just because of the times we're in, but I think that it's a great idea," says one local resident, Doug Haack.

Across the street, pet shop owner Kevin Foxen says the sales pitch for the condos didn't fit the neighborhood.

"Originally I think the condo prices were too high. They were trying to sell them at Seattle prices. We're not in Seattle. We're here in Burien," Foxen says.

The pawn shop across the street, Jaffe's Jewelry and Loan, is on the front lines of our tough economy. That's what Chris Streeter blames.

"The timing was terrible. The time is kind of what foiled their plans," Streeter says.

The city of Burien backed the project with new art, a library and City Hall next door. And some locals hope the condos will be converted to rental units to get them filled more quickly.

But for now, all everyone can do is watch the empty building and the "for-lease" signs down the main street.

"Eventually the places are going to fill up, so I'm really glad that they did it, because I think it's essential to revitalize Burien," Haack says.

But how long they'll have to wait is anyone's guess.

"Everybody in the area is disappointed about it," says Foxen. "But I think it will come out eventually."

"It might soon," says Streeter. "But not now. Not yet."