Starbird Chicken Proposed for Former Amazon Fresh Space

A new proposal aims to bring Starbird Chicken to a long-vacant retail space on Capitol Hill.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Starbird Chicken Proposed for Former Amazon Fresh Space

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Starbird Chicken has filed a proposal to occupy a portion of the former Amazon Fresh grocery store at 610 E. Pike St. in Seattle. The site, located at the corner of Belmont, has remained vacant for approximately two years.

Why it matters

The proposal marks a potential reuse of a notable retail vacancy within the AVA Capitol Hill building. It indicates a shifting tenant strategy for the space, which has sat empty since the grocery store closed.

The proposed footprint for Starbird Chicken covers 2,927 square feet of the 10,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by Amazon Fresh. The proposal was filed by Merrick Lentz Architecture on behalf of a Portland client.

The players

Starbird Chicken

This is a restaurant chain that has filed a proposal to occupy a retail space in Seattle.

Amazon Fresh

This is a grocery store chain that previously occupied the retail space at 610 E. Pike St.

Merrick Lentz Architecture

This architecture firm filed the proposal for the site on behalf of a Portland-based client.

The details

The site is located at the corner of Belmont within the AVA Capitol Hill apartment complex. Merrick Lentz Architecture is managing the filing process for the prospective tenant.

The proposal for the new location was filed in September 2024.
The former Amazon Fresh grocery store closed approximately two years prior to September 2024.

Market Landscape

The proposal reflects a broader trend of repurposing large-format retail spaces that have remained dormant in urban high-density apartment complexes. This move positions the site to return to active commerce, mitigating the long-term vacancy trend currently affecting the Capitol Hill area.

Residents of the AVA Capitol Hill building and surrounding neighbors may see the long-vacant corner space transform from an empty storefront into an active dining option. The proposal suggests a shift in the local retail environment that could increase foot traffic at the corner of Belmont and Pike.

The takeaway

Large commercial spaces in residential complexes require significant tenant interest to remain viable after a primary anchor leaves. Future developments at this site will depend on the successful approval of the current architectural filing.