WOODINVILLE, Wash. — An attempt to relaunch a beloved Woodinville gardening staple has fallen short.
The owners of Molbak’s Garden and Home announced plans to transform the garden retailers’ former site into the Green Phoenix Collaborative following the support it received during its closure earlier this year.
The project hoped to raise $2.5 million from crowdfunding and sponsorships by May 9. Per the online fundraiser link, Molbak's had accumulated just $106,814, or 4% of the overall goal before it was shut down.
"While the community as a whole wasn’t quite ready for GPC, a seed of possibility was planted. When the time is right, we’re hopeful that it will take root in another form and bring something positive, green-friendly and community-driven back to the area. Nothing would make us happier," the company wrote on its website.
The Green Phoenix Collaborative was created to focus on gardening and landscaping products and services, hosting seasonal holiday and farmer’s markets, showcases, classes, community workspaces, food, and more.
Molbak's Garden and Home permanently closed in January after 67 years.
The closure comes after the landlords were planning a Gardens District project, which was set to be a privately funded 19-acre development in the heart of Woodinville to create apartments, retailers and restaurants within a garden space. A new Molbak's location was going to be built as a part of the project and be a featured aspect of the new neighborhood.
The developer said interest rates and construction costs drove the project to be scrapped.
