After a brief closure and an ownership change, Orcas Island’s Rosario Resort has partially reopened to guests as the busy summer season approaches.
The resort’s new owner, Empower Investing, said Wednesday it will immediately begin operating and taking reservations for lodging, weddings, events and the marina. The Moran Mansion, which houses the resort’s restaurant and spa, remains closed for renovations. Empower, a real estate investment firm, was founded by Orcas Island residents, according to the announcement.
Rosario’s new owners are hinting at big changes for the property but so far keeping specifics mum, saying they are “focused on plans to add many other amenities to the property and will announce them as they are ready.”
The historic waterfront resort closed temporarily in February and laid off 45 employees as it transitioned to a new owner. The total price of the deal is unclear. The sale will take place over multiple transactions, with the first portion closing this week for $6.65 million, according to county property records.
An ownership transition for one of the San Juan Islands’ well-known resorts is a rare event. “It is not just unusual, it’s totally unique [when] properties like this come up,” Compass agent Kevin Ranker, who represented the buyers, said in an interview. The property includes some employee housing and the potential for more “workforce housing” in the future, Ranker said.
Empower Investing founder Christopher Robison didn’t immediately respond to inquiries.
For now, it’s unclear how long the mansion will be closed for renovations. The resort’s website says the new owners plan to “make improvements and turn it into something special without altering the historic factor.”
