About Port Townsend's Historic Uptown

The Port Townsend Rhody Festival features a fun event held on Thursday of the festival which brings out a lot of spectators and pet lovers. People register their pet in the appropriate group, and then march about 4 blocks with pets in buggy, arms, or on a leash. We had a beautiful sunny day this year with a nice cool breeze. Prizes went to best costumes. All looked adorable.

Port Townsend is experiencing our first real spring weather this week, and just in time for our wonderful Rhody festival. Always a great reason to spend a few days in this charming Victorian Seaport Village.

The festival was started in 1935 when a local businessman contacted the Hearst News Organization with an idea to film the rhododendrons in bloom as a part of their "short subjects" popular in movie theaters in those days. The business community then organized a Queen competition to have a group of young women in the photos. The townspeople could vote by spending money at local participating merchants.

The following year the American Legion liked the enthusiasm generated by the event and decided to go forward with an annual event which became the Rhody Festival we enjoy today. The festival has been going on ever since except for the war years of 1942-1945.

In the 1950's the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce took over and more activities have been added until now it is a week long celebration. There have been golf tournaments, boat races, air show, cow chip throwing, bed race, trike race, beard growing contest, and more.

There was some talk this year of not having our Kiddy Carnival, but I see it is now being set up for Friday evening. Also on Friday will be the Fish Fry, and The Bed Races. Thursday afternoon will be the terrific Pet Parade for pets ranging from rabbits to goats and horses, and of course the family cats and dogs. The main event will be held early on Saturday afternoon: The Rhody Parade. Rhody Run will be held on Sunday morning.

On April 29th there will be a tour of the available commercial/retail space available for lease or sale in the Historic Uptown district. There are approximately 28 - 30 vacant storefronts in Port Townsend right now , and several empty buildings.

This is a great time to start your own business, or move or enlarge your existing business with rents low and many choices available, and perks such as free rent for several months, or other incentives.

The tour begins at Mount Baker Block Building at 213 Taylor Street at 4 PM.

The Cracker Factory, built in 1880, will be one of the stars of this year's AAUW (American Association of University Women) Kitchen Tour. This downtown artists loft will be worth the price of the ticket to the show, scheduled for Sat. April 30th at 10:00 AM. The proceeds of this tour will go toward local education projects.

This wonderful small building located down a small alley way off Washington Street in Port Townsend had been sorely neglected before my clients purchased in in 2008. This couple is in the business of decorating and really did a number on this wonderful old bit of Port Townsend history. I was lucky enough to have a private tour and could not imagine this place could ever look so great. The character has been maintained with the original brick, incredibly high ceilings on all 3 floors, refurbished wood flooring, and now boasts a new gourmet kitchen.

Building in 2008 At Right, Original oven as shown in 2008

There are 4 other Kitchens on tour in the Uptown area, one waterfront home, plus 2 kitchens on the outskirts of town.

Port Townsend, WA has sales stats that are very similar to other parts of the country. Sales have risen in number in 2010 compared to 2009, but median price is down. The prime property in this small Victorian Seaport is the Victorian home which is generally priced higher than a newer home, especially if it has seen some expensive rehab work. Homes were built between 1850-1910 and located in the original townsite of Port Townsend.

Homes sold (MLS) Price per sq. ft. Median price of sold

2009 7 $219 $383,000

2010 7 $150 $323000

Currently on the market

2011 Active 11 $246 $592,000

There are at least 5 B & B properties not included here as they have dropped out of the market due to lack of buyers.

This would be a great time to pick up a bargain in one of these incredible homes.