Kevin Carlson was born and raised in Ballard – he graduated from Ballard High School in 1994 – and his family has a history here – they owned Jones Brothers Meats under the Sunset Hotel, which burned down in 2000.

He said he wants his new bar, Shelter, to represent that localness.

"I've been wanting a place in Ballard forever," he said.

Carlson bought the property at 4910 Leary Ave. N.W. in January. The Station, another bar at that location, closed in December.

He said he wants Shelter to be a laid-back local hangout and he loves the location.

To add a touch of the neighborhood's history, Carlson is using a lot of cedar in Shelter.

"Ballard used to be the cedar capital of the world," he said.

The corner location has an abundance of nearby parking, is close to Ballard Avenue, and is the first and last thing people see as they head in and out of Ballard, Carlson said.

Shelter will feature outdoor seating, an outdoor fireplace and a unique indoor/outdoor bar.

The bar, made out of cedar, will be a complete circle half inside the building and half outside.

Carlson said he is also talking to the city about tearing up the nearby sidewalk planters, which are filled with concrete, and replacing them with greenery.

"I want to make something here that you can't miss," he said.

Carlson said he could not name an opening date for the bar because there are still permitting issues with the city.