(Image via pikemotorworks.com)
(Image: Golazo)
One of the neighborhood’s more unique start-ups is about to lose home-field advantage on Capitol Hill.
Employees of sports energy drink Golazo have been busy on the Capitol Hill social network saying goodbye to their unique offices/indoor soccer playroom on E Pike. CHS reported on the company’s “temporary” headquarters in the old BMW facility near E Pike and Harvard three years ago this week. Along the way, the company, created by Cranium founder Richard Tait and the Garage’s Alex Rosenast, continued to grow its place in the burgeoning alternative sports drink marketplace.
All along, an ambitious preservation and development project moved through the public process toward an eventual date with demolition for most of the old auto row era building and garages. In spring, we checked in with Golazo as the clock on its E Pike stay ticked toward injury time. The team’s new destination is reportedly Pioneer Square. CHS has also recently reported about efforts to create more office space in Pike/Pine.
After a bump in the financing road, the Pike Motorworks project got back on track this fall. The Arizona-based Wolff paid $14.9 million for the BMW property in 2012. The project will utilize the Pike/Pine Conservation Overlay incentives currently being kicked around for an upgrade to build to seven stories above E Pike and add 260 apartments to the block along with around 20,000 square feet of retail. “Demolish majority of building at 714 E Pike St (south facade and portion of west wall to remain), per plan,” the preservation-leaning application for demolition reads.
Around the corner, the seven-story development that will include the preservation of the Bill’s Off Broadway building is also expected to begin soon in conjunction with the E Pike work. Further ahead, the former Mercedes dealership on E Pike is also lined up for a similar project. Meanwhile, Intracorp says it will build the former Mercedes garage across the street at 601 E Pike into a 60-unit project with 3,000 square feet of retail and parking for 30 vehicles. Across the street, by the way, will be parking for around 225.
A representative for developers Wolff Company tells CHS crews are scheduled to “start bracing and preservation work on the character structure” in December with demolition following in the New Year.
There are no plans for a soccer field.
Rendering of new building looks great. I really like how they’re converting the parking lot into outdoor cafe space.
Another company selling stimulant drinks, containing both caffeine and Guarana, disguised as something good for you to our young athletes? No thank you.
caffeine (not in ridiculous doses) is actually good for athletes.
As someone who lives and works DIRECTLY across the street from galazo, this is the straw that will break the camels back. I can wait to live through 6+ months of construction, followed by years of living across from an overpriced, half empty apartment building with a strip mall. I might as well move back to Southern California. I love this neighborhood and especially this block, but this is just horrendous. I dont want to sound like those people that bought condos near Ballard Ave and now complain about the nightlife that has been there for many years. I’ve lived here long enough to get used to it. I accept that any major city is always growing and rebuilding, but can they at least make the developers build these place to at least match the neighborhoods look and architecture?
I agree with you Chip. This thing sucks big time. I don’t know who the architect is but this piece of crap looks like it belongs on Lake City Way or someplace like that. Yuck.
I’m happy that new buildings are being built. There isn’t anything remotely attractive about the older buildings on that block. I mean, really, nothing! This one doesn’t look a damned thing like “southern California”, but if you really feel like moving back, go ahead. Also, over the past 30 years, hardly any buildings were required to “match the neighborhood’s look and architecture”. Take a look around! There are tons of mismatched buildings from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. If anything, the architectural review board does a much better job now of making sure that new buildings offer something to the community.
I too wish there would be more effort to make new buildings blend in more with the older, surrounding ones….especially in residential neighborhoods. But with the “modern” incentives to build bulkier and taller buildings (thereby maximizing profits for developers), it’s almost impossible for a new building to blend in. At least this development looks well-designed, with an attractive exterior…unlike all the “cheap and ugly” buildings being put up in our neighborhood and across the city.
Unlike many new developments on Capitol Hill, this one seems like a true improvement. And while some may not be able to afford the rent, I assure you the building will not be half empty. You will have a busy and vibrant block across the street.
Actually, I think that artist’s rendering above is a vast improvement to the current structure sitting there. The attachment to old car dealerships escapes me.
Who are “they”? You’re entitled to go to the planning review meetings and voice your opinions. You can vote for representatives who share your architectural values. Take action.
Umm yeah except the vacancy rate in downtown and Capitol Hill and downtown is less than 3%. I guess you’re the last guy seattle should have allowed to move in.
Tacky, as usual. Why does everything have to be 7 stories of glass-front condos? I say bring back the Maharaja. That’ll keep the population in check there.
Golazo needs a new corporate soccer field. Want me to come down and knock down a couple walls for you? I’m ready to donate the free time to make it happen.
If I can build a soccer field on a crab deck in Alaska, this should be a walk in the park!