Hot spot: Speaking of the Elks Building, Steve Ayers reports the historic tower is nearly leased up. It was half empty when he and several partners bought the place three and a half years ago.
They've fixed it up and recruited what he calls "the right mix of tenants" -- mostly associations and lobbyists that do business at the Capitol along with McCormick & Schmick's.
With the likely signing this week of "a large statewide association" to occupy the third floor, 93 percent of the building's 118,000 square feet will be occupied, he says.
That doesn't count the basement, where there's a swimming pool -- a remnant of the building's days as an Elks hangout. We hear there's a proposal to put water in the pool, cover it with a translucent dance floor and turn the space into a club.
Ayers isn't commenting on that. But he does say he's had more serious talks with folks interested in opening a wine bar there, with sales, tastings and storage.
Aren't we saturated with those, with 58 Degrees and The Grand already open downtown and The L Urban Wine Lounge opening soon? Not yet, Ayers says.
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