We’ve had an early taste of Seattle spring in the days leading up to Valentine’s 2017, how about some chatter about a new restaurant and rooftop bar project being lined up for a classic Pike/Pine building with plans to be open this summer.
Developer Hunters Capital tells CHS it is underway on a seismic overhaul and full rehab of the Colman Automotive building on E Pine at Bellevue that it acquired for $3.85 million in 2012. “Initially we are going to spend 4 to 5 months stripping the building down to its bones, sandblasting, bringing in upgraded utilities and seismically upgrade it for new occupancies,” a Hunters rep tells CHS. Part of those big changes: a restaurant with roof deck component. We asked who is planning to move into this new Pike/Pine creation but that’s where the Capitol Hill development and real estate investment firm gets quiet.
According to permits filed with the city, a project titled “Rory’s Restaurant and Rooftop Bar” is being planned as the Colman rehab and upgrades come together. We have started checking around with a few likely suspects but nobody has responded to questions about the project yet. The restaurant being planned will fill much of the ground floor along Bellevue at Pine with plans for a “penthouse” addition on top of the two-story building along with the bar deck. On a sunny summer day, the venue will add to the Hill’s slim collection of decks to go drink on and it would join February 2014-born Mezcaleria Oaxaca for rooftop hangouts above E Pine.
The Colman Automotive building, meanwhile, is in the midst of the start of construction work on the major upgrades which follow a round of investments in the building’s exterior made in 2012 as Hunters Capital worked to restore much of the 1916-built structure’s auto row glory. In 2016, CHS reported on the downsizing — and subsequent exit — of longtime furniture and design concern Area 51 as the building prepared to move into a “re-tenanting.”
Rory’s — or whatever it is — was already on our list of 30+ Capitol Hill bars and restaurants to look forward to in 2017, by the way.
If everything comes together as planned, the building along with three to five new tenants, 10,000 square feet of office space, and the new mystery restaurant and bar project will debut by mid-summer, the Hunters Capital rep says.
Capitol Hill food+drink
- Good sign:
@jseattle Paseo sign going up pic.twitter.com/nojjQiaHTF
— Christoph Krumm (@krummc) February 4, 2017
- 206 Burger plans to open on First Hill next month.
- At the Roastery, Starbucks is ditching Tom Douglas in favor of its Italian bakery investment Princi.
- Thai joint Bai Tong will take over the old Boom Noodle space.
- There probably isn’t a Capitol Hill restaurant bubble, right?
- Hotel Sorrento’s in-house restaurant the Dunbar Room has added brunch… jazz brunch:
The Jazz Brunch runs from 10AM – 2PM every Sunday with music starting at 11AM. The Seth Alexander Quartet kicks off the first Jazz Brunch on Feb. 19. In addition to live music, guests can imbibe in unlimited mimosas for $15 per person or mix up their own Bloody Mary creation at the Bloody Mary Bar using the Dunbar Room’s house-made mix and an assortment of pickled treats and vodkas. - The Sea Creatures family of restaurants is doing Cocktails for a Cause:
- Big Mario’s Frelard.
You can pick the bones of the old Clever Dunne’s.- The Capitol Lounge is nearly set to open on E Pike and we’re starting to learn more about the new dance and nightspot. Like, for example, despite its next-door Ikina Sushi sibling, the new joint will serve… Mexican food.
- Free coffee at E Pike Victrola Thursday.
- Adam Heimstadt is now the sole owner at E Pike legend the Unicorn, according to state corporation filings and updated liquor licenses. Congrats.
- Everything is for sale, the old saw goes. Here’s an intriguing new listing from super agent Laura Miller:
- Happy day, food lovers. Here’s your CHS Valentine’s fixed-price index for 2017: $65 median
Skillet $32 — “Your choice: Chocolate pie in a bowl or Goat Cheesecake in a jar with strawberry gelee…”Pettirosso $45 — “Guests can expect three courses and wine or cocktail pairings, as well. Known for their cozy atmosphere, incredible pastries, dialed in dishes and killer cocktail program, Café Pettirosso is sure to not disappoint on Valentine’s Day.”Poppy $60 — “Every year on February 14 we design a 3 course dinner for sharing. You and your sweetie each get a starter, then your choices of entrees to share on a huge thali full of flavor adventures, and finally a gleeful dessert thali for two.”Artusi $65 — “The Artusi chef team will craft a prix fixe menu with a limited, a la carte menu available only at the bar.”Seven Beef $65 — “Join us this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a five course tasting menu with optional wine pairing available. Chef Jino has Lobster ‘Pot Pie’ Veloute planned as well as Beef Tenderloin. A limited à la carte menu will be available as well.”Mamnoon $75 — “Served family style”Spinasse $95 — Choose from “Love” (Saccocia — rolled and roasted pork belly — with herbs and roasted carrots) or “Lust” (New York steak with white truffle butter and potato gratin) menusVolunteer Park Cafe $95 — “VPC is the perfect spot to spend Valentine’s Day: cozy and intimate and full of good food and wine!”Lark $115 — “Lark will be offering a prix fixe, four course menu with a selection of decadent offerings in honor of Valentine’s Day. We would love to have you join us on this special night.”
