Jacobsen’s Marine, a long-time Ballard boat dealer and motor sales and service company, recently signed a 30-year lease with the Port of Edmonds to move their facility from Seattle to Edmonds.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with good support and response from the City of Edmonds,” said Bob McChesney, executive director of the Port of Edmonds.
Jacobsen’s was founded in 1951 in Ballard by the late Bob Jacobsen. His son, Greg Jacobsen, is now president of the business.
Plans to move to Edmonds from Ballard were in the works for the company a few years ago. With the failing economy in 2008 the idea to move north was halted. Jacobsen’s instead moved to West Seattle in 2009.
“We kept our eye on Edmonds,” Terry McCartney, managing partner at Jacobsen’s Marine said. “Ideas were pretty much ready to go. “
The company had bids, architecture and other necessities written up to be put back in motion from the initial idea to move in 2007.
Greg Jacobsen said in a statement that the Port of Edmonds is a perfect fit for the business.
“Both for the boating business and saltwater sports,” Jacobsen said.
The company, which deals in high-quality boats with Grady White and Parker ranging from 18 to 36 feet in length, will make Edmonds home in 2014.
Jacobsen’s also works with Johnson-Evinrude and Yamaha outboard motors.
Having the long-time boat business come to Edmonds is a three-way win: the city of Edmonds wins, as does the Port, McChesney said.
Jacobsen’s wins by virtue of the Edmonds location which provides the only public boating access between Shilshole Bay in Seattle and the Port of Everett.
“Jacobsen’s has been in business for 60 years,” McChesney said. “They represent high-quality boats and service and it fits in well with their brand and our brand.”
Plans for the new building, located across from the Port Administration on Admiral Way, will be under way once permits are approved. They include a 10,000-square-foot building space split between showroom and shop, McCartney said.
The project, which is currently a gravel parking and storage area, is scheduled to be completed by June 2014.
The 30-year lease has an option of being extended a further 20 years. Jacobsen’s will be able to exercise this option if they choose, running the lease for 50 years total.
“We are looking forward to a long term relationship,” McChesney said.
With a tried and tested boat business, McCartney sees a good fit with Edmonds and room to expand. The Marina has 662 wet moorage slips and 232 dry moorage spaces.
“We have a premium line of boats in premium neighborhood,” McCartney said. “It’s a good look and a good feel.”
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