Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood is home to the newly revitalized Labour Temple – a gorgeous 40,000 square-foot, three-story building offering private office suites, coworking and meeting spaces, hotel style amenities, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and first floor retail and salon. The focus of the several year restoration was to provide the comforts of home – away from home – as the local workforce returns to hybrid and in-person work.
Built in 1942 and home to the Seattle Labor Unions for 80 years, Developer Chris Faul and partner, Angela, purchased the historically landmarked property in December 2020. Today’s Labour Temple was re-opened in 2022 to serve as a gathering place for entrepreneurs and support the workforce of modern times. A full interior renovation reimagined the space while paying homage to the building’s origins. Design details include a massive custom wood entry door, a main lobby with marble flooring, brass accents, dark mahogany wood, and comfortably chic 1950s styled conversation seating. Whimsical highlights can be found throughout, including an active Vestaboard, re-purposed diffuser “flying saucer” lights, the refurbished Labor Temple corner sign hanging high above the exterior courtyard, and the original neon sign that marked the entry.
“We designed the project with Kenneth Wilson Architect as a space where hotel and office meet, inspired by European luxury office and members clubs, such as Soho Works in London,” said Faul. “The goal is to be fully stabilized with office suites, retail, and food and beverage offerings by the end of 2023. We’re also putting the final touches on our Mail Dispatch, which will provide services for tenants and an easy address for neighbors and businesses in need of a professional address.”
Labour Temple is conveniently located near Seattle’s tech giants and Central Business District and provides plentiful on-street parking as well as easy access to light rail and bus lines. The building’s lower courtyard has been transformed into a series of beautifully appointed event and meeting spaces, with retail on the main level, and uniquely styled meeting rooms and private office suites on floors two and three.
The access-controlled office suites are a mix of open configurations for individuals, or up to a 10-person team. All offices are private with the original 1940s mahogany doors beautifully refurbished and the old school mail slots retained. The suites include operable historic windows that overlook the courtyard or city, a dedicated heating and cooling system, modern interior finishes, and the option of mid-century inspired desking. Each of the office floors have private phone booths for calls or video meetings, luxe marble bathrooms with showers, well-appointed reservable meeting rooms, and a shared communal kitchen with amenities. Tenants also have access to a gym, sauna, lockers, and bike storage.
In addition to office and coworking spaces, Labour Temple offers several special event spaces suitable for groups of 6 – 150 guests. Everything from an intimate cocktail party to large company gatherings and multiple day workshops can come to life with the help of Labour Temple’s event coordinator, on site to assist with planning, catering, and more. Event spaces are fully furnished, and options include several indoor areas along with a private courtyard and rooftop terrace with water views. Both outdoor spaces were designed by Berger Partnership taking cues from Highline Park in New York.
Art throughout the property has been curated by Berkano Gallery and works by local artists line the walls. Artists are rotated on a quarterly basis and works can be viewed during the Belltown Art Walk each month, with “featured” artists on site to answer questions and share inspiration. Additionally, Labour Temple will host activations throughout the year for both tenants and the general public.
Since January Labour Temple has seen an uptick in interest and leasing activity and bookings of their private event spaces. Visit www.labourtemple.com to learn more and follow @labourtemple for news and updates.
