By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok

April 7, 2023, marks the one year anniversary of the First and Spring Street fire that destroyed several historical buildings in downtown Friday Harbor. The fire was determined to be arson, the suspect was apprehended nine days later, and is currently being held in the Federal Detention Center in Seattle awaiting trial for his crime.

Six structures were involved in the blaze, and three of those buildings were a total loss. The historical buildings destroyed during the fire at the time housed Herb’s Tavern, Windermere, Crow’s Nest Coffee, Crystal Seas Kayaks, San Juan Excursions, San Juan Property Management, and a t-shirt shop.

Following the fire, the numerous businesses that were unhoused had to really scramble to find locations to begin rebuilding their operations, while still reeling from the disaster. In one single night several well-established and functioning businesses were abruptly faced with losing everything. Where their businesses once stood suddenly were huge amounts of damaged and/or destroyed property. At a time when the businesses were just beginning to prepare for the summer season they now faced onerous insurance claims, demolition costs and unknown futures.

Windermere relocated to a basement location in the building directly across the street on Spring Street. The Crow’s Nest nestled into a tiny space between Be Chic Boutique and The Trading Post. Crystal Seas Kayaking and San Juan Excursions moved one door down next to the Cask & Schooner, and San Juan Property Management settled into a small unit a block away.

Unlike most victims of the fire, Herb’s Tavern was not a business that could simply be relocated. According to the owner of the building and property, Ketonk LLC, they are “still in the process of dealing with the insurance company regarding the loss. Nothing has been resolved or decided upon as of yet for the future construction of this lot and all options are being considered. Once a resolution has been found construction will begin as soon as possible.”

Currently construction is underway for the 40 Spring Street building, which when completed will once again house Crystal Seas Kayaking, San Juan Excursions, San Juan Property Management, and the t-shirt shop. According to Johannes Krieger, co-owner of Crystal Seas Kayaking and the 40 Spring Street building, “progress is happening and things seem to be going forward smoothly.”

The Windermere building is not yet under construction but the building designs recently passed the Town of Friday Harbor Historical Review Board. According to property owner Greg King, now that the designs have been approved for the new building the project has entered the engineering stage.

King hopes to break ground later this summer, if all goes well. Citing the challenging economic times this country and county are currently in, with high interest rates and ever increasing costs for everything from materials to labor, securing the necessary financing and actually constructing the new building will be no small feat. King remains committed to the project, however, and looks forward to getting things underway as soon as possible.

Meantime, the land where three historical buildings once stood remains open as plans and processes are being deliberately undertaken with the intent to eventually bring that historical district back to life.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the buildings on the corner of Spring and First Street will return, it’s just a matter of time.