Adaptive Reuse from Auto Shop to Brew Pub

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

A former auto shop transforms into a tasting room for a local brewery.

Lowercase Brewing, maker of local craft beers, had a production facility in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood. It accommodated a tiny taproom, too, but when business started to boom it became clear they’d need more space for customers to enjoy their brews on site.

They found the perfect location for a new taproom in Georgetown, but the new space needed a lot of help transforming from its previous incarnation as an auto shop.

We worked with the Lowercase team to design a comfortable and laidback space on a tight budget. They wanted to ensure it was inviting while still maintaining the industrial vibe of the building and neighborhood. To bring in more light, we swapped out the original garage doors with glass-paneled versions and added large windows to allow even more light to flood into the formerly dim space.

Behind the bar, wood paneling made with planks salvaged from Boeing adds warmth and texture, as well as a great backdrop for displaying Lowercase’s signature “lowboy” cans — the brewery’s version of a growler. In fair weather, the garage doors raise up to connect the interior space with outdoor patio seating where visitors enjoy any dose available of warm Seattle sun.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – When the weather suits, the garage doors are lifted, letting the inside blend with the out.
From Autoshop to Beer Hall

Once an autoshop, this building’s adaptive reuse into a brewery taproom opens a whole new chapter. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.
From Autoshop to Beer Hall

Once an autoshop, this building’s adaptive reuse into a brewery taproom opens a whole new chapter. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – The bar features a can press to lid the lowboys with whatever brew you pick on tap.
Tools of the Trade

A can sealer occupies a prominent location on the bar counter for easy access. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Tools of the Trade

A can sealer occupies a prominent location on the bar counter for easy access. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – Custom shelving for lowboys behind the bar.
Salvaged Wood

Repurposed wood from Boeing forms the bar backdrop. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Salvaged Wood

Repurposed wood from Boeing forms the bar backdrop. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – Large tables in the bar are perfect for large groups of friends, and playing games.
Room to Mingle

The large, open space and hearty materials of the former body shop convert easily to their new use as a casual beer bar. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Room to Mingle

The large, open space and hearty materials of the former body shop convert easily to their new use as a casual beer bar. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – Large glass-paneled overhead doors let in lots of light.
Overhead Doors

Replacing the garage doors of the former autoshop with glass-paneled versions allows light deep into the space even when the doors are down. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Overhead Doors

Replacing the garage doors of the former autoshop with glass-paneled versions allows light deep into the space even when the doors are down. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – There is plenty of open floor space so there is room to mingle.
Lounge

A built-in, corner banquette creates a lounge seating area for larger groups. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Lounge

A built-in, corner banquette creates a lounge seating area for larger groups. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – Salvaged wood from Boeing forms the backdrop of the bar.
Rustic Vibes

Leaning into the well-used materials of the former auto repair shop, the bar seats are simple, sturdy, and unassuming. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.
Rustic Vibes

Leaning into the well-used materials of the former auto repair shop, the bar seats are simple, sturdy, and unassuming. Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Client Review
“Couldn't be happier with the B&V team! They helped us design our brand new taproom and it is stunning!! The team was professional, expeditious and very willing to work within our tightly constrained budget. Be it for light commercial, or residential, I don't think you could go wrong with B&V!”
View this review on Houzz.

Notes & Credits
Architecture by Board & Vellum.
Interior Design by Jenn Ross, Flourish Interiors.
General Contracting by Apuzzo Construction LLC.
Photos by John G Wilbanks Photography.

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