One of my favorite buildings is recognized.
The annual American Institute of Architects’ (AIA)
Institute Honor Awards program announced
that King Street Station in Seattle, WA
has been selected from a total of 500 national
submissions. The project is one of the recipients
selected by the AIA for excellency in architecture.
Congratulations to ZGF. Read more about it here.
Category: Renovation
Beautiful Googie Architecture
In 1953, Seattle artist Lewis Nasmyth was hired to “rustle up” a design
for a western-style gas station in Georgetown. Featuring a 44-ft. wide
cowboy hat and 22-ft. high boots, the Hat n’ Boots opened the next year
to a stampede of customers. In fact, for a time it was the biggest selling
station in the state. Legend has it even Elvis dropped by when he was in
town during the World’s Fair in ’62. But in the early 60’s, a new interstate
I-5 started diverting traffic away from the station. By the late 80’s it
pretty much looked like trail’s end for the Hat n’ Boots. That’s when some
Georgetown residents saddled up to rescue the soul of their community
established a permanent home for them in Oxbow Park.
Beautiful Historic Brewery
Seattle has a wonderful, convoluted history when it
comes to brewery companies and Georgetown was at
the epicenter. Some of these wonderful old building are
what’s left behind. Many have become artist’s studios
while others will become residential projects. Seattle’s
thriving beer scene today remains rooted in its 19th century
origins. Check out a great Brief History for an interesting read.
Beautiful 300 Year Old House Renovated
This home renovation in Tel Aviv is breath-taking.
This 300-plus year-old house is located in the ancient
port city of Jaffa, the oldest part of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa
municipality in Israel. The gorgeous renovation is by
the Tel Aviv-based Pitsou Kedem Architects
well-known for their minimalist approach to
architecture and design. The design maximizes
the sea view while keeping the historical feel of
the building intact. It feels like a sanctuary.
I love the gorgeous arches, the exposed texture
of the old stone, and the beautiful balance between
the old and the new, such poise. Seriously beautiful.
Beautiful Hotel Interior
I love the simplicity, eclectic and friendly character of this
renovated hotel in Alabama. So many boutique hotels
are over done and pretentious but not the Alabama Hotel.
Situated in the inner city, The Alabama Hotel has been
recently revived and re-opened after a near-decade
long hiatus. Its boutique budget status keeps a personal
creative feel without costing a year’s pay. Artwork on the
walls includes Tom O’Hearn, Aeden Howlett and Stu Dobell.
Beautiful Musings 