Some historic buildings, if they could talk, would have endless stories to tell, brimming with the people who walked their halls. The APEX building is no different.
The APEX Art & Culture Center building, opened by Knights of Columbus in 1921 in the heart of downtown Everett, houses an enormous, glowing antique chandelier that reflects the stories of those who once roamed here.
At the time, Everett’s first civic center featured a pool, gymnasium, theater and grand ballroom. Six years later, the FreeMasons purchased the building and owned it until 1992, when it became a dance club and later a casino.
It then sat silent for 10 years.
Today, the massive building at 1611 Everett Ave. hosts multiple spaces, including a museum, performance venue and celebrated local restaurant.
Owner John Carswell chose APEX as the place to display the world’s largest collection of graffiti and urban art, called the Dogtown Collection, in the American Graffiti & Urban Art Conservation Project Museum, which reveals diverse stories of urban resilience. Kings Hall, the large music performance space, is also fast becoming the heart of Everett’s music scene.
The space is relatively new; 16Eleven opened Aug. 14, while the first performance in Kings Hall was Feb. 18, of this year.
“We want the community to feel welcomed and feel like they’re included in all that is going on at APEX,” Carswell reflects.
And coming up, the community is invited to their ‘80s Halloween dance party with A Flock of Seagulls, performing live Oct. 31.
“We quickly realized that APEX is larger than all of us. The story of this building is still unfolding, and it’s fun watching it evolve,” says Sherry Jennings, Director of PR, Marketing and Outreach.
16Eleven Chef Joel Childs. Sahara Coleman Photography.
16Eleven’s story: The Restaurant in APEX
Another highlight for locals is APEX’s restaurant, 16Eleven, says Jennings.
“The menu is a reflection of Chef Joel Child’s passion on a plate.”
He came to 16Eleven with award-winning experience from high-end U.K. restaurants and is best known locally for his former restaurant, Chef Behind the Curtain in Snohomish.
A few notes about 16Eleven
1. “In addition to seafood, dry-aged steaks and caviar service, we’re the only restaurant in the region with authentic beef Wellington,” Jennings says. The menu has other selections like deviled eggs and ahi sushi tacos.
2. The original velvet booths are from the 1920s – available on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Katie Sansone, 16Eleven’s General Manager, crafted the wine list and curated the largest wine-by-the-glass selection in the area.
4. Expansion plans include El Sid, an upscale cocktail lounge, and a fourth-floor speakeasy.
“Guests can come in for drinks and a cocktail, while others can celebrate milestone occasions and date nights,” Jennings says.
“We really want guests to arrive as guests and leave as friends. We want 16Eleven to be the place that people think of first when they want to have a great experience,” Childs says.
Experience APEX
Find APEX’s events calendar at apexeverett.com. View the 16Eleven menu and make a reservation at 1611everett.com. Also, check out their Instagram page, @16Eleven_Everett. Reservations aren’t required but encouraged.
For details about The Dogtown Collection, visit apexeverett.com/art-apex
