Leonardo to build new US photonics fab
The US subsidiary of Italian electronics giant Leonardo is building a $100m semiconductor laser fabrication plant in Arizona. Leonardo Electronics US Inc. (LEI) has purchased 12 acres in Oro Valley, north of Tucson, and is planning the construction of a state-of-the-art semiconductor laser manufacturing facility. LEI has been present in the Tucson...
Henry Suzzallo and the Crown Jewel of the UW Campus
When visitors arrive on the Seattle campus of the University of Washington, they are greeted by a stunning Gothic masterpiece that dwarfs many of the surrounding buildings — Suzzallo Library. Gaze upwards and notice the library’s 18 terra cotta figures, sitting in niches along the facade. The sculptures depict individuals who made significant contr...
Rosaia Brothers floral business bloomed in Seattle for 80 years
Whether creating elaborate window displays, winning awards at flower shows, or helping launch the Italian Commercial Club a century ago, the Rosaia Brothers – Palmiro, Felix and George – brought energy, determination and, above all, a sense of beauty to their adopted city. The three brothers arrived in Seattle in 1906 and began laying the groundwor...
Famed Venetian glass artist’s work now displayed on Bainbridge
Heads up Bainbridge Islanders, famed Italian glass artist Lino Tagliapietra’s work is on display and available for purchase at a local small art studio run by his grandson, Jacopo Vecchiato. The showroom is an extension of the Seattle gallery Lino Tagliapietra Inc, of which Vecchiato has been president for nine years. Currently, space is only open...
Celebrating 100 episodes of ‘Your Last Meal’ with three 100-year-old women
At 100 years old, Seattle’s Eleanor Owen lives on her own in her big, old house. She drives, she’s not on a single medication, and she’s sharp, with an enviable memory. Her 100th birthday was in January and because of the quarantine, like so many others, she had to have her party over Zoom. “I have 300 birthday cards, if not more, that I haven’t op...
The Right Place at the Right Time: Portland Got a Gucci Store, Baby!!!
Last Friday, my 20-year-old heater stopped working, under duress from a historic snowstorm that ripped through Portland. On Monday morning, I woke up shivering, confused as to why my electric space heater had shut off overnight—and then I realized my power was out. The power returned Tuesday evening, and I sent a triumphant text to my coworkers. “I...
ElectraMeccanica to showcase electric vehicle at La Encantada
Italian electric vehicle company ElectraMeccanica is opening a display in the main courtyard of La Encantada mall to show off their unique (and very European) vehicle, the SOLO. While not a complete store, the new location allows for shoppers to check out the vehicles and place reservations for test drives. The display is slated to open Monday, Mar...
A visit to Arcosanti, the reimagined city
Arcosanti has been called an “experimental city,” “an “urban laboratory,” a “caravanserai.” Seventy miles north of Phoenix, the 25-acre compound, built on a 4,060-acre land preserve, rises from the desert like a mirage. The project was the brainchild of “visionary” Paolo Soleri (1919-2013). Arcology — a concept combining architecture and ecology —...
A farm-to-restaurant business that takes an all-in-the-family approach
Raised in Spokane as part of an Italian-Greek family, Jackie Cross had grown up embracing both her cultural heritage as well as the lush agricultural traditions of eastern Washington. Her mother was an avid gardener and her grandparents instilled in her a love and appreciation for the outdoors and the inimitable value of home-grown herbs and vegeta...
Luxury Residences Showcase Italian Designer’s First-Ever Hawaiian Collaboration
Luxury branded residences are becoming increasingly prevalent in the world’s most sophisticated urban areas. While a beautiful home in a coveted enclave is still a status symbol, discerning buyers are increasingly seeking out the additional sense of prestige that accompanies ownership of a branded residence. Hundreds exist worldwide, most in Asia a...
Versace to open store at Scottsdale Fashion Square mall in 2020
Scottsdale Fashion Square has added another high-end luxury brand to its lineup: Versace. The Italian fashion company will open a 3,131-square-foot retail store inside the mall's so-called "luxury wing," near Neiman Marcus, and will be located across from Michael Kors, the mall announced in a news release on Monday. It is anticipated to open in the...
Ferrero adds to US distribution sites with new facility in Arizona
Italy-based confectionery group Ferrero has set up another distribution outlet in the US with plans to take on 50 workers during its first year of operation. The more than 640,000 sq m facility is located in Goodyear, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, and will become operational around mid-March. "Ferrero is investing in our presence and business in t...