The most recent private venue to grace the streets of Seattle is anything but a brand new building. Originally a 1927 ice warehouse, Block 41 is a revamped two-level building featuring 13,000 square feet of event space. Located in the heart of Belltown, the hotspot offers three discrete indoor spaces and a landscaped outdoor courtyard.
“Block 41 is unlike anything else in downtown Seattle,” says Dan Temkin, owner and developer of Block 41. “I knew we had a special opportunity the moment I walked in the door.”
The reconditioning of the industrial building into the current multi-purpose venue was due to the efforts of the award-winning firm, Graham Baba Architects, as well as other local artists and craftsmen. Combining old with new, Block 41 features massive old-growth timber, vintage car decking that merges with blackened steel, leather column wraps and cutting-edge building systems.
“We have big open spaces, exposed brick, and massive Douglas fir beams that would be impossible to replicate today,” says Temkin. “We have a great design that honors the history while also providing the best in modern building and event technology. We are excited to host a great mix of events for corporate clients and private weddings, but we are also eager to support our vast non-profit community, especially in the arts.”
Block 41 has three indoor spaces: The Bert & Tot Ballroom, The Musings Gallery and The Ewing Theatre. From intimate gatherings of under 100 guests to large events for over 800, each space offers flexibility for a wide range of event types and sizes. The Courtyard features a large deck, outdoor loading dock and living green wall, allowing events to spill out of doors, weather permitting.
“There is no private event space in downtown Seattle like Block 41,” says Lisa Hoonan, general manager and industry veteran. “In size, sophistication, convenience and space options, it is a state-of-the art facility purposefully designed to be an event space in a very sophisticated market.” Hoonan brings more than 20 years of global event management to the venue.
Architect Jim Graham of Graham Baba Architects led the repurposing of the ice warehouse, including the former carriage garage. Embellishing the building with several handcrafted sculptural pieces, Graham deftly integrated a fresh design to the venue while also preserving its historicity.
“The character, age and rawness of the building are all great assets for an event venue,” says Graham. “To showcase those features, we stripped the building to its bones to create a simple yet expressive backdrop for parties, weddings, fundraisers, educational lectures and music performances. It’s perfect for any event.”
Block 41 offers five catering companies including Tom Douglas Catering, Cameron Catering, Foodz Catering, Kasper’s Catering and Lisa Dupar Catering. There is also a carefully procured list of vendors to assist with event rentals, valet, photographer, florists, audio visual and décor for any event.
Block 41 is located at 115 Bell Street in Seattle, Wash. Call 206-347-0541 or visitwww.block41.com for more information.
