Iconic 'Lighthouse' getting a make-over

There has been a lot of activity at the old “Lighthouse” building on La Conner’s S. First Street.

The structure has been sitting mostly vacant since 2010, when Palmers Restaurant closed and the building went back to the bank.

California businessman Michael Girdner bought the century-old building last year for $385,000 and has been working with the town and state governments for the necessary permits to turn the 7,500-square-foot building into an indoor mall with galleries and retail shops.

Dave Elling, who is the project manager, said the doors, windows, sconces and furniture are all locally bought antiques, which, he says, help the developers treat the renovation as a “work of art.”

Already, he said, there has been interest from potential tenants. People interested in renting space can stop by for a tour of the renovation by appointment, he said.

Since the building is so large, the plan is to paint the exterior, featuring a different color every 25 to 30 feet. The color palate includes burgundy, pale grey, pale blue, baby blue, and yellow.

For the “first phase,” there will be a total of seven retail and gallery spaces for lease.

Future phases include plans to build a “lid” over the parking lot, Elling said. Eventually, with parking spaces at ground level, a second story on top of the “lid” will be residential.

“The current remodel is in compliance with the town and the historic review,” said Town Administrator John Doyle.

Because the building was in need of major repairs, much of the work has been bringing it back to life. Soon, Elling said, people will start to see the outside starting to look better with fresh paint.

Elling said the Galleria Group is working closely with the town to meet the building requirements of the historical district, which includes using approved colors and keeping within building height and size parameters.

Though there is a plan to eventually add living space in a second story, the present construction is all about rehabilitation and renovation of the existing space, he said. The parking lot, now attracting a variety of local vehicles, will be reserved for tenants, Elling said.

Elling is trying to put together a history of the building and hopes locals will help him.

According to various historical records, the building used to be in Bellingham.

At one time it was operated as the Bloedel Donovan lumber company commissary and then during World War II became a U.S. Coast Guard facility.

After the war, the Bellingham Yacht Club purchased the building. The yacht club moved to new headquarters, and in 1957, Elling said, the old building was moved to La Conner on a barge to become the iconic Lighthouse restaurant.

Elling asks that anyone with information or photos to share on the building’s history contact him via email at http://[email protected]