Kevin Carlson loves Ballard. He was born and raised here and has always dreamed of opening a place. Now his dream is coming true.
Carlson bought The Station Bistro on Leary, which closed in December of last year, and he’s transforming it into a new bar called Shelter. He’s doubling the square footage by adding a giant outdoor area that he hopes will be a year-round gathering space. There will be heating lamps during the colder months, and he’s working with the city to get a fireplace outside. With the garage doors opening out to the new patio, Carlson says it will be a one-of-a-kind bar. “It’s gonna be super unique,” he says, “I don’t know about another indoor/outoor bar.”
The design of the new construction has a “mid-century modern vibe” inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Carlson wants to create something that people can’t miss. Along with the new patio, he’s planning to line the perimeter of the property with trees and green. Shelter will have “really good bar food,” Carlson tells us. He’s thinking Latin-infused foods like Cuban sandwiches, good salads and some vegetarian dishes. He’s hoping to open by the end of July, but it all depends on permits from the city.