We Are Moving!

In the spirit of parenting teens who have just told me something I’m not quite sure of…OK, tell me more?

Why?

First of all I hate change and I hate moving more.  So you can imagine there is a good reason for all of this. Besides creating a space all our own - think uncovering original 1910 windows, repurposed wood floors from an old school, even a small outdoor plant area, and good lighting (finally!), we are excited to share that we will be moving into a building we own! One of the biggest challenges our small business has had is being in a location that we rent, a lot to unpack here but lets just say landlord priorities often differ from a small business’s. Add in the uncertainty of a block primed for development and it was time to take the leap. 

Where?

405 WEST GALER ST. We also couldn’t have even dreamed of taking this leap without the support of our amazing customers over the past 10 years (holy smokes 10 years!!) so we are so stoked that we will continue to be on Queen Anne. Our new home has a rich history. Built in 1909, housing Nelsen’s Grocery in 1919 - the longest running grocery store on Queen Anne they even had french baked goods and ice cream in 1919, and eventually becoming home to Rafael Carrabba Violins. For 40 years Carrabba has been known for it’s dedication to restoration and preservation of some of the world’s finest string instruments! We are so excited to carry on the energy and spirit of this location.

When??

This fall. Not so ironically the only time I am excited for change is you guessed it - when the leaves start changing.  Expect our new location towards the end of October. I am dreaming up workshops and opening events so if you are interested in being the first to know, sign up here.  

What?

So much what. If you’re still with me, perhaps you’ll appreciate a brief history lesson first…Queen Anne Frame and Gift has been on the hill long before Nick and I took over.  April 1st 2016 happened because Phillip and Joan had established Queen Anne Frame/Avenue of the Arts 27 years before. Did you know our business began as McGraw Street Framing over on Mcgraw St? The space we are in currently was once occupied by Janet Paolini’s moving business, she was one of the first women in Seattle to do estimates for moving people and businesses. You can now find her daughters Sabrina and Tara running Queen Anne Dispatch. Being in our 10th year we do not take for granted the legacy we have gotten to be a part of. Queen Anne is rich with community and stories, intertwined in so much of what we do is this neighborhood. Sponsoring QA Little League, QA Farmers Market, participating in Halloween and Wine Walks (ok but WILL you venture around the corner for these things?? If you feel strongly please message me), supporting local non-profits - this is all possible because of our amazing customers, seriously THE BEST. So my hope for 405 W Galer St is to continue to have a space you can wander through, be inspired by, and pause from the hecticness of life. It’s gonna be fun - lots of wall space for showcasing local artists, great lighting to show off all the handmade goods, a beautiful design space for framing, and yes a small little plant patio (you know this is how Nick finally convinced me).

Excited, a bit overwhelmed, and slightly exhausted - we look forward to celebrating with you all in our new space. Like a great vintage coupe - so many past stories to tell, we are honored to add ours in this next chapter.  cheers, Kirsty & Nick

In the meantime you can find us in our current location, and let’s keep leading an inspired life, together