Since the project is at the very visible location of Main Street and 2nd Avenue, a lot of Ferndale neighbors have been noticing the progress. As a result, Discover Ferndale has fielded a number of inquiries about what is going to move into the Leader Block Building once the extensive renovation project begun in October is complete.
Leader Block Building Owner Robert Pinkley told Discover Ferndale phase I of the renovation project is the creation of two storefronts on the 2nd Avenue side of the building and this phase is “essentially complete.” Phase II will finish the Main Street side of the building which Pinkley says will house a wine business.
Pinkley explained, “The goal of the project is to provide a centralized gathering place for local folks as well as a compelling destination for people abroad.”
According to Pinkley,
Click for more informationThe wine business will include a tasting room featuring local and international wine selections, private wine cellars and wholesale/retail distribution of Italian wine varieties from a 250 year old winery in Florence Italy.
Materials for the renovation have come from a variety locations. For instance, the unique front doors to the wine business came off a church on Vashon Island. Also, the interior is adorn with ironwork products from Italy. Pinkley pointed to local metal works craftsman Ben Fox of Fox Fabrication as one of several local contractors involved in the project. Fox has done a lot of the metal crafting including unique handcrafted door handles seen throughout the project.
Renovating commercial buildings is not something Pinkley usually does. According to him, his days typically involve dealing with his wine distributing business and international customs regulations. According to Pinkley, “Coming up from Seattle to work on the building has been a real delight. I have come to truly appreciate the community and its warmth and history. I hope this project will add to that.”
A grand opening event is being planned and is tentatively scheduled for mid-June.