Black Pearl waterfront building is under contract

The waterfront building referred to as the Black Pearl is under contract to be purchased by an investor.

Deborah Ewing, with Eric Fuller & Associates, Inc., said the investor is in discussions with a couple of restaurant operators.

“However, [the investor] is open to hearing from other restaurant businesses who may be interested in leasing space within the building,” she said.

The vacant 12,000-square-foot structure, located at 56 S. “A” St., Washougal, had been available to lease or purchase for five years.

In August, it was announced that the building was being marketed for sale. The two-story structure is on 2.02 acres.

Potential uses previously mentioned include restaurant and/or office spaces, as well as penthouse suites.

Bill Sherertz, the managing member of Black Pearl on the Columbia LLC, died in January 2011, at the age of 64.

The building is located on the former site of the Parker House restaurant, next to the new Washougal Waterfront Park and Trail. The Parker House was demolished in July 2010.

The Black Pearl on the Columbia, which had been expected to open in the spring of 2011, was going to feature a bar, banquet and meeting rooms, patio dining and a 5,000-bottle wine cellar with rentable lockers.