October 20, 2014

McMenamins to start Bothell project soon

Images courtesy of Ankrom Moisan Architects [enlarge]

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McMenamins is preparing to start construction on the Anderson School project in downtown Bothell, which will have bars, a restaurant, theater, hotel and spa.

McMenamins just released some renderings that show what the $26 million project will look like when it opens next fall.

McMenamins is doing preconstruction work and expects to start in mid to late November. Construction was supposed to start in September, but McMenamins Chief Financial Officer Larry Dortmund said it has taken longer to finalize the details.

The Portland-based company raised $6.3 million from 23 investors through an offering on its website: andersonschoolproperties.com.

McMenamins also contributed $1 million of its own money.

The main draw for the developer is a 1930s art deco school that will be renovated to create a 72-room hotel. Other buildings will house bars and restaurants, and a first-run movie theater. The developer also wants to have live music and events most nights.

Ankrom Moisan Architects is designing the project, and a joint venture of Andersen Construction and Pacific Crest Construction is the general contractor.

The team plans to remove the roof from one building that housed a pool. The pool will be refurbished and access will be free to Bothell residents for at least 15 years.

Surrounding the pool will be seating areas, plantings and a spa. On the second floor of this building, where bleachers used to be, McMenamins plans to put a bar.

Another building will have a free room for community groups. McMenamins did this in Portland, and that room has been used for classes and meetings.