Update, April 22

If you've walked by the empty space where Bauhaus Coffee and Third Place Books are supposed to open, you might be saddened to see that nothing -- or at least very little -- has happened.

We called Bauhaus Coffee and Books and have received word that they are planning to open in August now.

We will be talking to a manager within the next few days. Stay tuned.

Orignal, Nov 15

It's been a while. But Ballardites will finally be able to purchase cheap, used books again.

Though the date isn't set quite yet (possibly sometime in February, sources say) because of permitting and remodeling that still has to be done, a new branch of Twice Sold Tales will be opening up along with Bauhaus Coffee in the old Epilogue Books location on 20th Ave NW and NW Market St.

According to John Watkins, the owner, they will have about 900 sq ft of space that they will be renting from Bauhaus. They will have an entry on 20th Ave NW as well as one through the coffeeshop. Bauhaus will have the main corner entry.

Watkins originally owned the University District Twice Sold Tales, which he closed down so he could take care of his father on Vashon Island. Now that his father has passed away, he is looking to get back into bookselling, which he has done for 20 years now.

Jamie Lutton, the owner of the original Capitol Hill location, as well as the Queen Anne location which she had to sell, is helping Watkins stock the new store. She said that the store will have a lot of paperback literature, science fiction, mystery, nautical nonfiction and more. Watkins is really good at her job and knows what to pick out, she said.

Lutton said that they both love the Ballard neighborhood.

"I've always liked Ballard and it seems to be kind of a hopping neighborhood these days," Watkins said. "A lot of folks from capitol hill go down to Ballard, so it's a good fit for us."

Watkins hopes to fill the void left in Ballard by the closure of Epilogue Books. Though there are other stores that sell books, such as Secret Garden Books, Watkins hopes to add more depth to the literary scene in Ballard.

As if a coffeeshop-and-bookstore combo weren't Ballard-y enough, Watkins has also handcrafted two sailboats. Depending on space and the remodeling, Watkins might have the smaller of the two on display, he said, which our local sea-folk might enjoy.

Watkins said that he has always enjoyed books and being a bookseller.

"Just the pleasure of matching the book to the reader is kind of wonderful ... it's kind of the family culture," he said.

Watkins said he will fill people in on more details as they get closer to opening.

"As things progress we'll be telling our customers more and more what the move in date's going to be and what the store will be like."

As for a cat? Lutton said that she's hoping for one, but hasn't talked to Bauhaus Coffee at length about it.

"We're looking for a cat who won't go into the coffeeshop," she said. "We might find a furball that doesn't have to move that much."

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