Offers are now being accepted for the Lummi Island property previously operated by The Willows Inn, a nationally acclaimed restaurant.
The property currently is owned by Lighthouse Mission Ministries of Bellingham, which will use proceeds from the property sale for construction of its new facility that will serve people who are homeless. Tim and Marcia McEvoy of Bellingham, previous owners of The Willows Inn, donated the property in December to Lighthouse Mission Ministries.
Whatcom County’s 2022 assessed valuation of the properties at 2579 W. Shore Drive and 2560 W. Shore Drive is a combined total of $2.04 million.
“We’re so thankful for Tim and Marcia’s generous gift,” said Hans Erchinger-Davis, president and CEO of Lighthouse Mission Ministries. “The sale of this property will be a big step toward funding our construction project. Our new facility will be better equipped to help more of our neighbors facing homelessness receive hope, shelter, food, and the services they need to get back to a thriving life.”
Lighthouse Mission Ministries is currently in the midst of a $25-million project to remodel and redevelop its campus in Bellingham’s Old Town, including a new facility to replace the building at 910 W. Holly St. Demolition of its building occurred earlier in 2023 and construction is scheduled to be completed in 2024. For more information about the project, visit https://www.lighthousebuilds.org/.
The Willows Inn was a nationally acclaimed restaurant with overnight accommodations for 16 guests (eight on-site rooms with capacity for two people each) that closed in November.
Amia Froese and Hannah Cano of Saratoga Commercial Real Estate in Bellingham are the listing brokers for The Willows Inn property.
“Due to the unique nature of this property, we have chosen an offer review date rather than listing it for a specific price because of its various possibilities,” Froese said. “Some may be interested in operating the property in a manner similar to The Willows Inn. Others have suggested a potential retreat/training facility or a large family complex with multiple guest rooms. Depending on the use of the property, prospective buyers may use varying degrees of valuation when arriving at their offer price.
“Potential buyers are invited to visit www.saratogacom.com and contact us for a time to tour the property. Offers need to be received by May 18, 2023 to be considered.”
Regardless of how the property is used, Froese said the buyer will not only be acquiring an iconic piece of Pacific Northwest history but also be contributing to the legacy and vision of Lighthouse Mission in helping those most in need in our community.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been helping people who are homeless since 1923. It cares for up to 310 people each day and provides a continuum of services aimed at ending homelessness through street outreach, enhanced shelters, addiction recovery, spiritual support, and aftercare. To make a donation or volunteer, call (360) 733-5120, or visit www.thelighthousemission.org.