The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB,) long associated with South Lake Union, has managed to lease and clean up a former METRO sewer tank site to expand their mission. The 10,000 square foot property will soon house historic boats for storage and restoration. Come see the improvements CWB members have made, and welcome them to North Lake Union and Fremont!
The Workshop & Warehouse, located at 1475 N Northlake Place just west of Gas Works Park, will formally open on Friday, May 4th, from 5:30p – 7p, with an official dedication ceremony. On Saturday, May 5th, the official opening day of boating season, a community open house and tours will take place from 10a – 2p.
For now, the facility is land-based. In time, the CWB will work with the property owners – METRO and King County – to gain water access and complete the final vision for the Northlake Community Wharf. In the meantime, the CWB will use the property to continue its mission to bring maritime history alive, and preserve our small craft heritage. The Northlake Community Wharf will offer classes as well as opportunities to see some of the boats in the CWB collection while they get restored.
For more information on the CWB, visit their website and read their blog, Bearings. Also, CWB will take part in the GiveBIG fundraising campaign going on through The Seattle Foundation on May 2nd. This would be the best way to welcome this well-regarded, historic organization into Fremont – with an on-line donation made during the 24-hour May 2nd fundraiser.
Finally, save the date for the 36th Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival – June 30th to July 4th.