Island Center Hall
Island Center Hall’s size and warm wood interior make Island Center Hall a special place and a community treasure.
8395 Fletcher Bay Road NE
1700 Sq. Ft.
Maximum capacity: 150
This historic Hall features hardwood floors, wainscotted walls, traditional ceiling-high windows, and built-in bench seating along each wall. A small stage sits in the corner with minimal stage lighting. There is a large pull-down projector screen on the front wall, and a piano is available by request. In the small kitchen space, there is an apartment-sized refrigerator, an electric range, and a sink. Electric outlets are minimal: one in the kitchen and one in the main Hall by the stage. There are two ADA-accessible restrooms and a small “green room” behind the stage. Folding tables and chairs are available on-site. This facility is available to rent when Park District Classes are not in session.
To check rental availability, please call the customer service desk at 206-842-2302.
Island Center Hall History
For nearly 90 years, Island Center Hall has been a focal point of community activities ranging from dances and community social events to elections and church services. The one thing it hasn’t been a school. Island historian Katy Warner says, “Everyone thinks it was a school; it never was a school.” The old Island Center School was located on the adjacent property, relocated first to the High School, then to Strawberry Hill Park, and finally to Erikson Avenue, which is now the Historical Society Museum.
W.L. Gazzam and his wife Lulu donated property for Island Center Hall in August of 1913 to the Island Center Improvement Club. In their donation, the Gazzams specified that the property had to be used as “a meeting place for the community of island center,” and “no spirituous liquors will be allowed,” nor could the property be used for “unlawful meetings or purposes.” The improvement club soon organized volunteers and got donations of materials and money to build the building.
Besides being used for a great variety of community events, Island Center Hall was the Bainbridge Island Fair’s location for several years. In December of 1971, the Hall was given to the Bainbridge Island Park District. At the time, Annie Hansen and Ralph Anderson, the last living members of the original Island Center Improvement Club, agreed that the Hall should be preserved for the community by the Park District. Gazzam’s three surviving daughters also approved the transfer.
Today, Island Center Hall continues to serve its intended purpose. Concerts, lectures, weddings, community meetings, and recreation classes are regular events.