Kenmore’s loss is Bothell’s gain

A few years back, the state was looking for solutions to maintain the seminary building at St. Edward State Park.

The McMenamin brothers were very interested in the facility and submitted a proposal. I became involved in the public process because I am familiar with the fine work that the McMenamins do in restoring historically significant buildings. I also learned a lot of interesting history and heard great stories about the St. Edward’s seminary.

Alas! A vocal minority convinced the Kenmore City Council that moving forward with the project would cause innocent children to be killed by the drunks that would visit the establishment. (Ever wonder why Kenmore, with its special setting at the north end of the lake can’t sustain even one restaurant with a lake view?)

The city of Bothell has announced that McMenamins is coming to town. McMenamins will be restoring the historic Anderson School in the heart of Bothell to include amenities that will draw both locals and tourists. And the benefits the city will reap are unbelievable (see story on page one). It’s all good.

Personally, I think the seminary had so much more to offer … with all of its secrets and unique history and structure but that is now water under the bridge. Hopefully, the city will come to its senses and not scuttle future opportunities to bring vibrant commerce to its citizens and visitors.

Susan Gardner