With the frustrating, if not saddening, news that Napa Auto Parts is closing its Westlake Ave location comes a rejuvenating story of how these vacant spaces can be re-purposed to serve the community.
University Presbyterian Church’s South Lake Union church, known simply as Union, just recently moved into a place at 415 Westlake known in a past life as Westlake Electronic Supply.
Union plans to use the building to provide a space where people can meet, celebrate and discover together. To this end, the main purposes of this 6,000 sq. ft. space will be to provide a venue for community events and host a chocolate café.
Union's aim, in part, is to fill the meeting space void that will be left once the Armory Building begins its transformation into the new home for the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).
According to a UPC newsletter, once the extreme makeover of the building is complete (target date: July), it will be a site for concerts, receptions, lecture series, dinners, fundraisers, auctions, dances, office parties and activities yet to be dreamed. The chocolate café is expected to be a gathering place selling chocolate baked goods, chocolate drinks, chocolate bars and coffee.
Go to www.unionchurchseattle.org to learn more about Union and their plans for 415 Westlake.
