"Lighthouse" development decision coming

A hearing examiner will decide next whether a California developer can go ahead with plans to develop the old “Lighthouse” building on La Conner’s South 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. This year the building is being repaired and renovated as the first phase of its development. Eventually, if his plans are approved, Girdner hopes to expand the building and add a second story.

On Tuesday the La Conner Planning Commission is expected to craft its recommendation on his final plans to send to the hearing examiner. Also, letters will be given to the hearing examiner to consider. Some of the letters already submitted to the town are from people opposed to the development, partly because of its size and because it would close off a gap with a channel view between buildings on First Street.

Written comments must be submitted to Town Hall by Friday. The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4 at Maple Hall.

Detailed plans for the proposed renovation of the old lighthouse building into “The Galaria” can be seen on the town’s website: townoflaconner.org or in person at Town Hall.

Girdner, principal of Grupa Fiducia LLC, intends to make use of the property’s entire footprint. Presently, a good share of the property, which begins south of the boardwalk gazebo on First Street, is made up of a parking lot.

Girdner’s plan calls for closing in that parking lot and building a second story for residences above it. Meanwhile, the existing structure is being converted into retail space for shops and galleries. Presently the building is 7,300 square feet, which used to be Palmer’s Restaurant. A small section on the street side of the building housed the Scott Collection gallery for a few years after the restaurant closed.

Under the development plan, the first floor of the existing building would remain shops and galleries, a second story would be added and connected to the portion to be built over the parking garage. The upstairs would contain five offices and six residential apartments.

According to Town Administrator John Doyle, the developer’s plans comply with the design criteria for the town’s historic district, although the structure would be larger than the existing “scale and size” parameters of buildings in the district.

The developer has asked for two variances.

To add architectural interest Girdner wants to be able to have peaks and gables on the building a few feet over the town’s 30-foot building height limit. Doyle said the design calls for four over-height roof peaks, ranging in height from just over 31 to 34 feet.

Girdner is also requesting a variance to do away with a handful of parking spaces to the south of the existing building. Those spaces bump up against a little town park that already has no parking allowed.

Doyle said the hearing examiner is expected to make a ruling based strictly whether the plan meets the legal requirements to proceed.

Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting is at 6 p.m. at Maple Hall. The hearing on Thursday is in the same place, also at 6 p.m.