Former King Smoke Shop to be transformed into Ballard Clay pottery studio

Meghan Walker Ballard

A pottery studio—Ballard Clay—will soon be opening in the former King Smoke Shop at 2834 NW Market St.

The building has been empty since King Smoke Shop moved to 7758 15th Ave NW about five years ago. The property, which includes Sloop Tavern next door, sold in April last year for $2.5 million. The buyer was 28 Market LLC.

Now, Ballard Clay is bringing new life into the vacated smoke shop. The building is undergoing a massive renovation.

Ballard Clay owner Rebecca Sorensen has been running a studio in her home in Sunset Hill for the last two years. She offers classes, events, and workshops for potters, and occasionally hosts “Pints and Platters” events at local breweries.

According to the website, Ballard Clay will be open in late July.