Big change in the works for Friday Harbor skyline
The Moby, a boutique 23 room hotel proposed for First Street in Friday Harbor
In 2018, a proposal to build a 29-unit three-story hotel with an underground parking garage on First Street across from the San Juan County Courthouse was unsuccessful in getting development permission from the Town of Friday Harbor. The project needed a shoreline substantial development permit because it was within 200-feet of the shoreline, and asked for Historical Preservation incentives regarding height and parking.
The current view from First Street.
Below a drawing of the view after the project is completed.
In 2022, a new proposal is in the works. This one does not need a shoreline substantial development permit and is not relying on incentives for higher height or fewer parking spaces. Public hearings are held as part of the shoreline substantial development permit process. No public hearings are needed for projects that are not within 200 feet of the shoreline and that meet current Town of Friday Harbor building and land use regulations.
According to the CREXI real estate website: "The Moby Hotel will be a beautifully appointed newly constructed, 23 room boutique hotel with 23 parking stalls. Each room will offer unobstructed views of Friday Harbor. The Moby property is the last of its kind, zoned for Hotel/Hospitality in all of the San Juan Islands. The location speaks for its self. Perched high above Friday Harbor, The Moby is within steps of all of the amenities that downtown Friday Harbor has to offer."
Related items
-
How orcas are a better version of us
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11 comments
-
Tawny Wednesday, 16 March 2022 22:12 Comment Link
Looks like a La Quinta ? Cynthia said it right, Irvine Ca ?
-
Kels Monday, 28 February 2022 09:52 Comment Link
Absolutely disgusting. Unfortunately, this town has been heading this way for awhile now, with the ever newest influx of wealth and status combined with the current additions to the county, town council, building/permitting department, etc, etc... Beautiful Island(s) and wonderful people - wish I felt some pride about our town though, and the direction its heading in. So very sad.
-
Mike Bouri Friday, 25 February 2022 09:44 Comment Link
The hotel’s name is a misnomer when you consider our community’s enduring love of cetaceans. Perhaps the project will go the way of Ahab in his quest for the great white whale. Obviously they never read the book.
-
Win Friday, 25 February 2022 06:08 Comment Link
...who will clean it? Drawings are nice, but day-to-day staffing will be tricky.
-
Albert Hall Thursday, 24 February 2022 18:10 Comment Link
The upper level of the port's parking (between the Yach Club building and the proposed hotel) is missing from the photos provided. - Albert Hall
-
Cynthia Thursday, 24 February 2022 07:24 Comment Link
If the rendering is accurate, it looks like an office space that belongs in a business park in Irvine, California. Hideous. If this project must come to pass, it would behoove the planners to reimagine the design. Take Roche Harbor's example of charming cottages, uniquely painted in a fashion that befits our larger island village. Please!
-
Sallie Durette Wednesday, 23 February 2022 21:54 Comment Link
I am so dismayed to read of plans for a hotel of this scale, in downtown Friday Harbor. We are quickly becoming a destination spot and community for only the uber wealthy. Our town is so lovely- but it won't stay that way with pursuits like the Moby.
-
S. Kellogg Wednesday, 23 February 2022 16:32 Comment Link
This would be a very sad day for our Salish Sea community.
-
Susan Placanica Wednesday, 23 February 2022 11:22 Comment Link
It is obvious money has overtaken our common good. This will further commercialize Friday Hatbor and take away beloved views and will be irreversible. This has been done in Eastsound and is heartbreaking in both towns. A public hearing needs to be employed. This is wrong on every level.