We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the incredible support of generous benefactors, state and federal governments, private foundations, and our community, we have successfully reached our initial $4MM capital campaign goal! This achievement marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to complete the final phase of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial.
However, as much as we would like to declare mission accomplished, new City requirements for water service to the Memorial mean we must build a new water main along Eagle Harbor Drive. This, coupled with rising costs due to inflation, has prompted us to reassess our budget. As a result, we are revising our goal to $4.5MM and are confident we will secure the additional funds in short order.
Under the direction of architect Johnpaul Jones and his team at Jones and Jones Architects, we submitted our building permit application to the City of Bainbridge Island (COBI) in September of 2023. This marked an important step forward in turning the Visitor Center from a concept into a reality.
In the months since, additional permitting challenges have surfaced. However, we are pleased to confirm that all of our applications are now complete, and the City’s Planning Department is actively reviewing them.
Looking ahead, we anticipate putting the water main project out to bid before the end of this year. If all goes according to plan, construction will begin in the first quarter of next year and be completed by the end of the second quarter.
While the water main project remains a critical focus, Jones and Jones is also finalizing plans for the construction of the Visitor Center itself. We hope to have this phase out to bid soon as well, bringing us one step closer to realizing the Visitor Center for our community.
As we celebrate these milestones, we are reminded that none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our community. Your contributions have not only brought us closer to building a lasting memorial, but also to ensuring that future generations can learn from the stories and lessons the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial holds. Together, we are creating a space for remembrance, reflection, and education.
We are confident that with your continued support, we will meet our revised $4.5MM goal and complete this vital project. Thank you for standing with us as we continue this important work.
