Editorial Review

The University of Washington's favorite studying/pick-up spot just got a green makeover. If you're the kind of person who's surgically attached to your Starbucks cup, you might want to check out what's happening at the U Village branch. Corporate has barged in and re-vamped the whole place, installing douglas fir wall fixtures and cabinets reclaimed from school bleachers. There are coffee bags posing as wallpaper, and the whole place feels like a modern wood cabin with sleek floors, nightclub lighting and salvaged furniture. This is Starbucks first foray into the world of "green" niche marketing (they're aiming for LEED certification) but the change feels appropriate and, dare I say, even hip. If you're going to shell out five cashdollars for a Frapaccino, you might as well get a run for your money.