About the Allgire Project

Welcome to The Allgire Project. 

This 18,000 square-foot space consists of two adjacent properties that contain five commercial spaces, an outdoor event space, and a mural gallery within downtown Oak Harbor, Washington. The buildings sit at 720 and 740 SE Pioneer Way, with a large, off-street parking lot between the two. The Allgire Project’s two buildings and outdoor space encompasses four commercial units, an outdoor events space, nine stunning outdoor murals, and “pop up” space for food trucks, farmers markets, and retail events.

History

The building at 720 SE Pioneer Way has been owned by the Allgire family for three generations. In the 1960s, Myrtle and John Allgire purchased the building and opened their clothing store, The Casual House, which eventually expanded to a new building next door. John and Myrtle were longtime residents of Oak Harbor and dedicated much of their lives to community service and supporting local businesses. Their daughter, Jill Allgire Schacht, took over the building at 720 SE Pioneer Way while also managing the Casual House. In late 2017, Jill passed after a battle with cancer, and her daughter, Sarah Schacht, became the third generation to own the “720 Building.”

In 2019, Myrtle and John’s granddaughter, Sarah Schacht, purchased the adjacent building, locally known as the “Skinner Building.” To honor her family’s legacy of supporting the local community and small businesses, Schacht founded the Allgire Project at the two sites. Her goal is to bring community, small businesses, creative projects and events together under one indoor-outdoor space to enrich and engage Oak Harbor’s community and visitors. 

About Oak Harbor

Located in Island County, Oak Harbor is Whidbey Island’s largest incorporated city with a population of 23,187 residents. The city is home to the island’s largest marina, a respected playhouse and plenty of indigenous Garry Oak trees (some over 3,000 years old). 

With views of Puget Sound, the North Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and the Olympic Mountains, Oak Harbor attracts locals and tourists alike to its beaches, forests, and lively but intimate downtown. The city is a frequent stop for visitors biking or driving across the island or camping at Deception Pass State Park.

Historically, Oak Harbor was home to a mix of Coast Salish tribes before being settled by Irish and Dutch immigrants in the late 19th century. Two major events coincided with the city’s growth: the building of Deception Pass Bridge in 1935 and the completion of the Naval Air Station in 1942. The latter brought the Allgire family to the island in 1940.

Access to Whidbey Island by land is available by driving through the scenic Deception Pass. Other ways to travel include flying or utilizing a State of Washington Ferry. 

What Is An Opportunity Zone? 

The Allgire Project buildings and outdoor event space is located within a designated Opportunity Zone. The Opportunity Zone program was developed as a part of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which provides tax incentives to invest in underserved communities. In Qualified Opportunity Funds, investors are able to defer paying taxes on capital gains, which are then invested in the communities. Oak Harbor is home to the only Opportunity Zone in Island County.

Through investing in these properties and keeping these buildings in the family, we are hoping to create opportunities for other business owners to establish themselves and thrive in the community we love. 

Learn more about Opportunity Zones on the IRS Website here.