By TJ Martinell and Deanna Isaacs

Reporter newspapers

Speaking at a recent Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce event, Mike McMenamin, of McMenamin’s, Inc., offered photos of the construction and work involved in transforming the 80-year-old, art-deco style Anderson School and those surrounding it into a hotel entertainment complex; set to open Oct. 15.

McMenamin described it as the biggest project they’ve attempted at one time which, when finished, will be run by a staff of approximately 225 employees. Among the amenities planned for the location along Bothell Way Northwest are 72 hotel guest rooms, restaurants, brewery, a garden, a first-run movie theater and swimming pool. They will also have numerous meeting spaces, with the largest at 4,500 square feet.

“This project is really kicking our butt every which way,” he said. “It’s a blast, though, and that’s a good challenge.”

As part of the property, McMenamin said they have created 100 three-by-four foot panels that reflect local history, kept the history of the school alive by naming the rooms after school teachers and even contacting the local citizenry for historic details.

“The history is deep and rich, a great inspiration for us,” he said.

The project has also offered some challenges, including cutting through three feet of concrete after they discovered one of the rooms facing westward had no window.

“My initial reaction was, ‘Cool,’” he said.

After cutting through the concrete, they were ultimately able to use an old window from one of their storage facilities that allows the room’s occupants to watch the sunset through the old, stained glass window.

“This window fit beautifully,” he said.

Such unexpected aspects of the renovation, he said, has allowed them to add things to the property that will better enhance customer experience.

“Ultimately it’s a living project, versus just taking a plan and doing it,” he said.

McMenamin’s also renovated the pool building, where it intends to put in a restaurant. He said they will preserve the pool, placing warm saltwater in it, but reduce its depth to a maximum of five feet. Their hope, he said, is that the restaurant will be able to cover some of the costs for the pool, which he said will be open to Bothell residents for free.

“We’re learning why this pool closed down, I think,” he joked. “We’re still optimistic.”

As for the brewery, McMenamin said they plan to have a 10-12 beer selection available, including seasonal varieties – possibly available for tasting at the Bothell Beer Festival on Oct. 17; only two days after the grand opening.

While taking questions from the audience, one person thanked the McMenamin’s for purchasing the property and renovating rather than tearing down the historic buildings.

“It’s a beautiful institution,” they said.

The Anderson School was named after Bothell Junior High’s first principal, Wilbert A. Anderson, and is a three-story Anderson Building that was built in 1931, with additional classrooms added in 1941. Three other buildings joined the 5.41 acre property in 1959.

For more information, please visit www.mcmenamins.com/2002-mcmenamins-anderson-school.