By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News
Construction of the much-discussed 306 Center Street condos in La Conner was completed last month.
Community members got to take a tour of the units during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 29. Some town officials and members of the chamber of commerce also attended.
Previously known as the “Talmon building,” the three-story facility was rechristened “The O’Leary” in honor of the family that boasts names such as Pat O’Leary — the late owner, editor, publisher and chief writer of The Puget Sound Mail.
Behind the project are his great-niece Kate Atkinson and her husband, Brandon, who envisioned homes for people in need of a single-floor abode. Among them was Kate’s mother, Kathleen O’Leary, who sadly passed away before she could realize her dream of returning to La Conner.
Brandon Atkinson said a number of his senior patients at La Conner Dental had expressed interest in downsizing to single-floor living as walking up and down the stairs became more challenging. Such an option, however, can be hard to find in La Conner, where many homes are tall and narrow.
The three-floor building comprises 14 units that will be sold as permanent residences, plus six short-term studio rentals on the ground floor.
Seniors, wheelchair users and people experiencing mobility challenges can take an elevator, use ADA-ramps, and live within a short distance of shops, restaurants and other services in town. Each unit also features a gas fireplace, air conditioning, a covered balcony, washer and dryer and other appliances.
“I feel like it’s fulfilling a need,” Brandon Atkinson said.
Realtor Kelly Lang said the condos are also ideal for people who want to live in La Conner for part of the year and are looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, as well as first-time homebuyers.
The one-bedroom units are being sold for $479,000, while the two-bedroom options cost $599,000.
“In today’s world, where the median price point — which is really sad to say — is about $800,000, I’d say that these are definitely very affordable,” Lang said.
Two units are currently on the market and drew up to 40 people over the first few open-house sessions, which Lang said “is an amazing turnout.”
While the Atkinsons said the public was supportive of the project for the most part, they also acknowledged some opposition.
As previously reported on La Conner Community News, the Town of La Conner heard a number of complaints from residents living near the site, who lamented the number of commercial trucks in the area, allegations of trucks turning abruptly or working after work hours, confusion over detour routes and general disruptions to routines. Officials explained it was not a Town project and that it was in compliance with the law.
Some also worried the size was not compatible with the single-family homes in the neighborhood.
“I know it’s hard for the locals to sometimes embrace the new with the old,” Lang said. “But I definitely think that the two can coexist, especially when people want affordable housing, and something that’s contemporary, modern and beautiful, like this building here,” Lang said.
“You can’t make everybody happy in every situation,” Brandon Atkinson said. “You kind of have to look at what is gonna be the biggest positive for the most amount of people.”
Mayor Marna Hanneman said she looks forward to welcoming new neighbors, and that it’s time to move on to a new chapter.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
