News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
A huge chandelier made out of PVC pipe was created for the Voltage Coffee House, soon to open on Spokane Way. Owner Solveig Chaffee found the pipe in the attic and twisted it into shape as the central lighting fixture. - Roger S. Lucas photos
Voltage Coffee House owner Solveig Chaffee is at the counter in front of steel sheets of roofing that will provide a backdrop at the new business. Chaffee has salvaged many of her construction needs from construction pieces found in the old Carpenter's Hall. The business is scheduled to open in the spring.
How do you make a building constructed in 1938 look new?
You can, but it takes hundreds of hours of painstaking work to make it happen.
Solveig Chaffee has done it.
She plans to open the Voltage Coffee House at 140 Spokane Way in Grand Coulee in late March or early April.
The building originally housed the Carpenter's Union when it opened in 1938, and later a hair salon and at one time a bakery.
Solveig laughingly stated last week that, "I've created a job for myself."
People familiar with the building will appreciate the hard work it took to fashion the building for the upcoming coffee house.
If you stated that the place is all new, you'd be wrong. It is all old, or practically so.
There were seven rooms in the building and a low ceiling that Chaffee altered.
The ceiling was opened up to create a spacious feel when you enter the building.
Solveig pried up every piece of flooring in the place, turned it upside down, sanded it, and put it down again, making a polished wood floor that not only represents scores of hours with a sanding machine, but a creative sense about the place.
In the center of the public area is a giant chandelier, a creation of Solveig's using polycarbonate pipe that was found in the attic.
That was bent into shape and electrified for a gigantic centerpiece.
The old metal roof was taken off and pieces of it now provide a backdrop for the service counter, and it is also used as the facing for the counter.
Two brick fire stacks are located in the seating area, where at one time stoves were situated to keep the place warm.
Two restrooms feature some old paneling that has been recycled, giving the areas a relaxed look.
Throughout the building, wood boards have been re-used along with beams to give a new look to old products.
At the entranceway outside, material was removed to reveal a beaded ceiling cover.
Solveig plans to serve breakfast and lunch with prepared products, which will also be available for take out, and a variety of treats throughout the day.
Hours are projected to be 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It will definitely be a place to regroup, relax and recharge.
The business was inspired by European coffee houses, where you can walk in, sit down on a sofa or at a table, and just relax, if you choose.
"We strive to be a center for social interaction and will look for opportunities to be a community partner, such as hosting meetings, special events, classes, concerts and more," Solveig noted.
A small meeting room will be available for community groups.
Chaffee said the coffee used will be roasted by Blue Star Coffee Roasters from Twisp and available for sale. All the food products will be made on site. Voltage Coffee House will be open Thursday through Monday.
Reader Comments(0)