Okay, let's be honest.

The Nord is about as urban loft-style, vintage-contemporary as it gets in Seattle — and there's no use pretending otherwise.

Sandwiched in between two historic Pioneer Square buildings, The Nord's skinny profile has seen its share of change. Erected in 1890 (as they liked to say then), the Romanesque-style structure was christened the Thompson Hotel — and later renamed "The Nord" in honor of Frank Norquist, who managed the place.

With its exposed brick walls, double-hung windows, and lively location, The Nord was a place one went to have fun. Today, Live Historic has restored its original patina, and layered-on a bit of designer style: chocolate-brown cork floors, stainless steel sinks, glass mosaic tile in the bath, and a shared roof-top deck.