As the race for the District 3 seat on the Seattle City Council plays out, challenger Egan Orion’s campaign has picked an unusual headquarters as the organization tries to map out a course to victory in November.

Orion organizers have created a campaign office in the old gas station at 21st and Union where a big Egan Orion campaign mural has joined the streetscape next to Chucks Hop Shop CD and the new home of machine learning-powered — and roasted corn genius — El Costeño.

In a brief conversation on the sidewalk in front of the campaign office, Orion said the location is in the heart of his campaign territory and his home neighborhood and that he was proud to be part of activating the corner lot.

In August, CHS reported on the community effort to apply environmental design principles to help address crime and safety issues in the area following a deadly shooting at the 21st and Union corner. Along with new murals, the food truck, and some tables and benches, the Orion headquarters, at least through November, will add to the effort.

The property is owned by neighborhood real estate investor and entrepreneur Ian Eisenberg who bought the lot in 2015 for just over $1 million with possible long-term redevelopment plans. Eisenberg declined to comment on the headquarters other than to say it is “great to see the space activated and have people walking around versus an empty lot.” “Good food too,” Eisenberg added.

D3 incumbent Kshama Sawant’s team, meanwhile, is also managing her campaign from the Central District with offices in a storefront at 30th and Cherry. That building is owned by the Madrona Apartments company and Dave Sharkey, co-founder of the Anew Apartments microhousing developer.

Sawant’s campaign said the reasons for choosing the corner of 30th and Cherry for their headquarters were pretty straightforward. The space was affordable and centrally located in District 3.

BECOME A 'PAY WHAT YOU CAN' CHS SUBSCRIBER TODAY: Support local journalism dedicated to your neighborhood. SUBSCRIBE HERE. Join to become a subscriber at $1/$5/$10 a month to help CHS provide community news with NO PAYWALL. You can also sign up for a one-time annual payment.