Merging something new with something old… vintage… rustic…or industrial in a design will add character and charm.
This could be achieved on a big scale by converting a factory or a warehouse into a retail/office space or by simply adding an element or a vintage piece to a room or a display area. Examples of this could be seen at the new Fran’s Chocolates company headquarters and retail space. The building is located in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, just south of the industrial district, map. Built in 1882, the 31,500-square-foot facility was once the site of the old Seattle Brewing and Malting Company {picture here}. It’s exciting to see the building with ties to historic past now given a new facelift and a new purpose.
Come, take a look……
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Fran’s Chocolates new retail shop opened to the public on September 29, 2014.
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Dramatic tall windows greet visitors before entering the building.
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A sampling of Fran’s chocolate truffles and salted caramels.
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Upon entering, you will be greeted by this original cast iron staircase leading up to the private offices above.
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The impressive 20-foot ceiling height and the open floor plan made the space feel even bigger.
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The original marble tiles were retained and polished to shine exposing imperfections, damages, and other evidences from decades of use.
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Salted caramels dipped in dark and milk chocolates.
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A multi-purpose space for events, meetings, and chocolate tasting.
espresso station
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Located in the back of the building there is a viewing area where customers are able to watch the process of how Fran’s chocolates are made.
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Another seating area integrating modern and industrial designs and elements. A great visual contrast of the rustic exposed brick walls and clean white walls below.
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A beautiful Cast iron spiral staircase showcasing Fran’s chocolates gift boxes.
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There are several black cast iron pillars throughout the space.
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{Hannah holding a few gifts from a recent visit to Fran’s Chocolates}
Wonderful gifts for any occasion, Fran’s chocolates are my go-to gifts when not sure what to give someone special.
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Last year Bill and I visited Fran’s Chocolates at the Bellevue location and wrote about it, here.
Fran’s Chocolates {Georgetown}
5900 Airport Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 508-4535
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
for other locations, click here.
Posted by Bill & Kay
Kay this post…….terrific. Fran’s, U.Village, always is my go to for gifts and coffee.
Your beautifully presented photos have captured it’s magnificent structure and awakened a desire to visit and enter into the walls of a building left silent for so many years.
Thank you,
Thanks Ruthie!! It’s a great building and I like the addition of the espresso bar…. a great place for you to stop in for chocolates and espresso since you’re in the area all the time…. I think Bill will be there tomorrow 🙂
It’s been awhile with my visits, now that I am here I have to tell you this factory chocolate store is amazing. Would love to live have a euro chic business in the kind of retail space who wouldn’t ?
As for Bellevue Washington, I lived in Southern Ca. Growing up and moved to the Lake Washington area and Redmond as a teen and then out of high school moved back to Nothern Ca. I so miss my days in Washington and its beauty and history.
I so enjoy the tour here with all you shared, I am going to go catch up on all the resent post I have missed out on.
A beautiful week to you.
Xx
Dore
Doré, how beautiful you would make this space with your furnishings!
It’s such a small world to know that you once lived here in Washington State as a teen. My church for years was held at the Lake Washington High School and the Redmond area is a familiar place. Northern California in the Napa Valley area was where Bill and visited many years ago- would love to go back again.
Ps, my daughter 22 her name is Hannah and my brothers son is Caleb.
Xx
Dore
We have quite a few things in common 🙂 {my Hannah is 17 and Caleb is 10}