Local brewery will bring Steelhead’s Alley to SoDo
Many folks have wondered what would become of the old Pyramid Alehouse, which for many years served as a pre-game destination for sports fans. The building has been sitting empty since the spring of 2020 when Pyramid moved out.
Yesterday the Seattle Mariners announced that they have signed a long-term lease and will take over the property on 1st Avenue directly across from the ballpark. They also announced some key partnerships in the plan to create a multi-use venue that will include a restaurant, a boutique brewpub, an event venue, and more. For the beer side of the project, the Mariners partnered with Métier Brewing.
“The Seattle Mariners and MBC (Métier Brewing Company) just announced Steelhead’s Alley,” said a statement from Métier Brewing on social media. “MBC will be the resident brewery on site for the brewery/taproom, formerly the beer production area of the Pyramid Brewing in Seattle. Opening August 2022, Steelhead’s Alley will honor the Seattle Steelheads, the Negro League team of 1946.”
According to Rodney Hines, the CEO/co-founder of Métier Brewing, “When the chance to partner with the Mariners arose, we were incredibly excited by the opportunity to be part of this history and reach even more people with our award-winning beers and mission to inspire bigger dreams for all.”
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“We feel really fortunate to be joining the organization at such an exciting and critical time and look forward to the many ways this space will provide access to fans and community members from all backgrounds,” added Hines.
The Mariners released a statement today explaining more details about the plan. Along with the brewpub and restaurant, the new venue will include a flexible interior event space that could accommodate groups as large as 800 people. They also said that as the development of the property continues, plans may include such things as community space made available to support businesses with women and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) ownership.
“This revitalization redevelopment comes at a critical time for Seattle,” said the statement from Métier Brewing. “There is a lot of meaningful work underway by many of you — NGOs, civic leaders, biz leaders, driven agitators, artists…. This is one way we play our part. And MBC is looking forward to this opportunity to reach a broader audience with our mission, values, and award-winning beers. Thanks to all of you who give us energy and love to keep us going.”
The Mariners say that in addition to its commitment to people, this project also represents a commitment to the SoDo neighborhood that it calls home.
“By leasing and renovating the vacant property across from T-Mobile Park, we are investing in our neighborhood’s health and economic vitality,” said Fred Rivera, Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President and General Counsel. “Reactivating this prime property, which has been vacant since spring of 020, will have long-term benefits for the immediate area and over time, as our plans continue to unfold, we hope to activate the space in ways that will provide economic opportunities and equitable outcomes for the broader community.”
Hospitality plans for the property include:
- Steelheads Alley, a boutique brewpub with Resident Brewer Rodney Hines, co-founder and CEO of Métier Brewing, Washington’s first Black-owned brewery.
- A restaurant with seating for 250 guests. (Described as an upscale sports bar.)
- Indoor/outdoor event space that would be open for events at T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field and other special events.
- Flexible interior space that could accommodate up to 800 people for events such as weddings, parties, community gatherings to view sports events, and so on.
As far as the timeline is concerned, the goal is to open next summer.
Though the company has yet to make an official announcement, there are indications Métier Brewing, which is based in Woodinville, also plans to open a location in Seattle’s Central District. The Washington Beer Blog is following that story and will keep readers posted.
