After modern split, Capitol Hill corner home to old-time Canterbury Tavern readied for MOOV movement and fitness studio
(Image: MOOV Seattle)
Capitol Hill has changed. The corner where the Canterbury Tavern soothed souls and damaged livers for decades will soon be providing curated low-impact wellness synergy.
Seattle boutique fitness studio MOOV is working on a major Capitol Hill expansion, with plans to open a new studio inside the historic Fredonia building at 15th Ave E and E Mercer.
The move will bring the brand’s community-centered fitness concept to the ground floor formerly occupied by the legendary Canterbury Ale House, according to permit paperwork filed with the city.
The nearly 120-year-old building, acquired in 2023 by Pacific Northwest commercial real estate investment and development firm Meriwether Partners as affordable provider Community Roots Housing sold off some of its long-held portfolio, has been undergoing a street level overhaul dividing the cavernous 5,000-square-foot former tavern and a short-lived restaurant that followed into two commercial suites. While building ownership initially envisioned food and beverage concepts, the split paved the way for another type of complementary business. Perhaps a future commercial neighbor will continue the Canterbury’s more hedonistic legacy.
15th Ave E’s current era of growth has been on pause as the old QFC block awaits a six-story redevelopment stalled along with major development across most of the Hill by high interest rates, inflation, and a suboptimal rental economy. In the meantime, arts groups like LOVECITYLOVE and the Punk Rock Flea Market are keeping the area busy. And small businesses like Sweet Mary’s Cherries are making temporary homes in the someday to be demolished buildings.
MOOV is making a more permanent investment with a planned $600,000 buildout of its new Fredonia space. It will come in a recent wave of major gym and fitness investments across Capitol Hill including the expansion of Henry’s Gymnasium with a 2024 opening on Boylston Ave and the plans for new gyms from Rain City Fit including its $10.1 million acquisition this year of 13th Ave’s old Auto Accessories building.
Suit of armor not included
Commercial retail space at the Fredonia is listed at a base rent of $40.00 per square foot annually under a triple net structure including taxes, insurance, and upkeep. For the 1,752-square-foot street commercial suite adjacent to the future MOOV, base rent calculates to roughly $70,080 per year with the tenant also responsible for their proportionate share of property taxes, building insurance, and maintenance.
Founded in 2021 by Erin Dickieson, MOOV has built a loyal Seattle following across its Elliott Avenue mat and recovery sanctuary and its South Lake Union studio — a dedicated hub for the Lagree Method, where clients perform high-intensity, low-impact workouts using the spring-loaded Megaformer apparatus.
A 15th Ave E location marks the brand’s first venture onto Capitol Hill, bringing high-intensity, low-impact training, recovery amenities, and its dog-friendly, body-neutral community ethos to the changing street and marking a new start for the storied corner.
MOOV Capitol Hill will be located at 534 15th Ave E. Learn more at moovseattle.com.
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