13 Jun Port of Edmonds Welcomes New Building Owner to the Waterfront

Acting Executive Director Brandon Baker, Commissioner David Preston, Ryan Appleby, Commissioner Janelle Cass

EDMONDS, WA – The Port of Edmonds is pleased to announce a 50-year ground lease agreement with local father-and-son business partners Mike and Ryan Appleby for the waterfront property located at 300 Admiral Way. This agreement marks a significant transition for the site, as the Applebys acquire the Landing building from longtime building owners, Catspaw LLC.

“It has been a great run,” said Peter Challman, managing member and second-generation owner of Catspaw LLC. “But it’s time to pass the torch to a new building owner.”

“We want to thank Catspaw for their wonderful partnership over the years,” said Port of Edmonds Commission President David Preston. “They have been an integral part of the Edmonds waterfront for decades.”

With retirement on the horizon, Challman notified the Port in early 2024 of Catspaw’s decision not to extend their ground lease which was scheduled to expire at the end of 2029. A few months later, they presented the Appleby’s company, 1010 Development, to the Port as a potential sublease candidate.

“We have roots dating back five generations in Edmonds,” shared Ryan Appleby, President of 1010 Development. “It’s an important place to us.”

The Port launched an extensive review process to determine the best use of the property and the viability of 1010 Development’s proposal, which included the future development of a boutique hotel with new eateries and sauna facilities.

“The process was thorough,” explained Port of Edmonds Acting Executive Director Brandon Baker. “But it needed to be. There is only so much commercial waterfront property in Edmonds. We had to ensure it was the right fit for the community and the Port.”

Port staff provided the Commission with multiple reports, including a condition study, market analysis, redevelopment feasibility report, and cash flow analysis to equip them during the review process.

“The proposal from 1010 Development was discussed at length in 11 public commission meetings throughout 2024 and 2025,” shared Baker. “Public comments received at the meetings overwhelmingly supported the project.”

In the end, the Commission unanimously approved the Port to enter into a new 50-year ground lease with 1010 Development. The lease took effect on June 6, 2025.

“We are excited to welcome 1010 Development as a long-term partner and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our waterfront,” said Brittany Williams, Port of Edmonds Director of Economic Development.

“There was a clear alignment of priorities with the Port and the Applebys,” explained Williams.  “We both want to enhance the waterfront and contribute positively to the local economy.”

The proposed boutique hotel is still in its preliminary design stage, but current plans have it maintaining the existing building’s footprint. Proposed public amenities include a full-service restaurant, sauna and spa, social club, event space, and first-floor café offering coffee, smoothies, and grab-and-go items. The project will need to undergo an extensive permitting and approval process, including a design review with opportunities for public input.

“The Edmonds waterfront has historically been a place where people from all over come to enjoy the natural beauty, great dining, and beautiful public spaces,” said Appleby. “Through our new partnership with the Port, we look forward to carrying on that tradition.”

With development still years away, the Landing will remain a retail and office building for the foreseeable future, with Arnie’s Restaurant as the flagship tenant.

“Arnie’s is open and operating as usual and remains the heart of the Landing building,” said Appleby. “My first order of business is to fill the building vacancies.”

Appleby has already secured his first new tenant.

“I’m excited to share that Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream will open a shop on the first floor later this year.”

Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream will be the latest tenant in a building that has seen a variety of businesses over the years.

“From restaurants to butcher shops, marine yacht brokers to insurance salespeople, The Landing has been home to many,” reflects Challman, who now lives in central Idaho. “I will miss being a part of the Edmonds waterfront. I will always remember it as a wonderful time in my life.”

“Our partnership with Catspaw was long and rewarding,” shares Commissioner Preston. “As the torch is passed to a new family, the Port is eager to build another successful and lasting relationship that serves the Edmonds community.”