While tech moguls build up shiny, new office buildings in Seattle’s South Lake Union, many local businesses have taken a different route and set up shop in old, historic homes. From coffee shops to recording studios, here are seven Seattle businesses that operate out of cozy old homes.
Totem House Fish & Chips at 3058 54th Street NW, ca. 1955
The Totem House was built in the 1930s as a setting for selling Native American artifacts. It closed down during World War II and reopened as a restaurant in 1945. A treasured fish and chips spot for visitors to the Ballard Locks, the restaurant unexpectedly went out of business New Year’s Eve 2010.
Red Mill Totem House, ca. 2012
It reopened as the third location of Red Mill Burgers. The new owners retained much of the original character and history. The totem pole out front was carved in 1938 by Jimmy John, a Nuu-chah-nulth Native American artist, reports The Seattle Times. The property has withstood the test of time for over 71 years.
Sully’s Snowgoose Saloon at 6119 Phinney Avenue N
The property where Sully’s Snowgoose Saloon now operates, was originally built in 1924 during prohibition. In 1933, when prohibition ended, the property was converted into a bar. The Phinney Ridge saloon was one of the first six licensed taverns in Seattle, the Mr. Sully told Eater. He purchased the property in 1978 and took over the business in 1995. There was already a Sully’s when he opened the bar, so he added the word “snowgoose” to stand out and foster a mountain feel.
Outlander Brewery and Pub at 225 N 36th Street
Originally built in 1896, this old Victorian home is now a funky pub. Owners Dragan Radulovic and Nigel Lassiter brew strange beers here like peanut butter chocolate and offer an excellent variety of nerdy board games (if you’re into that kind of thing). Sit in a giant velvet chair at the head of a long medieval table. Listen to the phonograph and enjoy a meat pie. All this and more made possible by Outlander Brewery and Pub.
Historic Hugo House at 1634 11th Avenue, ca. 1909
Before converting into the Richard Hugo House, a literary nonprofit for writers, this 1903 Capitol Hill property hosted New City Theater and Manning and Son’s Mortuary. Local ghost hunters report heightened paranormal activity at the site and once found an eery baby coffin in the basement.
Richard Hugo House at 1634 11th Avenue
Hugo House recently announced that new development will begin in 2016. The new building will include 10,000 to 15,000 square feet of ground-level commercial retail space, as well as up to five stories of multi-family housing.
El Chupacabra at 6711 Greenwood Avenue N
This 3,030-square-foot house was built in 1932. It sits on a 3,900-square-foot lot and features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The home sold for $600,000 in 2005 and then was converted into El Chupacabra, a popular cantina known for it’s savory burritos, funky decor and edgy playlist of punk rock favorites.
Fremont Coffee Company at 459 36th Street N
Now a comfy haven for coffee lovers, Fremont Coffee Co. was once a six-bedroom home originally built in 1904, the same year as Washington state’s first legal execution. On May 6, 1904, Zenon “James” Champoux was hanged at the State Penitentiary at Walla Walla for the murder of Lottie Brace in Seattle on November 5, 1902. Legal executions prior to this were held in public in the counties where the defendant was convicted.
Empty Sea Studios at 6300 Phinney Avenue N
In a renovated craftsman home built in 1910 resides Empty Sea Studios, a performance space for acoustic music concerts, workshops and studio recordings. Rocking chairs on the front porch give this property an extra homey feel in the treasured Phinney Ridge neighborhood.
