Designed on the Hill is a new series reflecting on good design, as observed by Greg Janky and Treasure Hinds of Anvil Studios, a product design firm based on Capitol Hill.
Chophouse Row is a great example of inspired architecture designed on the Hill.
The mixed-use office and retail space is an oasis tucked away in the midst of urban commotion. Its modern aesthetic fits naturally on 11th Ave between Pike and Union, yet manages to stands out amongst an eclectic collection of old Seattle brick and new Seattle lofts.
The building’s dark metal facade with striking vertical elements lets you know something big is at play here. As you enter, the breezeway hints at the creative energy buzzing within. Immediately visitors feel like they have left the hustle of Capitol Hill and have entered someplace refined, elegant, and peaceful. The passage is a design alley of curated shops, speciality foods, and creative businesses that are vital to the Pike & Pine community, including Empire Espresso, Amandine Bake Shop, Bar Ferdinand, Niche, Kurt Farm Shop, Scotch Pine, and Play.
The mews and courtyard honor the space’s industrial history, with exposed I-beams mixed with brick and foliage.
Inside is a balance of dark concrete floors and ceilings with warm wood details and dramatic spot lighting. Bold signage mark your way. The interior reminds visitors of its creative heritage, with large scale photography showing the location as it once was, and celebrating it’s musical past.
Most importantly for us is the way the space fosters community and socializing. The cloistered back patio is often the setting for farmer’s markets, pop up events, and a night market. A lounge above Amandine Bake Shop encourages lingering. Upstairs the co-working space and social club The Cloud Room is a gathering place for discussions, live performances, and other cultural events.
Chophouse Row is one of the reasons we love Capitol Hill and why we chose the space for Anvil Studio’s new home. Take a walk through Chophouse Row and come visit us in our office above Amandine Espresso.
Stay tuned for more reflections on the great spaces and objects on the Hill that make the area an exciting place to create. In our next post, we’ll look at the elements of good design found in a surprising Capitol Hill location — the bathrooms at Optimism Brewery.
