The studio, built in 1920 has a rich and colorful history. Originally the building had a dual purpose; by day it was a model “T” tire store, a sort of Les Schwab of the the 20’s, by night the basement became a notorious speakeasy. The establishment featured local talents many of which were immortalized in frescos on the restaurant walls.  Still remaining is that little square hole in the wall that one would speak into "Hey, Joe sent me".

The building changed hands in the 60”s and was sold to Larry – “Polk” – Potrias, a local legend in the café style racing circuit, converted the space into a vintage European motorcycle shop, one of only a few in the country. The building eventually fell into disrepair and Polk agreed to sell.

In a 1998 we acquired the structure and began extensive restoration work, now the building is on the historical register. At the time my studio was located in Pioneer Squares historic underground in Seattle. 

The space was in the basement of the old Buttnick Building and oddly enough was also a speakeasy in the 30’s. I sense a pattern. I relished the possibilities of life above ground with ample head space and volumes of light. A year later I began blowing glass in the new facility and the rest is history.