In recent days, the north end of Vashon town has been buzzing with activity as construction for The Lodges on Vashon has begun.
The project has been in the works for several years and is now on a fast track, with the clearing of the land behind Vashon Village happening earlier this spring, the modular lodges set on their foundations last week and work slated to be completed by the end of June.
“We are excited that it is happening,” said owner Scott Shapiro, the managing director of Eagle Rock Ventures, based in Seattle. “It fits in well with the site and the environment. I think it will be a nice customer experience.”
Shapiro and his wife have friends on Vashon, he said, and they come to the island often. They noticed long ago that Vashon could benefit from more places to stay and set about trying to make that happen.
A hotel behind Vashon Village was proposed several years ago, when former owner Dan McClary announced plans to build an inn there. However, McClary became en-trenched in a disagreement with Water District 19 over water shares at the property. After a long legal battle, the two sides settled in 2009, allowing McClary to build an inn. He eventually sold the property, as well as Vashon Village, to Shapiro.
In early 2014, Water District 19 made it possible for Eagle Rock to build a hotel with 16 separate units instead of one building.
The company plans to open the lodges by mid-June and is already taking reservations. The prefabricated one- and two-bedroom units, which were made in Idaho, have sitting areas, kitchenettes and gas fireplaces. A building designated as a commons will include a sitting area and a full kitchen and will be close to an outdoor picnic pavilion.
Shapiro noted that Eagle Rock is committed to using local labor and products, an approach the company will continue when the lodges are outfitted with furnishings and amenities, such as soap, coffee and tea.
He added that he believes Vashon as a whole will benefit from the lodges.
“It is nice for people to have options,” he said.
