Tucked away on the concourse level of Seattle’s Pacific Place Mall, you’ll find a colorful place designed to inspire creativity in kids ages 4 to 99.
Emerald Brick Road is not your traditional LEGO® Store. It’s an independent business, separate from the LEGO® Group, which means you and yours can create your own structures using authentic LEGO® bricks onsite at the company’s studio or, in the very near future, find design kits to build at home.
In launching the studio, founder and Lead Creator Julia Terlinchamp had a clear vision for Emerald Brick Road: “I wanted to build a space where people of all ages can build, connect, and create,” she said. “Watching different generations interact here, especially adults who think LEGO® is just for kids, has been the most rewarding part.”
My husband and I recently visited Emerald Brick Road with our 11-year-old daughter and watched her customize her own infinity cube ($12). Her father assisted and helped find bricks that matched her preferred pastel color scheme. This build took about 30 minutes to complete and considering she often fidgets with this infinity cube while she reads, I say this purchase was a bargain.
Dad and daughter create together (Photo by Erika Almanza Brown)
Something for everyone
Terlinchamp is determined that Emerald Brick Road be “an inclusive, welcoming environment.” Toward that goal, the shop offers building activities for people of all levels. Beginners can try their hand at a “Piraft”, a pirate raft with a LEGO® pirate miniature figure ($10), while intermediate builders can create a Mallow Mayhem Machine, a new, thrilling option featuring a working catapult that launches miniature marshmallows ($17). Each kit includes LEGO® bricks, instructions, and studio time needed to finish the project onsite.
Need something for your advanced builders? The shop will soon offer more custom builds like this one created by Terlinchamp: a framed Mount Rainier kit, complete with evergreen trees, trails, and waterfalls. That kit ($59.99) should be available in time for the holidays. Another example is the miniature working crossbow that shoots a LEGO® Technic™ brick. Beyond that, Emerald Brick Road sells more challenging LEGO® sets from popular series like Star Wars, Friends, and the Architecture line.
You’ll want to take time to admire the LEGO® Minifigures and sets on display. A miniature version of Pike Place Market accurately includes flowers on the roof and buskers but also adds whimsical characters like a yeti and Jimothy, the viral Ballard raccoon with a curved spine.
(Pro tip: Occupy younger members of the family with “I Spy” using the sets displayed throughout while older builders create.)
(Photo by Julia Terlinchamp)
Striving to be affordable
While Emerald Brick Road sells new sets at retail prices, the shop offers other lower-cost options. Pre-made LEGO® Minifigures start at $4 each. Or perhaps your child (or inner child) would like to take a chance at the LEGO® Minifigure Vending Machine ($5). The store is stocked with $4.99 LEGO® Polybags, mini build sets featuring Batman, Star Wars, Animal Crossing, Ninjago, or Friends characters.
Look for $1 mini sets soon, and when the studio is quiet, be sure to ask about a “free build” option. (Shh, it’s a secret.)
Have some missing pieces? The shop will soon offer a “pick-a-brick” option for those seeking specific LEGO® pieces to replace missing bricks from current sets or for one’s unique creations. By selling pre-owned bricks, the cost may be less than purchasing new online—a win for budget-conscious shoppers.
Make it a family outing
Traveling to downtown Seattle can be a trek. Make your visit a full family outing or an option when entertaining out-of-town guests:
Take either the Monorail or Link downtown, both of which are a short distance to Pacific Place Mall. Also consider driving to the shop on weekends or after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays when Amazon parking garages provide free parking. Also remember that on-street city metered parking is free on Sundays.
Visit nearby Pike Place Market or the newly renovated waterfront and then take a break from the heat (or rain) at Emerald Brick Road. There, you can rest your tired feet and let your creativity run in the shop’s cool air conditioning.
If you time it right, visit Midnight Cookie Co., located next door to Emerald Brick Road, during happy hour between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., when customers get a free cookie with the purchase of a cookie or coffee. Too early for you? Take the elevator up to the fourth floor to Pike Place Chowder for its daily happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The wait times here are a fraction of its flagship location, and seating is often available.
(Photo by Julia Terlinchamp)
More to come
At just three months old, Terlinchamp has big plans for Emerald Brick Road, so be sure to follow the shop on Instagram and Facebook, or sign up to receive email updates about upcoming workshops, happy hour events, and newly released custom builds.
Those looking to book studio time for private events and parties or to have Emerald Brick Road visit with their troop, class, or community group can email Julia Terlinchamp at [email protected] or call 206-657-6751 for more information.
If you go
You’ll find Emerald Brick Road at 600 Pine St. Ste. C28, on the concourse level in Pacific Place Mall. Hours very: Wednesdays noon to 6:00 p.m., Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday’s noon to 5:00 p.m.
