A History of Thanks!
Once upon a time, the San Juan Island Farmers Market needed a year-round home…
December 4, 2007 After the San Juan Island Grange initiative to create a permanent farmers market facility fails, the San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee convenes a meeting of stakeholders to discuss a way forward, with Brickworks on the horizon.
February 4, 2008 A private, non-profit agricultural organization (without a name) is ratified at a public meeting and a board is appointed. The board names the organization the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, writes the mission and bylaws, and identifies the development of a permanent farmers market facility on San Juan Island as its first project.
April 2008 Lovel Pratt begins work as the Permanent Farmers Market Project Director, continuing on to write grants that bring in over $600,000 for the project and to complete the feasibility study examining three potential sites, as well as the project’s first business plan.
May 2008 First fundraiser held at Steps Restaurant featuring speaker Vance Corum, raising $4000 for the project.
August 24, 2008 Ag Guild holds its first annual benefit dinner and auction at the Mullis Center (originally planned as a garden party but was rained out) and raises $30,000.
August 2008 With funding from Washington State (CTED), architect David Waldron begins conceptual plans for two sites—one being 150 Nichols Street. A $4000 grant from the San Juan Island Community Foundation allows the work to continue.
September 2008 The San Juan Island Farmers Market Association affirms their desire to have the permanent market facility in downtown Friday Harbor.
September 2008 The San Juan County Land Bank 2008 budget is approved by the San Juan County Council and includes $400,000 towards the purchase of a conservation easement for the green space at 150 Nichols Street.
October 2008 The Ag Guild receives a $10,000 USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant for planning and design of the facility.
February 2009 The San Juan Island Community Foundation awards a $1000 grant to the Ag Guild for a revised design of the 150 Nichols Street conceptual plans.
March 2009 and February 2010 The Ag Guild receives its first major donation, $32,500 from the late Polly Stern, even before a final site has been chosen.
May 2009 Negotiations begin with Joanie and Bill Erickson for the purchase of the Nichols Street property. The Ag Guild names the site “Brickworks,” to honor the history of the site.
May 4, 2010 Senator Kevin Ranker champions a $375,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the purchase of the historic building at 150 Nichols Street.
June 4, 2010 Brickworks Design Charrette. A group of Brickworks friends and neighbors brainstorm design options, led by architect Richard Hobbs.
June 2010 SJC Land Bank allocates $400,000 towards the Brickworks green space conservation easement.
July 4, 2010 The Ag Guild float in the July 4th Parade wins Best Theme!
August 2010 Setback! SJC County Council modifies the proposed budget of the Land Bank to eliminate funding for the Brickworks green space easement. The Ag Guild holds a gathering of supporters (and a pizza party) at Sweet Earth Farm, who resolve to carry on.
September 12, 2010 Ag Guild holds a feast and fundraiser at San Juan Vineyards entitled Brickworks Rising! The event raises $38,000 for the project. The community keeps the faith!
November 1, 2010 The AG GUILD PURCHASES THE NICHOLS STREET PROPERTY with grant money, seller financing, and community donations.
November 13, 2010 Demolition Work Party! 40 volunteers cheerfully gut the building. Numerous rats leave 150 Nichols Street to find housing elsewhere.
January 17, 2011 Brickworks clean-up continues on Martin Luther King Day.
February 2011 Martin Luther King Day Clean-Up at Brickworks.
May 21, 2011 Official groundbreaking with Mayor Carrie Lacher wielding the shovel! Ravenhill Construction takes on the plaza project and building renovation.
June 2011 The Ag Guild receives a $25,000 anonymous donation towards the Brickworks Plaza, and the work begins!
September 2011 The Brickworks Plaza is complete, and the San Juan Island Farmers Market moves to the Brickworks Plaza to finish its fall season. The first Friday Harbor Art Market is held on the plaza. The Ag Guild holds its annual fundraiser in a tent on the plaza. Building renovation begins!
November 2012 and January 2013 The Ag Guild receives a substantial private donation ($50,000 outright and a $100,000 challenge grant). Fundraising to complete the project takes off.
January – June 2013 Ravenhill Construction, aided by numerous volunteers, renovates the building.
January 2013 The Ag Guild receives a $50,000 private donation, and the Town of Friday Harbor gives $100,000 towards the project.
June 15, 2013 BRICKWORKS GRAND OPENING! The community is astounded at the beauty of the repurposed building, made possible by the hard work of Ravenhill Construction, donations from all sectors of the community, and volunteers who donated 35,000 hours of time and labor.
June 2013 A private donation of $50,000 from Brown Island supporters makes the commercial kitchen a reality.
July 2014 The Ag Guild receives a matching grant of $30,000 from the San Juan Island Community Foundation and a significant anonymous private donation that puts the fundraising campaign over the top.
July 2014 The mortgage is paid off!
August 3, 2014 The community celebrates with a Mortgage Burning Partay!