The seeds for Pleasant Beach Village were sowed well over two years ago during a tough economic season. The development continued to grow, however.
Now the newest addition to Lynwood Center is finally bearing fruit. But it wasn’t easy.
The development sat for nearly two years after the economy soured. After new investors took over, the project was set to take root once again.
“It sat there mothballed,” said Jim Laws who is handling commercial leasing for Pleasant Beach Village. “They’ve taken the existing structure and developed it to a very high level.”
Pleasant Beach’s ambiance is insightful and inspiring for modern development. The structure has been crafted to fit the historic Lynwood neighborhood, rather than create an unmatched patchwork of architecture. The newest buildings also accent the European feel of Lynwood.
“The goal of the project is to further develop the community in Lynwood Center and make it a viable center of the island,” Laws said. “Both in terms of services, and having more people living close by.”
“Our goal, in partnership with everybody across the street, is to really create an alternative to downtown Winslow where people can congregate and have good time,” he added
But Pleasant Beach Village is unique unto itself. It’s a shopping center, an inn, restaurants and more. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of Bainbridge’s newest development is that islanders can live there.
Islander can see for themselves. An open house unveiling the newest residences at Pleasant Village will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. It is the first opportunity to see 10 new apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms at up to 2,000 square feet.
“There are a number of apartments that are available,” said Carter Dotson, who handles leasing for Pleasant Beach.
“I would certainly describe them as upscale apartments,” he added.
Dotson said that he has fielded quite a few questions about the development and that a couple of the apartments have already been spoken for.
By late November, the apartments will be ready for tenants.
In addition to the living spaces, Pleasant Beach will host 12,500 square feet of businesses, and 1,500 square feet of office space.
Laws said that by the end of 2013 all of phase one of the project will be completed, which includes the apartments, stores, the inn and restaurant.
Other phases are being planned for future housing surrounding the village.
Located on its south end, Lynwood Center boasts one of the island’s favorite hot spots — The Treehouse — and the historic Lynwood Theatre. The area neighbors the Crystal Springs area, which was voted one of the best island drives in the Review’s “Best of Bainbridge Island” earlier this year.
