One of Fremont’s most recognizable historic buildings is entering a new chapter and neighbors might want to keep an eye on how it unfolds.
At a May 16 meeting of the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board’s Architectural Review Committee, a representative from Graham Baba Architects, on behalf of the Fremont Dock Company, presented early plans to adapt the Fremont Trolley Barn for new use.
Built in 1905, the Trolley Barn has always served industrial purposes, from streetcars to beer to chocolate. With Theo Chocolate having vacated the space earlier this year, the owners are proposing to carry that legacy forward by adapting the space for continued industrial use, but with a twist.
“The plan is to subdivide the large open space into about five smaller tenant spaces that would all be a variety of light industrial maker spaces,” according to Graham Baba Architects. “Things like a catering kitchen and smaller construction uses that would all need their own entries and access points.”
The proposal involves modest exterior changes, such as window replacements and the addition of new service doors.
The building is a Seattle-designated landmark, which means all exterior changes require approval from the city’s Landmarks Preservation Board to ensure the character of the structure is protected. The May 16 meeting was just a preliminary briefing, no formal approvals have been issued yet. A full Certificate of Approval will be needed before the project can move forward.
Expect a revised proposal to come before the full Landmarks Board in a future public meeting. Community members can attend, review materials, and share feedback.
Resources:
- Meeting Agenda – Landmark Preservation Board, May 16, 2025 (PDF)
- Fremont Trolley Barn Project Brief (PDF)
- Seattle Landmarks Board Overview & Meetings
What do you think? Is this a thoughtful evolution of a historic building or should more community input be involved before it moves ahead? Share your thoughts in the comments or attend the next public meeting to stay involved.
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