Near the confluence of the Columbia and Washougal rivers, a building stands abandoned like a lone oyster on the shore. In it lives the dream of The Black Pearl, not a gem but a planned restaurant that had been a local man’s dream before he died.
Because the restaurant never opened, the building overlooking the marina at the Port of Camas-Washougal has remained empty for five years.
That could finally change. The two-story, 12,000-square-foot building is for sale.
“The opportunity remains available for a restaurant entrepreneur to purchase the property and open a restaurant or two within the building,” reads a release from Eric Fuller & Associates. “The property zoning permits restaurant and offices uses, allowing a mixed-use concept as well.”
Originally built in 2011 by Barrett Business Services Inc. CEO William Sherertz to replace the Parker House Restaurant on the waterfront, the planned upscale eatery and meeting space was stalled by Sherertz’s untimely death.
“I am just so sad that he couldn’t do this,” his widow, Kimberly Sherertz, told The Columbian at the time.
The $5 million restaurant plan at 56 S. First St. was put on pause by the family, and now it appears they are ready to let someone else finish Sherertz’s dream or find a different vision for The Black Pearl.
Development in that area has gained steam recently, from the opening of the Best Western there five years ago to work now ongoing at the Washougal Waterfront Park.
The former Hambleton Lumber Mill site could be the next area on the waterfront to see development.
“Killian Pacific and the Port of Camas-Washougal are working on a master plan to determine the highest and best uses for the 26-acre property,” according to the Eric Fuller & Associates release.
