Landscaping

At every turn, landscape architect Robey Willis, with Seattle-based GCH Planning and Landscape Architecture, has maximized what he describes as "efficiences of landscape."

Working with a budget of more than $1 million, GCH has designed four parks for San Juan Passage: two grand gathering greens along a central promenade that leads to the sea, and two neighborhood pocket parks. Beyond the promenade’s formal entrance, a path ox-bows through native plantings. Comfortable seating, tucked away in gardens, offers a place to contemplate the view. View landscaping progress photos in our gallery.

The path winds seaward to a dramatic promontory above a sea bluff, then gently slopes toward a shoreline trail. At water’s edge, weathered stone seats set into the hillside curve create an amphitheater with a classical feel – a perfect spot to listen to sea birds, pull out a favorite book, or simply sit and reflect on the beautiful surroundings.

Enhancing the lifestyle experience for both passersby and San Juan Passage residents, Gilbane has built a meandering sidewalk and greenway along the top of the property, establishing an appealing streetscape of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. The sidewalk leads to the Washington State Ferry Terminal, and magical 220-acre Washington Park.

Shoreside, a short stroll west leads to the Ship Harbor Interpretive Preserve (SHIP), a protected wetland. Gilbane Development Company has donated three acres to the preserve, and, through double impact fees on home sales, will help fund upcoming construction of an interpretive kiosk and wooden walkways.

A significant contribution from Gilbane Development helped build the new Guemes Channel Trail, which traces the northern edge of San Juan Passage. This community walking and bike path—accessible by car and trail from San Juan Passage— extends some three miles, winding from Washington Park eastward to downtown Anacortes.