Stopping by the Totem House across from the Ballard Locks, it's evident that change is coming to the landmark chowder house.

While the exterior still looks the same, the interior has been gutted to expose high ceilings with beautiful old cedar beams.

"The place needs a lot work," said Michael Shepherd, one of the Shepherd sibling who recently became the new tenants of the Totem House to expand Red Mill Burgers to a third location.

The exterior, including the tall totem pole, will be repainted but kept intact and an outdoor patio will be added to accommodate more Red Mill Burgers fans.

The interior, is getting a full make-over. In addition to exposing the old cedar beams, the owners took down the walls to make a bigger, more spacious area that will seat more customers.

Build in the 1930s, the Totem House has been a landmark in Seattle for decades. Before getting the 10-year-lease last month, Shepherd said they were eying the building six years ago but the owners didn't want to sell it at the time. So when it became known that the Totem House was closing in December, the Shepherd family went after it again.

"It's just such a great location and we love the building," Shepherd said.

Shepherd said this is the third (and potential last) Red Mill Burgers in Seattle and it will be a hybrid.
The menu will consist of eight of Red Mill's popular burgers and unlike its other locations, Red Mill Totem House will also offer fish and chips, and chowder.

"I just think [chowder] goes with everything," said Shepherd.

Red Mill Burgers has been successful in Phinney Ridge for 17 years and 12 years in Interbay. Shepherd said they're hoping their reputation and popularity will bring customers to their new location.

Shepherd said they're tentatively opening in September.