Elliott Bay Book Co. opens in its new digs

Elliott Bay Book Co. opened Wednesday at its new home on Capitol Hill, in an old truck-repair facility that is slightly smaller than its former store in Pioneer Square, but seems larger.

The spacious feel comes partly from the new store having no used-book section, something that took up about 10 percent of Elliott Bay's old space, and partly from a floor plan so open that most parts of the store can be seen from any other part.

Elliott Bay retained some of its old-school charm with wooden floors and beams, and the same cedar bookcases it had in Pioneer Square.

A couple dozen customers explored the new store at 1521 10th Ave. at lunchtime on Wednesday, many locating their favorite sections and taking pictures.

Neil Smith, one of the picture takers, said he needs time to adjust to the new space.

"I miss the old quaintness, but I'm glad the floors still creak," he said.

Another picture taker, Hien Nguyen, liked the expansive floor plan and skylights.

"I like it a lot better than the old place. I thought it was crowded with nooks and crannies," he said.

Joe Baird, a customer since 1985, is concerned that it will not attract tourists and downtown shoppers like it used to.

"It seems like this area is going to favor students and people who live in the surrounding area," he said. "Before, most people on a journey downtown would stop by Elliott Bay."

Bookstore owner Peter Aaron expects more customers on Capitol Hill, especially in the evening.

Elliott Bay's busiest time of day in Pioneer Square was from noon until midafternoon, and it was practically dead at night, he said.

He already notices more people taking evening strolls near the new store.

"There's a dense residential population base that was completely lacking in Pioneer Square," Aaron said.

He also likes the parking situation, which includes a lot one block south of the store. It costs $5 for two hours, but customers who spend $20 will be reimbursed $4.

There is handicapped parking under the bookstore, next to a room for author readings that holds 200 people rather than the former room's capacity of about 150.

Elliott Bay Café, better known as EBC, remained in the basement of the bookstore's Pioneer Square location and will open a second cafe inside the new store in a couple weeks, Aaron said.

The bookstore's new next-door neighbor is EveryDay Music, which vacated 1600 Broadway — the building with the Jimi Hendrix statue in front — to make way for Blick Art Materials. The Chicago-based art-supply shop will hold a grand opening with music from Emerald City Soul Club beginning at noon on April 22.

Melissa Allison: 206-464-3312 or mallison@seattletimes.com