PORT TOWNSEND — The historic Good Templars Hall has been purchased by Good Templars Building LLC, which intends to create flexible spaces for artists’ studios, maker spaces and office suites.
Located at 280 Quincy St., the building has been vacant for two years. It was previously occupied by Jefferson Community School.
Built in 1870 for the Independent Order of Good Templars, the building is three levels with a day-lighted lower floor that opens to a side garden.
With expertise in the reuse of historic buildings, the group intends to bring the building back to its former charm, offering flexible spaces for artists’ studios, maker spaces and office suites.
“The hall is in good condition with new wiring, plumbing and mechanical updates,” said Rob Larsen, part of the ownership group, which is comprised of three real estate development and management professionals who are working in the Pacific Northwest.
“But we intend to make it a very special place to focus on your business.”
He said the group’s vision is not an all-access workspace solution but rather curated spaces that meet the demand for artist studios to professional suites.
“The lower level is perfect for dedicated spaces and private offices with direct access to the outdoors,” he said. “We plan to re-landscape the side yard as an outdoor room that will serve as a working extension of the building and activate the street scape.”
The ownership group has hired Port Townsend architect Richard Berg with Terrapin Architecture for the interior design.
“It’s important to us that the interiors are thoughtfully done and Mr. Berg prepared the hall for use by Jefferson Community School and currently serves on the Port Townsend Historic Preservation Committee, he will ensure that we preserve the original character of the hall in all that we do,” Larsen added.
“We love historic buildings and the ability to preserve history while reimagining the use. We look forward to working with the local community and learning more about the current demand for space.”
