By Juan Jocom
It is a time for milestones in the commercial community that has formed around Capitol Hill’s 19th Ave E.
Monsoon, which has grown into the small business core of the neighborhood since it began redefining Vietnamese dining in Seattle at the turn of the millenium, is celebrating 25 years on the street.
There are more celebrations underway.
Across the street at Tirto Furniture, a family business is marking its own anniversary, celebrating resilience and quality. Even as the industry has trended toward mass-produced, disposable, build-your-own furniture, the E Mercer shop just off 19th Ave E doesn’t seem to be bothered by the shifting landscape. Their 10th anniversary is a testament that as long as you build things with love, there is going to be someone who will love the creations — and hopefully be willing to pay a little extra for it.
Looking out from the street, the Tirto showroom seems like a tiny neighborhood furniture store, but once you walk through the door, you find a whole world of crafted, handmade furniture with a strong connection to Southeast Asia.
“We love the fact that it can support so many families both here and in Indonesia,” Claire Tirtoprodjo said. “We pay above average to our employees there. We pay for schooling for the kids… and so we’re fortunate that people really stay with us. So the relationships there are really strong.” Continue reading