Bainbridge Island’s BC&J Architecture, Planning and Construction Management’s designs were recognized at the recent San Juan County Fair by the Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Review Board. The project is a mixed-use block in the center of the downtown core replacing one that burned May 9, 2002.

The project designs have been enthusiastically approved by the Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Review Board and are being featured as examples of an appropriate urban design response to a sensitive project site. Included in the Historic Preservation Review Board’s display is a large model of the new design set within the contextual setting of downtown Friday Harbor.

BC&J’s principal, Peter Brachvogel AIA, approached the project from an urban designer’s perspective with the location’s significance, high traffic, the building and site’s sense of place and history, and the sense of community the property could potentially encourage, as primary considerations.

Brachvogel found the burned block was a focal point from many locations in Friday Harbor. He set out to deliver designs to honor the importance of the location that blended with the harmony, scale and character of the community while de-emphasizing the need for a car and encouraging more pedestrian traffic.

Not forgetting those who need cars, an underground parking facility will be situated beneath the building. However, visitors to the block will find it extremely walker friendly featuring a pedestrian alley with shop fronts. Additional public space will exist in the areas around the storefronts on First and Spring Streets, enhancing the sense of community in the neighborhood, encouraging walking, while adding a safe corridor for pedestrians to travel between downtown Friday Harbor to the ferry terminal.

This project is in the permitting stage. The foundation permits have been applied for and construction is expected to be underway as soon as approvals are granted.