Lonely Buildings

“The magic he has created at the [Fremont] Abbey [Arts Center] and in Fremont is off the charts. I’m always energized after my conversations with Nathan. He is someone who knows how to bring people together to make things happen.”
- Karen True, former director of 3rd Place Commons & founder of Great Places Declaration
http://www.thirdplacecommons.org/
http://www.greatplacesforum.org/index.html

SEATTLE, WA:

Fremont Abbey Arts Center: This is my baby.  Moved my office in here in 2005. Major renovations in 2007-08, grand re-opening March 2008.

AUSTIN, TX:
 Space 12 nonprofit community center & venue in an old nightclub, home of The Austin Round.  2009-11

“We experienced the subtle genius of Sir Marion in helping us transform a seedy, crime-ridden BYOB bar into a community space in Austin, TX. Being from Seattle he struggled with the direct sunlight but other than that his wisdom and expertise were restaurant quality. Fremont Abbey is the gold standard of community spaces.” - Gideon Tsang, board member, Space12 Austin, TX.

“Nathan has a sage-like quality; constantly in thought and full of wisdom. What impressed me most was his care for details and his diligence in listening and mulling over our context. He was instrumental in helping us establish The Round, an unique artist event featuring songwriters, poets, and visual artists, created and birthed by the man himself. From the careful details of aligning seating and lighting to the vital aspects of building neighborhood partnerships, Nathan has become one of our trusted consult for Space12.” - Sam Lee, Director, Space 12 - Austin TX

SEATTLE, WA:

Green Bean Coffeehouse: Consulted with these fine folks (Lisa Etter & Hayden Smith started it) towards end of their first year in 2006, built their original website, advised branding/marketing/identity, consulted again when reopening in their new space after a tragic fire. Focused on community center type operations and internal design & flow as well as some help with artist bookings. New management has shifted the operation a bit, but it’s still a good community place to check out.

“Nathan Marion understands the importance of 3rd spaces, and the significant role a space like this can play in the life of a community. What he has done with the Fremont Abbey is phenomenal, and has served our church as a model for how to engage our neighbors in loving, supportive and innovative ways. He’s been a great resource for our church’s coffee shop, The Green Bean ( http://www.greenbeancoffee.org/ ) and has helped us think creatively about how our space can be more of a “community” space. You won’t regret paying him thousands upon thousands of dollars.” - Mark Mohrlang, a former Manager

“Nathan Marion brings professionalism, hipness, cordiality and serious mission-mindedness to the table all at once when you work with him. It’s hard to get all of that out of just one single human being. Nathan has great instincts for what he does.”
- Dr. Randy L. Rowland, Sanctuary Church*, Seattle
*sponsors the nonprofit Green Bean

Mosaic Coffeehouse: Ongoing light duty consulting & check in in first couple years of operation.

“Nathan has an eye for looking outside the traditional box to see nonprofit & church properties in a unique way in order to maximize their use for Kingdom community purposes.” - Tim Smith [Mosaic, a community coffee house, Seattle First Church of the Nazarene] 2008-11

Kakao: Minor consulting on community engagement, starting concerts, artist programs, etc. 2011

Q Cafe:  Early consulting & booking assistance, advised on concerts, etc. 2002-04

Keystone: Provided a pro bono initial consultation on how to utilize their building more for community uses. Recommended simple distinct signage (implemented) and various building improvements (some implemented). 2009

PORTLAND, OR:

Taborspace coffeehouse, venue, and nonprofit arts space. Major consulting with planning team on design, layout, community connections, artist bookings, etc.

From Lauren Moomaw, founding Cafe Manager:
“Nathan’s attention to pertinent details and big picture ideas has been of great value to our success. He’s always asking the question no one else thought of and has a quick eye for what can be improved/what’s missing. In addition to giving great feedback, he has a great business sense, and is very well rounded and competent in so many aspects to starting and operating a new social organization. “
www.taborspace.org

BURLINGTON, WA: Common Ground coffeehouse & venue