A grand opening was held in July celebrating the renovated Spring Street building now titled “Two Loons” and showing off the renovated garden that owner David Sennet hopes will be put to good use as a location for musical events and other gatherings.

Locals stopped by to congratulate the new tenants, and visitors wandered in while Teddy Dean and his band played jazz.

“I appreciate you taking the time to come tonight, it’s an honor for me to be here,” Sennett told the crowd.

The building, previously Island Studios, is now home to David J Correy Photography to the left, Windsong Gallery to the right. Second Act, once housed in the Mason Building, and Vibes, which sells jewelry, metal work among other items, is next door. Jesse Miller, owner of Vibes, is also the on-site manager.

Sennett grew up in Everett and attended the University of Washington where he became passionate about tennis. That passion brought him to Japan where he met his wife Hiroko. They came to the San Juans years ago, and bought the building hoping to to create both a business and social asset for the community.

“”I feel the key to success will be the combing force of a responsible owner, capable and passionate tenants and a supportive community. In the tennis world, there is a saying “pressure is a privilege. You put your dreams out there and good things will happen,” Sennett explained, adding that in Japan there is a concept called Ikigai, which means reason to live. “Through my wife Hirko, the tennis world and the amazing properties I have worked on, I have found m Ikigai…Tonight I humble present to you Two Loons Building and Two Loons Garden… This is my initial effort to bring [the building and garden] back to life.”

Sennett told attendees that the Two Loons Garden will be available to the community for private gatherings, anniversary’s, birthdays, musical concerts, educational seminars, art shows or perhaps movie nights and comedy shows. “My goal is for it to be sustainable on its own. In the near future, I will add a waterfall feature and full stage. My pattern is to leave a property better than I found it. I want to be a useful to society by acting with integrity and civilly. I offer a special thanks to Dave Waldren, architect; Tome Carter, contractor and his crew; Greg King, for help acquiring the property; and Jesse Miller, on-site manager. I could not have done it without them,” Sennett closed by giving a tribute to his mentor and best friend Torben Ulrich.

Attendees relaxed in the garden, had refreshments and listened to music for the remainder of the evening.