The historic Canterbury establishment on Capitol Hill is about to undergo significant changes as developers plan to renovate the 118-year-old Fredonia building. Eschewing its previous identity as a beloved pub, the space will be split into two distinct commercial units, reflecting the evolving needs of the neighborhood.
Meriwether Partners, owners of the Fredonia building located at 15th and Mercer, are spearheading this transformation. Joel Aslanian from Meriwether cited the size of the old Canterbury space as a challenge for contemporary in-city restaurants, stating, “The old Canterbury/Meliora space is quite large for an in-city restaurant these days.”
After the closure of Meliora, which replaced The Canterbury in 2023, Meriwether struggled to find a suitable replacement tenant despite exploring several options. The renovation aims to enhance the property’s appeal and align it with modern commercial tenant requirements.
“We’ve tried to plan a facade that would work for just about anybody, bringing more light and air and a contemporary feel to the street level,” Aslanian explained.
The upgrade is not just about aesthetics. The proposed changes include wide-open windows and roll-up doors, fostering a connection to outdoor spaces—features that modern businesses often seek.
This renovation forms part of a larger wave of redevelopment along 15th Ave E. A six-story project is anticipated for the old QFC block, indicating ongoing changes in the area. Meanwhile, artistic initiatives, such as LOVECITYLOVE and the Punk Rock Flea Market, are contributing to the vibrancy of Capitol Hill, while small businesses like Haunted Burrow Books are finding temporary homes in buildings scheduled for demolition.
Aslanian hopes construction will commence next month, with completion expected by the end of the year. He reassured the community, indicating that significant disruptions to sidewalks or streets in front of the Fredonia building are not anticipated.
Preliminary designs for the new facade showcase separate entrances for potential restaurant and tavern spaces, featuring brick and rusted steel. However, Aslanian cautioned that these visuals are merely “total placeholders.”
Meriwether is currently in preliminary discussions with potential tenants, indicating that they might explore options beyond the typical bar or restaurant setups, although food and beverage businesses remain likely candidates.
This marks a significant departure from the Canterbury’s past as a medieval-themed venue that served customers for 46 years. The establishment’s closure in 2022 was closely followed by the transition to Meliora, which introduced extensive renovations but ultimately failed to thrive in the competitive market.
When The Canterbury changed ownership in 2013, it stirred concerns among longtime patrons. Former owner Stefanie Roberge expressed frustrations, claiming that the new ownership aimed for a more upscale clientele. A vocal portion of the community longed for the earlier days of the Canterbury, recalling a time when it was a cherished local institution.
The nostalgic sentiment was echoed in 2022 when fans revisited their fond memories of the bar, lamenting the loss of what they considered its glory days.
The area has seen shifts beyond just the Canterbury. Coastal Kitchen, a nearby establishment, has also closed, underscoring the larger trend of change sweeping through Capitol Hill.
Amidst all this, one iconic fixture—the Canterbury Knight—endures. This symbol of the Canterbury’s rich history remains, and there is a glimmer of hope that it may still be featured in the new developments. “Much of the old decorations were removed by the prior tenants but there still is one suit of armor!” indicated Aslanian, hinting at the possibility of preserving a piece of the past in the evolving landscape.
As Capitol Hill continues its transformation, the changes reflect broader market trends and shifting community needs. The fate of the building’s historic character hangs in the balance as the community watches the transformation unfold. As developers strive to create a vibrant, contemporary space, the spirit of the Canterbury and its long legacy will be both a challenge and an inspiration in the revitalization efforts.
image source from：capitolhillseattle
