Reconstruction of the Brickworks Events Center was a major initiative by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, to re-purpose an historic property in the heart of Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island, WA.
Brickworks takes its name from its historic role as a brick factory, which opened in 1921 as Friday Harbor Brick and Tile Co. With the help of grants, and countless community donations and support, The Ag Guild purchased the historic property and set out to restore the original building and re-purpose it, along with an outdoor plaza, green space and stage, to provide a community gathering place for a variety of local food-based, educational and cultural activities and events.
Brickworks Supports Local Sustainable Food Systems
Today, all Brickworks rental proceeds benefit the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild’s programs to foster a vibrant, resilient and sustainable food system in San Juan County. The Ag Guild is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit.
The addition of a commercially certified Community Kitchen has further enhanced what Brickworks has to offer. This addition has made the facility even more suitable for holding weddings, lunches, dinners and any event that requires seating for over 120 people. These uses complement its important role as a standalone rental facility for start-up chefs, food vendors and caterers, thus serving its additional purpose as a food business incubator. A reduced rate for kitchen use is offered to members of Island Grown in the San Juans.
“Brickworks has been instrumental in the success of my small business start-up. By providing a commercial-grade community kitchen at an affordable rate, Island Grown has helped turn my dream into reality.”
Brickworks now provides venue space for farmers, food purveyors, entertainers and craftspeople as well as consumers – both residents and visitors – with a year-round central facility in the heart of Friday Harbor. In 2017, the Ag Guild provided over $9,000 in reduced or free Brickworks venue rentals for non-profit community events.
Organizations and Government Entities that have supported the Brickworks Project
Citizens of Washington State, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Valerie Sivinski Fund, Northwest Agriculture Business Center, Port of Friday Harbor, Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee, San Juan County Land Bank, San Juan County Economic Development Council, San Juan County Fair, San Juan Island Farmers Market, San Juan Island Community Foundation, San Juan Islands Conservation District, Skagit Valley College, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington State University Extension in San Juan County.