||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
San Juan County is pleased to open the new Fern Street building on September 16 in Eastsound that will expand the County’s ability to serve residents of Orcas Island. The community is invited to attend the opening of the new office building that will host County staff formerly located at the Senior Center building including members of the Auditor’s Office, Health and Community Services, Superior Court Services, and Noxious Weeds. The County Councilmember for District 2 will also have an office in the Fern Street building.
- What: Ribbon cutting for the new County building with speeches and light refreshments
- When: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Where: 531 Fern Street in Eastsound
Background
On October 3, 2024, the Orcas Senior Center nonprofit purchased the County’s 49% share of the senior center building at 62 Henry Road. On October 15, San Juan County closed on the purchase of 531 Fern Street in Eastsound. Primarily funded by the sale of the County’s portion of the senior center building, this approximately 3,000 sq ft office building will host County staff formerly located at the Senior Center building.
“This building is a great solution to the County’s space needs,” said Greg Sawyer, the County’s Facilities Director. “It’s centrally located on the island and provides us with enough space to host Orcas-based staff.”
Next Steps
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and the Health clinic will also be moving to the Fern Street building, and the County plans to host a full open house when those services are established in the new space.
Over the years, County staff have enjoyed partnering with the Senior Center nonprofit to provide valuable services to Orcas seniors. This partnership will continue as the County’s senior services staff will continue to be based out of the Senior Center building. The County is eager to continue providing quality services at the Senior Center and serving Orcas Islanders at an additional location.
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