We recently completed a restaurant tenant improvement project for Cycene, the newest addition to the bustling Pike Place Market restaurant scene in Seattle. Cycene takes the place of Bayou on 1st, a Creole restaurant that inhabited the space for 14 years before closing in late summer 2016. The space was a little worse for wear when Cycene took over the lease and needed some work before the new restaurant could open for business. They hired architecture firm Atelier Drome to design the space and Hammer & Hand to do the build out.
Pike Place Market dictates what the storefront exteriors look like, so we kept the exterior as-is, but Cycene added maple butcher block tables and seating. The interior, however, received a serious facelift.
Before
After
Where tables once sat in front of the window now has a continuous counter and chairs for patrons to sit and eat while watching the bustle outside. The team kept the existing counters but gave them new fronts, paint, and maple butcher block countertops. A black and white paint job on the walls helps make the space feel bigger and more modern.
Before
After
The team also kept the existing booths, but made some modifications to update the look and comfort of the seating area. H&H cut down the booths to open up the area and provide more visual space into the restaurant. New black upholstery and paint created a clean, modern look. New hardwood flooring covers the existing concrete floor and warms up the space.
Before
After
One change the team made that isn’t visible, but may come in handy, is modifying half of the u-shaped counter in the back to be removable. The wall lifts out for easy access to the heavy duty stove in case it needs to be taken out and replaced in the future.
We really enjoyed working on this quick commercial TI project for such a great restaurant. They’re now open for business, so be sure to stop by if you’re in the Seattle area!
