Bids are now being accepted for acclaimed restaurant donated to Lighthouse Mission
Interested buyers can now make bids to purchase The Willows Inn restaurant on Lummi Island.
It was donated to Bellingham nonprofit Lighthouse Mission Ministries in November of 2022 by Tim and Marcia McEvoy, the previous owners.
Lighthouse Mission plans to use the proceeds from the property sale to help fund the construction of its new $25 million homeless services facility.
The 2022 assessed valuations of the properties at 2579 W. Shore Drive and 2560 W. Shore Drive is $2.04 million. But a sale price is not listed 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,” Amia Froese, one of the property’s listing brokers, said in a news release. “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 bidders can visit saratogacom.com to contact the listing brokers for a time to tour the property. Offers must be received by May 18 to be considered.
The new Lighthouse Mission facility is being built on the same lot as its old Holly Street shelter and services building, which was demolished in March. It’s expected to double the non-profit’s capacity to house and serve unhoused people. The new, five-story facility will be able to shelter up to 400 people — 300 daily with 100 overflow spaces available during severe weather events.
“We’re so thankful for Tim and Marcia’s generous gift,” Lighthouse Mission Ministries President and CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis said. “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.”
Construction on the new facility is expected to be completed in 2024.
The nationally acclaimed Willows Inn restaurant has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in the country with overnight accommodations for 16 guests. However, in recent years, restaurant management settled lawsuits relating to allegations of underpaying staff and has been accused by some staff members of sexual harassment and racism, according to earlier reporting in The Bellingham Herald.
