Landlord gives free April rent to 22 businesses to help during pandemic

By Matthew Nash • March 25, 2020 1:30 am
Cathlene Michaels-Brader, health and beauty manager for Sunny Farms Supplement Store, stocks essential oils shelves on a busy Monday. The store has remained busy during the COVID-19 crisis, and the business and 21 others will receive rent free during April from their landlord in an effort to support them during uncertain economic times.
Cathlene Michaels-Brader, health and beauty manager for Sunny Farms Supplement Store, stocks essential oils shelves on a busy Monday. The store has remained busy during the COVID-19 crisis, and the business and 21 others will receive rent free during April from their landlord in an effort to support them during uncertain economic times.

One landlord is giving some rent help to a large group of businesses as coronavirus regulations and fears grow across the state.

Dick McNish, owner of Sequim Village Shopping Center at 651 W. Washington St. and buildings at 271 S. Seventh Ave., told his property manager Michelle Ridgway with Sun Valley Realty that in light of the economic uncertainty ahead with the coronavirus, he wanted to forgive rent for 22 businesses in April.

In total, McNish will forgive $59,004 in rent and common area maintenance (CAM) fees for the buildings he’s owned since 1992.

Ridgway said she spoke with McNish last Friday and he felt people had enough to worry about with the virus and the economy.

“He wanted to give some relief,” she said.

McNish owns buildings that house popular Sequim eateries, retailers, a church, and many more.

“Everyone has been appreciative and it helps a lot,” Ridgway said.

Staff at Sunny Farms Supplement Store were excited to hear the news. Store manager Theresa Roe said they’ve “been more than busy” and “doing our best to keep shelves stocked” as health concerns grow.

They, like a number of other nearby retailers, offer phone orders for curbside pickup or mail delivery, and they’ve marked six feet social distancing spaces with tape throughout the store.

Steve Smith, a real estate broker for Sun Valley Realty, said McNish forgiving rent “gives some relief” to retailers and is something positive in these times.

The 22 businesses between McNish’s properties, include: Mariner Cafe, Harrison’s Footwear, Properties by Landmark, Inc., Good Impressions Cleaners and Laundry, Sunny Spa LLC., Sun Valley Realty, The Gateway Church of Sequim, Sunny Farms Supplements, Sweet Spot Sequim Inc. (Frozen Yogurt), Strongpoints Fitness LLC., Full Moon Candle Company, Morning Star Skin Care and Waxing, Hair by Chris Glas, Olympic Area Agency on Aging, Sequim Community Broadcasting (KSQM 91.5 FM), Oak Tree Fine Furniture (5th Avenue Furniture), Rodda Paint Company, Lucky Nail Salon, Sequim Sewing Center (Karen’s Quilt Shop), Sergio’s Mexican Restaurant Inc, Sawadee Thai Cuisine and JCPenneys.

Multiple businesses across from JCPenney also receive free rent in April in an effort to reduce stress during the coronavirus outbreak. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Multiple businesses across from JCPenney also receive free rent in April in an effort to reduce stress during the coronavirus outbreak. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash