Most people who have lived in Puget Sound for more than 10 years likely recall when Bremerton was all but pronounced dead. During the 1980s, the city’s downtown gradually emptied out. Once a lively town, sidled up against a naval shipyard, department stores and shops left for the suburbs. Outlying subdivisions in Kitsap County soaked up the demand for housing. By the 1990s, the place was practically barren, save for a row of sleazy looking taverns facing the water. Indeed, during that decade, Bremerton actually lost population — quite the feat in otherwise robust economic times.
Bremerton might have followed the pattern of countless small towns across the country that have been gutted by big box stores, strip malls and relentless sprawl. Instead, Bremerton reversed its downward spiral.
The remarkable turnaround required some bold actions. Despite previous failed efforts to infuse new life into the old town, a handful of civic leaders took charge and remade Bremerton.
First the city worked with the Washington State Ferry System to build a new terminal. This was no boring, utilitarian fix-up; the terminal's new interior is filled with light, inviting vistors to watch vessels come and go in the harbor. From there, the walk to downtown is visually interesting just about any direction you take.
Then a broad-based effort by residents and business people focused on saving and renovating the old Admiral Theatre. With its landmark Art Deco architecture and classic oversized marquee, the old Admiral is now a venue for many community events, as well as theatrical and musical productions.
