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‘Roman-style trattoria’ from owner of The Saint planned for Hunters Capital-restored Greenus building

9011250898_91c70c5f34_bWe’ve been following the changes in the 500 block of E Pike all year after the announcement that developer Hunters Capital would be snapping up two historic buildings and long-time Hill retailer Brocklind’s would be moving on so the owners could retire after decades in the costume business.

In addition to the eight-story development Hunters is planning across the street, we also have reported on the coming overhaul of the Brocklind’s Greenus building — including a giant new restaurant space. The Stranger reports today that the space will be filled by a familiar player in Capitol HIll food and drink:

Quentin Ertel, owner of The Saint and Havana is planning a grand Roman-style trattoria for the historic Pike Street building that housed Brocklind’s formal wear until recently. His new project (still in the early stages – so no name yet) will be an all day-affair, serving simple, handcrafted food inspired by Rome and Italy’s Lazio region. The location, which is currently being restored by building owner Hunters Capital, is just the setting Ertel was after.

“The space in the Greenus Building is phenomenal for it,” Ertel says. “It’s perfectly situated, with the (First Covenant) Church to the West. I walked in and thought of Rome.” The building, on the Northeast corner of East Pike Street and Summit Avenue, was purchased by Capitol Hill developer Hunters Capital late last year. They’ve been working to restore the exterior to its original 1920s glory, and sought the perfect mix of local businesses for the neighborhood.

Ertel is eyeing an opening date of mid to late winter, and he plans to begin the build out as soon as Hunters Capital is done restoring the building. The talent portion of this project is still a work in progress – Ertel is still working out his management team and says he’s looking at bringing in a chef from outside Seattle. The new restaurant will occupy roughly 4,000 square feet of space and have seating for about 120.

We previously reported that longtime E Pine retailer Edie’s Shoes is also joining the Hunters project. One additional retailer is still to be announced for the 500 E Pike project.

People close to the project have confirmed the details published by the Stranger.

Meanwhile, the original plans for Theater Schmeater to remain in the overhauled building’s basement have changed. A rep for Hunters Capital tells CHS the theater decided that noise abatement solutions proposed for the redevelopment wouldn’t be suitable for the performance space. It’s possible Schmeater might continue to use the underground Summit Ave space for practice, Hunters says, but the company is currently searching for a new stage to call home.

 

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Randy McFlandy
Randy McFlandy
10 years ago

A’namo! Let’s hope the cacio e pepe isn’t a sorry mess like at that Trastevere place on 15th.

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[…] The man who brought Capitol Hill The Saint and Havana is preparing to bring it this yet-to-be-named “Roman-style trattoria.” […]

Moi
Moi
10 years ago

I hope this restaurant tanks. Never mind that it’s replacing a beloved if shabby business that sold actual GOODS for decades on the hill (and now Theater Schmeater is leaving), the construction noise is absolutely unbearable — I haven’t heard anything like it, and I’ve lived here over 10 years and an apartment house on the other side of me has been remodelled 2-3 times, and it’s thirty feet away. This noise is far, far worse. There’s NO consideration showna for the fact that people are _living_ in buildings right next door, and I have to wonder what the noise level is going to be like when it actually opens. There are some new huge heating/cooling structures on the roof….

Plus, does the Hill really need yet another overthought overpriced fancy restaurant that’s probably going to close in 2-3 years anyway?

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[…] said will likely move into their new office in October. Downstairs, work is continuing on the future home of a Roman-style trattoria from familiar neighborhood restauranteur Quentin Ertel. Developer Hunters Capital acquired 500 E […]

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[…] plan at E Olive Way’s The Saint and E Pike’s Havana, has decided to pull the plug on his project to create a “Roman-style trattoria” in the building formerly home to Brocklind’s costume […]