The Port of Friday Harbor Commission has approved the purchase of the JJ Theodore Cannery on Griffin Bay, marking a major addition to its waterfront holdings. The decision was finalised on Friday, 12 September, when commissioners agreed to buy the 2.12-acre property, including the cannery building, for $1.44 million USD.
Located at the western edge of Jackson Beach, the cannery was originally built in the 1950s by John Jackson as a smokehouse before being expanded into a salmon cannery. In the 1970s, the property was sold to John J. Theodore. At its peak, the facility employed around 100 seasonal workers each summer, many of whom worked the “slime line” until operations ceased in the mid-1990s.
Port Director Todd Nicholson said: “The stars seemed to align to make this happen now, with a willing seller approaching the Port at an attractive price. The building is in good condition, with a new galvanised roof and a solid foundation. It offers great potential to support the Port’s mission of economic development. Staff and the commission will seek public input on the best way to use the space.”
Commissioner Barbara Marrett stated: “We are thrilled to finally be acquiring The Cannery, a purchase with so much promise and one which has eluded the Port for decades.”
The site will not be open to the public immediately. According to the port, zoning changes must first be addressed, and safety concerns about ageing dock structures require work before redevelopment can move forward.
The Port of Friday Harbor manages key facilities across San Juan Island. Its largest, Friday Harbor Marina, sits in the centre of town and offers 500 slips for vessels. Services at the marina include fuel, potable water, Wi-Fi, laundry, showers and sewage pump-out options.
The port also operates Shipyard Cove Marina and Jensen’s Marina, both about a mile south of Friday Harbor. Shipyard Cove offers 135 year-round moorages and side-tie space for vessels up to 30 metres (100ft), while Jensen’s Marina provides a mix of covered and open moorage with access to adjacent facilities.
In addition, the Port runs the Albert Jensen & Sons Boatyard, which has an 18-tonne travel lift for vessel servicing, as well as Friday Harbor Airport and Jackson Beach.
