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FRIDAY HARBOR CENTER

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Variety of businesses in Friday Harbor Center

Friday Harbor Center from start to finish

New landmark building opened

Story by Sharon Kivisto
Photos by Brooke Richard and Sharon Kivisto

Sharon Kivisto photo

Lisa Zschiesche of San Juan Florist and Wendy Beckler of Mystical Mermaid cut the ribbon.

Crowds gathered at noon Saturday, July 3 to celebrate the opening of Friday Harbor Center.

Gordy and Lori Petersen donated three AEDs.

Gordy Petersen bashed a bottle of beer retrieved from the fire debris on a piece of the old building. (Pat O'Day pictured at right).

posted 07/07/04
The ribbon was cut, a bottle of Corona beer was smashed and Friday Harbor Center officially opened Saturday, July 3, 2004. The two buildings replaced the building destroyed in the May 9, 2002 fire. Pastor Archie Brooks said, "When people look at these buildings, they will realize there is always hope for tomorrow.

Representatives from San Juan Island and Friday Harbor fire departments were on hand for the ceremony. Gordy and Lori Petersen, owners of the buildings, presented three Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to Friday Harbor Fire Chief Bob Low, San Juan Island Fire Chief Bill McLauglin and Undersheriff Jon Zerby. "I have a new deep respect for the people that put their life on the line and save others."

Five businesses were burned out in the fire. Two - Mystical Mermaid and San Juan Florist - returned to the new building. Both are in their old locations but in the new buildings.

Besides the two returning businesses, Friday Harbor Center houses: The Golden Triangle, Island Fire Arts, Ositos, Arctic Raven Gallery, B&J Architects, Pelindaba Lavender and Windermere.

There is one space left. For more information about leasing the space contact Petersen at 360.378.9702.

Five apartments on the second floor will be rented out as vacation rentals. Petersen said they have bookings beginning July 14, 2004.

Gordy Petersen relaxes with friends in front of one of the two trees adjacent to the building. Both trees survived the fire.

Music by a mariachi band added to the festivities.

SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008

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