Video: Mercer Street businesses to be demolished

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SEATTLE - Some businesses along Mercer Street have just learned when they'll have to vacate their buildings.

The warehouses along Mercer Street will soon take a bow to the wrecking ball as part of the latest phase of redevelopment in South Lake Union.

Amazon.com is relocating its headquarters from Beacon Hill to South Lake Union. The plan includes up to 11 new buildings on six city blocks along Terry and Boren avenues, between Mercer and John streets.

Thursday night, Far Fetched Import Furniture learned they need to clear their inventory by the end of May. Prices are being slashed.

"You've got build up of a lot of inventories that probably should have been cleaned out a long time ago," said Nick Tensen, store spokesperson.

While they'll keep their retail store in Seattle, Far Fetched had to go to Tukwila to find a suitable new warehouse. And it's with mixed emotions that they step aside in the name of progress.

"Now you have to push off to a suburb, we still have a store here but it's part of gentrification and that's part of life," Tensen said. "It's always changing."

Mercer Street facelift

The Seattle Department of Transportation has created a proposal that would widen Mercer Street, making it three lanes each way.

That would require them to purchase some properties along Mercer.

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Far Fetched Furniture Imports is having a sale to clear inventory before they vacate.

That plan is in front of the City Council transportation committee now. They are scheduled to vote on May 6. If it passes, the full council will vote May 12.

If the City Council approves the plan to widen Mercer, construction could begin in the second quarter of 2009.

If the proposal does not pass, the city says there are no plans for short-term improvements along Mercer.