The Parker House Restaurant, a fixture on the shores of the Columbia River in Washougal for decades, has been purchased and plans are being unveiled for the site.

 

Plans for the property include remodeling or removing the existing two-story restaurant and building a possible new, three-story restaurant with outdoor patios.  

 

The new restaurant will be called the Black Pearl on the Columbia and will be a high-end casual, seafood concept with banquet and catering, along with a classic cocktail lounge with an extensive wine list and a Rum Bar.

 

When rebuilt the new restaurant will be approximately 13,000 square feet and will be located back from the waterfront allowing space for an outdoor dining patio.  There are also plans for a private outdoor patio that can be used for weddings and other special events.

 

Inside the restaurant will feature banquet rooms on the bottom floor, with main restaurant dining and lounge located on the second floor.  The top floor will be reserved for private dining in a very upscale environment taking advantage of the natural beauty of the Columbia River, Gorge and views of Mt. Hood.

 

Russell Brent, a 25-year veteran of restaurant management, will oversee the construction and management of the facility.  Tim Leavitt of PBS Environmental is contracted to do the site development.  Incoming Washougal Mayor Sean Guard has been a champion to the project thus far, according to Brent.  An emphasis on the project is being placed on using local companies for all aspects of the planning and construction. 

 

Sean Guard has been working with both the operators and the neighboring Port of Camas-Washougal to insure timely a timely permit process to move the project forward, as well as the best use of the property for the operators and the public enjoyment of the marina waterfront area.

 

Target date for the grand opening is September 1, 2010.