Glenn Richards to close its antiques store

Glenn Richards, which specializes in antique Asian home furnishings, will close its store in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood after selling most of its inventory.

Laurie Fairman, who owns Glenn Richards with her husband, John, said the store is closing because nearby construction has reduced access to its Denny Way location "to the point where customers get frustrated trying to get here."

Glenn Richards shares an alley with Vulcan Real Estate's Rollin Street Flats project, which is due for completion in spring 2009.

"I've got steel beams hanging over the alley or equipment in the alley on any given day. One customer said it looked like Beirut out there," she said. "I can't get goods in here, and my customers are too intimidated to come in here."

Spokeswoman Lori Mason Curran said Vulcan has tried to be "a good neighbor," noting that it distributes "weekly advisories letting everyone know what to expect in terms of construction." Also, she said, Vulcan offers Glenn Richards customers free parking across Denny Way at its 2200 development.

Meanwhile, the Fairmans will keep open another business they own, Honeychurch Antiques, on Westlake Avenue North. Laurie Fairman said she also will focus on a new venture devoted to helping art forms threatened with cultural extinction in developing countries.

Amy Martinez: 206-464-2923 or amartinez@seattletimes.com