PORT TOWNSEND — The Landfall Restaurant’s owners have big plans for the funky little eatery at the end of Water Street.
Tony and Betty Harriman plan to raze the existing ramshackle building and reconstruct it in grand style with a two-story, 7,072-square-foot structure — a minimum $750,000 investment.
As planned, a larger breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant and full bar would be located upstairs, with a deck overlooking Point Hudson Marina, which the Port of Port Townsend in September has scheduled for $2.3 million in improvements.
On the first floor, the Harrimans plan office space for marine-related businesses, which would generate revenue for them through the slower winter months.
“Our intention is to make the restaurant something that the locals would be proud of,” said Tony Harriman at the restaurant, which he plans to keep open until construction begins in October or November.
Going to City Hall
While the Port of Port Townsend, which owns the land on which the restaurant sits, is set to approve a demolition permit and 23-space parking plan for the project, the couple must now go before the city of Port Townsend for a zoning variance.
City zoning requirements allow them to construct a 1,500-square-foot building.
The restaurant, with an octagonal dining room heated by a woodstove, is now at 1,290 square feet.
Up to five employees can be cramped into its kitchen.
“We’re constantly saying ‘behind you’ a lot,” said Betty Harriman, who spends much of her time maneuvering around employees in the kitchen.
The Landfall has outdoor restrooms detached from the main building, and an old truck box for food storage.
Even its ice chest and much of its plumbing is outside and requires insulation in the winter, said Tony Harriman.
