The former Willows Inn property, owned by Lighthouse Missions Ministries, is on the market again, for the third time.
After a long period of pending feasibility, the Mission and potential buyers did not move forward with a sale of the property on Lummi Island, CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis said. It was due to a new septic system the Mission had to install, which cost $250,000 and added value to the property.
“When it came time to renegotiate the deal, what they renegotiated wasn’t what we wanted,” Erchinger-Davis said.
Now listed as one property through the Muljat Group, the Mission is asking for $2.29 million for the property.
“This well-situated property, known for its desirable location and serene setting, is being enhanced to ensure long-term reliability and value,” a news release from the Muljat Group reads. “With this major upgrade in progress, The Willows is ready for its next owner to seize the opportunity.
The property was donated to the Mission in November 2022, after a string of scandals plagued the once-famous Willows Inn restaurant. In April 2023, the property went on the market as two parcels valued at a total of $2.04 million.
That deal fell through, and at the end of March 2024, the property was re-listed by the Mission as two parcels for a total of $2,290,000. Since April, it was pending feasibility.
Erchinger-Davis said the proceeds of the sale will go to paying back a construction loan the Mission took out to construct its new building in Old Town. The $29 million project now houses the Mission’s homeless shelter.
Erchinger-Davis said depending on how much the property goes for, the Mission will still have about $1.8 million to $1.9 million to pay off before it is debt-free. He said they continue to reach out to supporters for donations, but that debt will likely slow the opening of the Mission’s behavioral health dorms in the new building.
“It’s a cool property,” Erchinger-Davis said. “ … I know that the islanders are often very interested in what becomes of it … We’d love to see something that is also accessible to the islanders, not just the wealthy folks flying in to eat there.”
Erchinger-Davis said the Mission is hoping it sells fast.
“At the end of the day, the Mission needs that money to fulfill its mission of healing homelessness with Christ and the power of love,” he said. “That’s what we’re about.”
Interested buyers can contact Kena Greer Brashear at the Muljat Group to schedule a showing.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
