Businesses also looking for their niche

Originally published Saturday, July 17, 1999

By BILL VIRGIN and TRICIA DURYEE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTERS

SKYWAY DOESN'T HAVE many business establishments, and what there are tend to be retailing and service. One exception is Evergreen Foliage and Moss Inc., run by Kevin Lemke.

Lemke's is another homecoming story of sorts. His father originally owned the business, then sold it to Evergreen Wholesale Florist. Lemke bought it back and is building the business of providing color bowls and other plants to local retailers.

"It's in good working condition," Lemke says of the greenhouse complex. "It's just something I always wanted to do."

Skyway hasn't developed a big commercial district because of its relatively small size and its proximity to Renton and Tukwila. "There are a number of businesses (in Skyway) where people should shop but they go down to Renton," Pardey says. Merchants are trying to overcome that with a new commercial club to make a unified marketing effort.

Pardey's is one business that has done what it can to get Skyway some recognition. Skyway Park Bowl and its 24 lanes have hosted tournaments on the professional bowlers tour, and recently hosted the first of three senior professional events. Only 14 senior events are held around the country each year. About 100 bowlers and upwards of a 1,000 spectators a day watched bowlers at various times.

"It's a privilege," says Pardey of his site being chosen. "You have to be a quality center to have these events."

Bowling was once a predominately male pastime, but no more. Pardey says it "used to be more of a sport; now it's entertainment."

Most significantly, general interest in bowling has declined, which is why Pardey has added such features as the miniature golf course and, in January 1998, a casino. The casino has helped pay for renovation of the entire facility, he adds.

P-I reporter Bill Virgin can be reached at 206-448-8319 or billvirgin@seattle-pi.com.

P-I reporter Tricia Duryee can be reached at 206-448-8022 or triciaduryee@seattle-pi.com