What was demolished along Ballard’s NW Market Street?

The land occupied by a warehouse that became something of an icon for shop workers, hobbyists, and artists is once again a clean slate.

The Fenpro warehouse at 2655 NW Market St. is almost completely demolished. All that’s left of the former World War II munitions manufacturing site is a portion of the footprint of the building.

But it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has lived in or around Seattle that construction on a new building won’t be far behind.

What are they building in Everett?

The new Nordic Museum will take the place of the warehouse that so many enjoyed for its shop and studio space. A groundbreaking celebration for the museum was held July 30. On Aug. 19, demolition was nearly complete.

The new museum will replace that of the current location at 3014 NW 67th St., which is owned by Seattle Public Schools. Permits to the City of Seattle show plans for a three-story, 57,000-square-foot building with a ground floor cafe. Current plans call for a craft studio, auditorium, climate-controlled storage, and a gallery. There will be enough parking for 77 vehicles.

The project has an estimated cost of $4.6 million.

The new museum will have a “refined layout” and expanded exhibition and educational spaces. It is scheduled to open in 2018.

Though the museum is being celebrated, it also came at a cost. The Ballard News Tribune reports the warehouse was home to “at least 20 artisans, business owners, and artists.” Those who still occupied the former warehouse were given notice to leave by March, according to the Tribune.

But the museum was forced to relocate as well. The Tribune reports that Seattle Public Schools asked the museum to leave in order to make room for a new school.

The museum is being designed by Mithun, the same company responsible for designing Weyerhaeuser’s new headquarters.

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