HISTORIC BAINBRIDGE ISLAND SCHOOL BUILDING FOR SALE
This long-abandoned building, listed on the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation's 2010 Most Endangered List is running out of time.Completed in 1922 and located on the east shore of Bainbridge Island, this building was in use by the Moran School for Boys as dormitories, library, science labs, and a 200-seat theatre. Founded by Frank Moran, the Moran School operated from 1914 until 1933. Among the school's influential students was future Nobel Prize winner and transistor co-inventor Walter Brattain, who graduated from the school in 1920.
Before the school's closure, Frank Moran founded another school out in the Denny-Blaine neighborhood; the Moran-Lakeside School. In 1923 that school moved again to a new location and changed its name to the Lakeside Day School for Younger Boys which still exists to this day (although in yet another location). Seattle-area residents may recognize the name Lakeside School as the premier private academy whose alumni include Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Adam West (yes that Adam West), former Washington state governor Booth Gardner, and many other notables.
(source)After the closing of the Moran School, the property became the Puget Sound Naval Academy, preparing young men for the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut. The PSNA operated from 1938 to 1951.
The property received yet another new life with the opening of Messenger House nursing home and care center. The care center remains to this day with much of the original property being renovated and added on to, but for some reason this iconic theatre building has remained largely unused since the 60s.
The property received yet another new life with the opening of Messenger House nursing home and care center. The care center remains to this day with much of the original property being renovated and added on to, but for some reason this iconic theatre building has remained largely unused since the 60s.
Property owners, Soundcare, Inc, have been in favor or the building's final demolition but have heeded to the cries of preservationists. They have generously offered one last chance for a buyer to step forward to purchase and renovate the building.
The deadline has been set for October 1st and, if no interested parties come forward, Soundcare, Inc is moving forward with demolition.Details of the sale from this post on the Historic Seattle's Preservation Blog...
Condition of Sale
Purchaser will be required to nominate the building to the Bainbridge Island Register of Historic Places and will be expected to enter into a preservation easement for protection of the building’s character-defining features.
2010 Tax Assessor Value
$192,600
Current Condition
Some temporarily stabilization
Prominent neoclassical design features intact
Historic interior finishes intact, including the Theater
A comprehensive structural assessment will be necessary
Surroundings
This unique structure is located on the portion of Bainbridge Island known as Skiff Point, not far from the Rolling Bay community. The surrounding community features a post office, Bainbridge’s iconic Bay Hay & Feed nursery & a coffeehouse.
Parcel
* Approximately 0.62 acres or 27,000ft2
* Four-story building, approximately 14,000ft2
* Zoned R2: educational, governmental, religious, health care or group care facilities
* Rehabilitation would be subject to existing zoning and code requirements
Historic Status
* Eligible for listing in the Bainbridge Island Register of Historic Places
* Eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places
Financial Incentives
* Eligible for the federal Historic Investment Tax Credit program.
* Eligible to participate in the state Special Tax Valuation Program
Contact
Please direct all questions and submittals to:
Chris Moore, Field Director of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation – cmoore@wa-trust.org 206.624.9449 (office) 206.930.5067 (cell)
