Métier: A New Kind of Third Place

After ~6 years at a location off of Nickerson in the Fremont district, Herriott Sports Performance (aka “HSP”) is rebranding as Métier, and relocating to Capitol Hill. During a recent construction-phase tour of the new location with owners Todd Herriott and David Richter, it dawned on me that Métier is an interesting variation on the third place concept.

Video: Todd and David tell us how to pronounce Métier.

A “third place” is defined as a social space that is distinct from home (the “first place”) and the workplace (“second place”), and has characteristics that make it an anchor of community life. In the case of Métier, the community anchor will primarily be the café, with a bit of community anchoring from the training facility (fitness clubs get acknowledged as third places.)

Starbucks is based on the third place concept. Other notable Seattle-area third places include Third Place Books and Lake Forest Park Town Centre.

The idea for a hybrid café, bicycle retail and service shop, and training and coaching facility had been in the works for some time. When HSP opened their Pro Shop in Fremont, they started out with espresso machinery, but that space didn’t really support the café vision.

Métier is a significant upgrade from HSP. It’s a humongous 12,500 square-foot, three-level facility at 1017 E Union St. The main level features the café, retail space, and modular spaces at the rear where fitness classes and yoga will happen. A wide stairway opens to the basement level where there is a fitness and training space, men’s and women’s locker rooms (including, we’re promised, CLEAN showers), massage rooms, and the bicycle service area. The bicycle service area is easily accessed via an alleyway to the west. Above the main floor is a loft with office space and a meeting space with a large custom table.

To implement their master plan, Todd and David have assembled a crew that fills in areas outside of their areas of expertise:

Eric Cockrell: Chef
Eric Wallace: General manager
Karen Shattuck: Massage therapist
Chris Johnson: Running coach and physical therapy

Retail will include bikes from Alchemy, Colnago, Specialized S-Works, Sarto, Guru, and Cervelo; clothing from Sportful, Castelli, Craft, Assos, and DeMarchi; and tailored activewear from Parker Dusseau.

Planned fitness classes include Redcord, kettlebell training, yoga, and recovery (in the form of Trigger Point).

Fitness classes and use of the facilities is based on a membership model:

Available until November 1:
–Founder’s Membership: $5,000
2 yr membership w/perks
–Supporter’s Membership: $1,500
1 yr membership with unlimited access to the gym, classes, and perks

Ongoing membership levels:
12-month all-inclusive (pay for 11 months get 12): $1,925
Month-to-month all inclusive: $175
12-month training space only (no classes, pay for 11 months get 12): $1,375
Month-to-month training space only: $125

Class passes:
Single class: $18.00
5-classes: $85.50
10-classes: $162.00

Métier also plans to host speakers and events, and to lead bicycle tours.

As reported by Capitol Hill Seattle, Métier is one of three new bicycle-focused café businesses opening on Cap Hill. Peloton, located at 12th and Jefferson, has been founded by several prominent members of Seattle’s bike polo scene and is slated to launch by late October. The third cycling café is apparently top secret.

Métier plans a soft launch on October 17, and a grand opening celebration all-day November 14.

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