The space at 179 W. Washington St. only may be wide open with freshly painted walls and a laid-last-week tile floor, but within six weeks it will morph into a cozy Northwest-themed nook for owner Danielle Thompson and her restaurant, The Emerald Northwest Grill and Public House.

“I want to bring the outdoors in and make it a natural experience environment so I’m incorporating fire and water features and a lot of natural greenery, with local wood from Edensaw in Port Townsend,” Thompson said. “It will be a classy Northwest chic environment approachable for most guests.”

Thompson said her vision is not a “fine dining” place, but a fresh dining option to Sequim families, couples and singles at affordable prices. The menu will offer savory comfort food and lighter fare, including a high selection of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

“I want to bring a better quality option so there will be a lot of fresh food locally procured,” Thompson said. “(Head chef Cody Haeg) will be offering traditional flavor profiles with a twist — we’ll have steaks and seafood but also vegetarian and vegan entrees.”

With another nod to a pub feeling, The Emerald will have eight crafted microbrews on draft and its liquors and wines will be specific to the Northwest.

Thompson, a 1994 Sequim High School graduate who left, then returned eight years ago, has 20 years of experience in the restaurant business.

“I realized how much I loved it and I’m tailoring the business to make Sequim diners happy. I feel there is a niche to be filled,” Thompson said.

She envisions The Emerald as a community meeting place and melting pot, a neighborhood spot that embraces locals and tourists alike — perhaps like that other place “where everybody knows your name.”

Thompson has been supervising the remodeling process and is excited about pulling it all together. She plans a soft opening by mid-July at the latest.

“It can’t come along soon enough!” she grinned.

A business profile will be published in the Gazette closer to The Emerald’s opening.