From Tech Hub to Holiday Haven: PayScale’s Former HQ Transformed
In a delightful twist of fate, the former headquarters of PayScale in Seattle’s historic Palmer Building has undergone a magical transformation. Where software engineers once wrote code and executives plotted business strategy, visitors now find themselves immersed in a winter wonderland complete with elves, holiday cheer, and festive cocktails. This remarkable metamorphosis represents both the transient nature of tech company footprints and the creative possibilities that emerge when innovative minds repurpose abandoned spaces. The 22-year-old compensation data company relocated its headquarters to Boston in March, leaving behind 18,000 square feet of prime real estate adjacent to Lumen Field in Seattle’s SoDo district.
Theater enthusiasts Jason DeLeo and Jen Matthews, founders of LIT Immersive, seized an extraordinary opportunity when they took over a portion of the former PayScale offices about 18 months ago. What makes their venture particularly fascinating is how they’ve leveraged the existing infrastructure rather than gutting it. “Almost everything is still here from PayScale,” DeLeo explains, noting that they continue to use the company’s microwaves, dishwashers, and even its kegerator. The former corporate sports bar has been repurposed for game days, while second-floor break rooms now serve as green rooms for performers. This practical approach saved the entrepreneurs hundreds of thousands in renovation costs while preserving a piece of Seattle’s tech history within their new creative venture. The space was particularly attractive because it was “fully networked” – a remnant of its tech company origins that proved invaluable for creating modern immersive experiences.
The holiday-themed transformation now hosts two distinct experiences catering to different audiences. During daylight hours, families and school groups can enjoy Kringle’s Inventionasium, a kid-friendly interactive experience inspired by a long-running show from Cleveland, Ohio. This daytime adventure, running through December 24th, costs between $24 and $63 per guest and has proven popular with families seeking seasonal entertainment. When evening falls, the space transforms again into the adults-only Elf Bar, a holiday-themed cocktail experience featuring festive drinks, holiday trivia, a karaoke lounge, organized snowball fights, and various games. The 21+ experience, priced between $15.50 and $18.50, continues through December 21st, though DeLeo indicates they might extend based on demand. This dual-purpose approach maximizes the space’s potential while creating experiences tailored to different demographics.
The concept of holiday-themed pop-up bars isn’t entirely new – organizations like Miracle have been operating such venues internationally for about a decade, including four locations in Washington state. However, what makes this particular transformation remarkable is its location in what was, until recently, the award-winning headquarters of a company valued at $325 million after a 2019 private equity infusion. The Palmer Building space even received recognition at the 2017 GeekWire Awards as one of the region’s “Geekiest Office Spaces.” The juxtaposition of corporate tech history with theatrical holiday fantasy creates a uniquely Seattle experience, blending the city’s tech identity with its creative spirit in unexpected ways. The timing of this venture also coincides with PayScale’s eastward migration, highlighting how quickly the tech landscape can shift while creating opportunities for creative reuse of prime real estate.
Looking ahead, DeLeo and Matthews are already planning their next immersive experience with an eye toward Seattle’s role in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. With six matches scheduled at Lumen Field during the summer tournament, they hope to leverage their unique space for related events, possibly hosting a team, corporate sponsor, or broadcast company. Their anticipation was particularly focused on today’s World Cup draw, hoping Seattle would land matches featuring prominent teams. Their wish appears to have been granted, with the U.S. Men’s National Team scheduled to face Australia’s “Socceroos” on Friday, June 19th, right across the street from their venue. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates how flexible, creative businesses can adapt to changing circumstances and capitalize on major events coming to their doorstep.
The transformation of PayScale’s former headquarters represents a fascinating case study in adaptive reuse and the cyclical nature of urban spaces. While tech companies may come and go, their physical footprints can find new life through creative reimagining. What once housed data analysts and software engineers now brings holiday joy to Seattle residents of all ages. The space that previously facilitated corporate innovation now fosters a different kind of creativity – one centered on imagination, immersive storytelling, and community gathering. As Seattle continues to evolve as both a tech hub and cultural center, this blend of past and present, practical and whimsical, business and art speaks to the city’s multifaceted identity and resilience in the face of change. From PayScale to Kringle’s Inventionasium, the Palmer Building continues to be a place where innovation happens – just in a completely different form than before.
