Thanks to everyone that had a hand in my nomination and most importantly the selection of Argyle Suites to receive Thew Village Stewardship Award.

I think it is an important distinction to make that property can be developed and historic structures can be restored in good taste, all the while maintaining the historic character of our wonderful town and its historic structures. All this is possible by using sound environmental and economic principals.

Parking areas do not need to be non-pervious asphalt, they can be lovely green areas when not being used for parking as shown with all the expanded parking areas at Argyle Suites by using grasscrete and soil. This type of parking surfaces allows run off to go back into the ground and not funnel thru our storm water system. The parking area is further complimented by good design in landscaping … thank you, Ben Bailey, for your vision.

Careful thought went into adapting the historic homes into usable contemporary professional spaces that at any point in time can also be used for small livable apartments. This was accomplished through the use of adequate sound-proofing, new energy efficient, weather-resistant doors and windows, insulation blown in the old walls, and new electric wiring and plumbing throughout.

The use of propane fireplaces as a primary heat source was determined by cost and ambiance. Most units have an outside deck or porch tastefully adapted from the original structure, so there is an opportunity to enjoy some outside space during good weather.

I have gotten lots of compliments on the paint job and I have to thank Mike Lay at MGL Painting for his patience and determination to get it right, with the correct colors and detailing.

I used a lot of recycled material, as much as I could. I abhor waste of any kind and if something can be adapted to a new use I will use it. For instance, all the old used brick used in the parking and landscaping is from the original Churchill House chimney. Many light fixtures, the architectural details and most of the tile is from the RE store in Bellingham. The upper porch railing turned pieces on the Carter House were from an old Victorian from San Francisco, that had laid in John Campbell’s barn on Orcas for 20 years. They were donated in case I could use them; I found a great place for them and they add so much to the character of the Carter House upper deck.

The entire project was a lot of fun and there were many people that shared ideas as to how best to design and adapt and modify a historic structure to a modern day use. I would like to thank them for their input: Peter and Brenda Schmidt, Kit Dorhman, Lew Dickinson, Ryan Bennett, Sam DeFillips, Dave Rand and, of course, Ron Boe who shared my vision.

The Carter House and Churchill House are virtually new structures in many ways and by adapting them into usable spaces, that are both energy efficient and safe, insures their continued use and preservation for another 100 years.

Lynn Danaher
Archipelago Properties LLC
Friday Harbor