The spot at 1300 East Pike Street in Capitol Hill where Fran's Chocolates used to call home is getting a sustainable makeover. Developer Maria Barrientos, builder Cascade Built and architects Weber Thompson have big plans to build a six-story, mixed-use complex with, 55-units and 2,400 square feet of retail space. They also plan on building to Passive House Institute US standards, which is all about meeting a standard on insulation and energy conservation.
Since the current structure isn't a historical landmark, the developers are under no obligation to maintain any of it. Though one of the options presented does showcase some conservation uses, the preferred design puts the focus on the building's sustainability rather than making sure it fits with the neighborhood. Plans do call for one usage of the current building as they say they hope to "retain its primary facades."
· Seattle’s first Passive House-certified mixed-use project at 13th and Pike faces first review [CHS]
· Former Fran's Chocolates headquarters could be bulldozed [MyN]