Chophouse Row: Blending Past, Present, and Future in Seattle's Capitol Hill

Chophouse Row in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood is an innovative project that seamlessly blends the past, present, and future. The development, conceived as a way to merge existing structures with new ones, aims to stimulate and support the surrounding community. The owner recognized the value of the buildings' unique character and decided to repurpose them rather than consider them obstacles to development.

The design solution for Chophouse Row involved integrating a diverse range of activities, including living, working, and retail spaces, into one cohesive project. To achieve this, new pedestrian corridors and connections were created to link the old and new structures. One of the challenges faced was the significant change in elevation between the east and west boundaries of the site. However, this was successfully resolved, allowing for the seamless integration of different building types and mixed-uses, such as live/work/retail/parking.

The project also prioritized the creation of public spaces and connections to other buildings on the block. This was achieved through the strategic removal of existing parts of the buildings, transforming back doors into front doors and creating open spaces from previously solid edges. Sustainable practices were employed by repurposing materials removed during demolition as siding, flooring, stair treads, and windows.

The design of Chophouse Row centers around the creation of public spaces, including a mid-block courtyard and a narrow passageway called The Mews. The passageway, lined with small shops and restaurants, provides a unique and playful experience for visitors. The development encourages round-the-clock activity with multiple points of entry and a 1,200 square-foot courtyard that connects the newly revealed backsides of buildings.

The project includes a five-story addition that seamlessly merges with the existing Chophouse. The roof deck of the old building becomes the floor of an office in the new building, showcasing the blending of old and new throughout the project. The ground floor is occupied by individual restaurants and retail shops, occupying both old and new spaces. The project features loft-like floors, decks, and balconies that offer views of the neighborhood and the site.

Chophouse Row is a prime example of incremental urbanism, focusing on a human-scaled destination that celebrates the unique character of the neighborhood. The project was led by Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects, with Graham Baba Architects as the design advisor. Dunn & Hobbes LLC served as the developer, with financing from Heartland LLC and HomeStreet Bank. MRJ Constructors acted as the contractor, and various consultants provided their expertise to bring the project to life.

In conclusion, Chophouse Row is an impressive architectural project that successfully merges past, present, and future. By repurposing existing structures and integrating new ones, the development creates a vibrant and supportive village within a village. The project's design solutions, including new pedestrian corridors and public spaces, seamlessly blend old and new elements, resulting in a unique and human-scaled destination.

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