In the rapidly evolving neighborhood of Crown Hill in North Seattle, a remarkable transformation has taken place. The Metropolitan Market, a brand synonymous with globally inspired grocery experiences, has opened its newest location. This venture, a collaboration with Cushing Terrell, a long-term partner, has turned a 30-year-old building into a stunning, modern shopping destination that aligns with the up-and-coming vibe of the neighborhood while staying true to Metropolitan Market’s upscale brand ethos.
In what may be an exemplary adaptive reuse project, the 38,200-square-foot building, located at 8532 15th Ave. NW, underwent extensive renovations. These improvements were not merely cosmetic; they encompassed a full interior build-out, including the installation of new partition walls, interior finishes, modern fixtures, and state-of-the-art equipment. The overhaul extended to the building’s exterior, with significant renovations to the south and west facades, breathing new life into the structure.
One of the project’s focal points was enhancing the loading dock. The modifications made here aimed to increase delivery speed and efficiency while ensuring safety – a crucial aspect for a busy grocery store.
The project team faced several challenges, including stringent local codes, site disturbance regulations, and the need for a change-of-use permit. These obstacles required the design team, led by Kara Eberle-Lott (project manager) and Rebecca Muchow (design lead), to employ creativity and focused problem-solving.
A notable challenge was meeting the transparency requirements for the street-facing facade, a unique requirement for a grocery store. The solution was both ingenious and visually striking – positioning the café and deli kitchen along this facade, providing a literal and metaphorical window into the store’s operations.
The store’s renovation extended to its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, modernized to meet current code requirements. This aspect of the project was crucial in aligning the store with modern standards.
In keeping with Metropolitan Market’s commitment to sustainability, the refrigeration system utilizes a CO2 system. This choice represents a significant step towards environmental responsibility, offering a natural, low global warming potential alternative to traditional synthetic refrigerants.
Metropolitan Market CEO, Ron Megahan, emphasized that the store is more than a commercial space. “Food is about bringing people together, facilitating meaningful relationships, and feeding long-lasting memories,” he stated. This philosophy can be seen in the store’s design, which blends functionality with community engagement.
The project brought together a diverse team of experts. Designer Alice Wang and architect KuoChao Tseng, alongside design technician Rei Schultz and CAD tech Brad Fry, played pivotal roles. The team also included structural engineers Dane Jorgenson and Brandon Besser, landscape architect Stephanie Donovan, and roofing/building envelope specialist Brady Gauer.
The project was a collaborative effort, with Cushing Terrell at the helm as the architect. KM DESIGN contributed as the interior designer, and Abbott Construction handled the construction. Terracon provided geotechnical engineering, and Plumb Signs was responsible for the exterior signage. Capitol Lighting, alongside Metropolitan Market and Cushing Terrell, took charge of the lighting.
Photography by Kevin Scott
