Bothell's McMenamins Anderson School Opens on October 15th

We first reported on this story more than five years ago, when McMenamins first presented their idea to the Bothell City Council. (See all our stories about this project). The plan was to convert the old Anderson School, and the surrounding five-acre campus, into one of McMenamins’ signature entertainment properties: hotel, restaurants, brewery, bars, and all the rest.

It’s taken some time, but at last the plan is coming to fruition. The company just announced that McMenamins Anderson School will open to the public on Thursday, October 15th, with grand opening events scheduled all weekend.

The old Bothell Junior High School, which was eventually renamed after the school’s first Principal, has now been completely transformed into a boutique hotel surrounded by a brewery, three restaurants, two bars, a movie theater, gardens and an indoor swimming pool filled with saltwater. This is McMenamins first hotel in the Seattle area and is the company’s largest property in Washington.

On Thursday, Oct. 15th, McMenamins Anderson School opens to the public with three days of grand opening festivities featuring live music, art and an assortment of handcrafted food, ales, wine and spirits. Celebrations are free and all ages are welcome.

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If all you know of McMenamins is the Seattle-area properties (Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Mill Creek) then you really don’t know the whole story. McMenamins does not simply build hotels, they animate a property’s history. If you’ve ever visited one of McMenamins historic properties, you know what I mean. The company has a team of historians who work with local artists to help bring the past to life.

There will be plenty to capture your imagination. The school’s woodworking shop has been transformed into a brewery, complete with a 10-barrel brewing system. Getting sent to the Principal’s office will soon have a whole new meaning. At the Anderson School, the Principal’s Office is one of the bars. Grab a drink and settle into the tiki bar overlooking the expansive saltwater swimming pool, which will be surrounded by bamboo and tropical foliage, giving it a South Pacific vibe. (Pictured below, I toured the property in April when the swimming pool concept was just starting to come to life.)

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Visitors to the Anderson School’s three-day opening celebration can enjoy:

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A first-look at the hotel, restaurants, bars, brewery, theater and community swimming pool
Self-guided art exploration – hallways and rooms are adorned with paintings, historical photos and sculptures created by McMenamins’ artists
Beer, wine, spirits, coffee and hard cider tastings
Music throughout the three days, including bagpipes, a marching band and three nights ofheadlining acts
Daily meet and greets with McMenamins’ historians

WHEN:
Thursday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 17

Property opens daily at 7 a.m. for breakfast

See times for opening activities below

WHERE:
McMenamins Anderson School
18607 Bothell Way NE
Bothell, WA 98011
MAP

Event locations and details are posted on the company’s website.

MUSIC:

Thursday, Oct 15:

11 a.m.: Bagpiper

4-7 p.m.: Transcendental Brass Band (Sparkling Marching Band)

7-10 p.m.: World’s Finest (Raucous Reggae, Funk & Bluegrass)

Friday, Oct. 16:

4-7 p.m.: Transcendental Brass Band (Sparkling Marching Band)

8-11 p.m.: The Young Fresh Fellows (Power-Pop) with Opener Unlikely Friends (Pop)

Saturday, Oct. 17:

4-7 p.m.: Transcendental Brass Band (Sparkling Marching Band)

8-11 p.m.: Ben Union (Pop) with opener Tommy Simmons (Singer-Songwriter)

TASTINGS:
Sample McMenamins handcrafted beverages

Thursday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 17, 4 – 8 p.m., Location: Various stations around the property

Tastings include beer, wine, spirits, coffee and hard cider

HISTORY:
Meet the McMenamins Historians

Thursday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 17, 4 – 8 p.m., Location: Patty Murray Room

See some of the Bothell artifacts we’ve received from community members and alumni, ask questions about the project and tell the McMenamins’ historians your Anderson and Bothell stories.

BOOKINGS:
Plan a meeting, event or wedding!

Thursday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 17, 4 – 8 p.m., Location: Patty Murray Room

Members of McMenamins’ group sales staff will be on hand to chat, answer questions and book event spaces.

CONTACT:
Visit them online at mcmenamins.com to make reservations or to book events and meetings.

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