September 12, 2022

Bressi Garage at Seattle Center nearing renovation and expansion

Rendering by Generator Studio [enlarge]

Looking roughly east, the addition is well below the maximum zoning envelope for the corner site.

Pottery Northwest has moved to Pioneer Square, and its longtime home in the Bressi Garage is now empty. The landmarked Uptown structure at 226 First Ave. N. is bound for an addition that will transform it into a bar, restaurant and entertainment space. The city's Landmarks Preservation Board was briefed last week on the plan, which emerged a year ago.

Architect Generator Studio is leading the effort, which will add a second level to the building on the corner of Lenny Wilkens Way — directly south of Climate Pledge Arena. A master use permit will likely soon follow after the board signals its approval. Wilcox Construction is newly listed as the builder, for a project to total about 24,175 square feet — including a large north-facing terrace.

The Bressi will evidently be leased from Seattle Center to 365 Group LLC, which is run by local food entrepreneurs Todd Fishman and Hunter Brooks. (They're the founders of Evergreens.)

LPC West is the owner's rep. The team also includes Latitude 48, civil engineer; Magnusson Klemencic Associates, structural engineer; Bush, Roed & Hitchings, surveyor; and Ron Wright & Associates, historic preservation consultant. Columbia Hospitality will operate the Bressi Garage.

The century-old garage will be preserved but not untouched. Its windows and entries have changed over the years. On the north facade, two new glass entries will face CPA. On the east facade, facing a very narrow pedestrian walkway, bricked-over vehicle bays will become windows.

Inside, the wood beams and trusses will be preserved to the greatest extent possible.

Meanwhile, Pottery Northwest is now at 220 Third Ave. S., on the lower level of the Foster/White Gallery building.