Julie and Kevin Law, owners of Greenwood’s Urban Light Studios at 8537 Greenwood Ave. N., Suite 1, are refurbishing the former home of Elliott Bay Book Co in Pioneer Square. AXIS Pioneer Square will be a mixed-use photo studio, venue and gallery. It is scheduled to open in July.
The 122-year-old, 6,000-square-foot space is in the historic Globe Building, on 1st Avenue between Jackson and Main. AXIS will have a capacity of 400 people (or 250 seated), making it among the largest non-traditional venues in Seattle.
The pre-fire home of Doc Maynard, the building was also the site of the first hospital and first library in Seattle and later the Globe Hotel. AXIS features a series of 18-foot brick arches and antique wood floors connecting 1st Ave through to Nord Alley, a centerpiece of the Alley Network Project. The alley can offer an urban oasis to event guests of AXIS.
Graham Baba Architects will guide the preservation and design of AXIS including visual nods to the history of this 1891 building including a Book Co. Bar and a full wall featuring vintage globes. The design will incorporate blackened steel in the bar, restroom and custom staircase ascending to a mezzanine which can serve as a green room, bridal lounge, DJ stand or photo booth.
An artist’s rendering of what the event space will look like.
In addition to the studio and event space, AXIS Gallery will maintain regular business hours and be a part of Pioneer Square’s First Thursday art walk.
