The Beeson Building – 100 years old
Beacon photo by Pat Ratliff

The historic Beeson Building in downtown Edmonds has reached a milestone. It’s 100 years old (and looks better than ever).

The current owner, Douglas Footh, plans to celebrate big time, and hopes the citizens of Edmonds will join in the festivities to honor this important landmark. The celebration will be held August 1-7.

The Beeson building was built by Florence R. Rosco Beeson. When built, the Beeson family had an apartment on the second floor of the northeast corner of the building.

Shops were on the first floor, and the rest of the building was comprised of apartments and sleeping rooms.

During its 100-year history, the second floor has undergone a number of changes, but it currently houses several professional offices.

Many of the shops in the Beeson Building are planning events and sales to help commemorate the occasion.

A barbecue will be held in the parking lot directly behind the building, hosted by the Beeson Building merchant community.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be served.

Edmonds Vision Center is celebrating two landmarks. They are also celebrating their own 10th anniversary at the Beeson Building.

Besides participating in the barbecue, they are hosting several trunk shows for frame lines. From Aug. 5-7, factory representatives will show lines from ProDesign, FaceáFace, Nike and Tura.

Owners Kathy Solum and Art Wong are offering special prizes and discounts to accompany the trunk shows.

Stacey Masterson, owner of Crimson and Clover – A contemporary Womens Boutique, just moved into the Beeson Building a few months ago.

Her shop specializes in designer denim, lines like Hudsons, AG, Page, NYDJ and Silver.

She loves the new location and the building. She’s a couple of blocks closer to the fountain and in the heart of downtown, and the number of new customers reflects a definite upturn in business.

She invites people to come into her shop for refreshments during the celebration. She’s also planning big new markdowns for the celebration.

Rebecca Anjewierden of Designer Consignor thinks that shopping should be all about fun.

To make her part of the celebration fun. She’s offering a free gift with a $40 or more purchase.

Other businesses in the Beeson Building are also planning sales and events, but details haven’t been finalized.