Transforming an Auto Shop into a 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 room 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 chill 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 lowered, the (newly-glazed) doors of the former auto shop let in plenty of light, and glow in dark evenings.
Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – When the weather suits, the garage doors are lifted, letting the inside blend with the out.
Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

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

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

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.
Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

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

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

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.
Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

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

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

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

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

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

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom – The comfy corner nook allows for more casual, or cuddled, seating.
Lowercase Brewing Taproom

Lowercase Brewing Taproom | Photo by John G Wilbanks.

Lowercase Brewing Taproom

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
This project was built by Apuzzo Construction LLC.
Interior design by Jenn Ross, Flourish Interiors.
Photos by John G Wilbanks Photography.

Want to learn more?

You’re welcome to take a look at our available services and other portfolio projects.

Services

Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.

Portfolio

Our portfolio of work spans across a spectrum of project types and scales. We don’t have a particular “style” either: we love traditional, modern, contemporary, you name it. Our goal is to work with you to design a project you love.

Considering a project, or curious about something?

Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.

Get in touch.