Choose Monroe Late Winter/Spring 2024

late winter/spring 2024

Volume 7 | Issue 1

from the mayor

Mayor

Geoffrey Thomas

T28

Published By:

Des Moines, WA 98198 www.ColibriNW.com

(206) 284-8285

Peter Philips, Publisher peter@colibrinw.com

Advertising Sales:

Katie Higgins

(206) 914-4248

katie@colibrinw.com

Writer:

Adam Worcester

Photographers:

Jake Campbell

Nichole Gaertner Photography

Sarah Mac

he city has a variety of businesses tucked away in our industrial and commercial zones serving customers across Washington. With winter coming to a close, it’s time to think about spring auto and home improvement projects. In this issue of Choose Monroe we highlight just a few of the retail automotive and home improvement businesses that call Monroe home.

Many people new to Monroe are unaware of the city’s hidden commercial/industrial zone. You don’t have to leave Monroe to find top quality craftsmen for your home improvement needs (Page 6). You can find everything from floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall including flooring upgrades, cabinet and countertop replacements, custom staircase railings, and stunning wood mantels. You can complete your project from start to finish using Monroe pros. Whether you are brave enough to tackle these projects yourself or you want to let the professionals shine, Monroe’s home improvement specialists can make your house a home. Is your home in great shape but you have a project car in your garage or you want to look sharp wherever you drive? There is an automotive specialist in Monroe

waiting to serve you. Now is a great time to get your car in for scheduled maintenance, a fresh detail, or upgrades like the ceramic coating finish that you have been dreaming about (Page 14).

The city has also been busy “fixing up” our community to serve you better. In January, construction started on the City Hall remodel. The current facility at 806 West Main Street was a former Chevy dealership. It was purchased by the city in the 1970s. A study completed in 2008 found the building was deficient and unable to serve the city’s future needs. Phases 1 of the Municipal Campus Plan was completed over the last 15 years and the City Hall remodel will complete phase 2. We look forward to inviting the community to a grand reopening in 2025. On to other big news. The city purchased the former Union Bank building at the corner of West Main Street and Blakeley. The goal is to turn this property into a downtown community gathering space. In the interim, the space is open for public parking serving downtown businesses. This has been a community priority for the last 50 years. We are excited to hear from you about the future of this property and look forward to working with you to create a space to serve our residents, visitors, and businesses.

Monroe Library

1070 Village Way, Monroe, WA

Fix it, fine tune it, and check it off your chore list!

Whether you are an aspiring DIYer or a seasoned jack- or jill-of-all-trades, Monroe Library is your one-stop shop for information about home improvements, auto repairs, and small engine service.

Research your next big appliance purchase with Consumer Reports. Repair your car by following ChiltonLibrary’s step-by-step instructions. Plan your next home improvement project or plot your spring garden with Gale OneFile. Learn how to mend clothing with Creativebug videos. Troubleshoot your generator, boat, or motorcycle engine with the Small Engine Repair Source.

Your library is a knowledgeable helper! Tackle your to-do list by accessing thousands of physical or digital books, DVDs, and magazines – or stream TV shows and how-to videos. Come to our Drop-in Tech Help on Thursdays or cultivate the curiosity of young makers by introducing them to STEM events such as Discovery Hour, Little Science Lab, and Drop-in Construction Zone. Choose Monroe Library – the most powerful tool in your tool belt!

snohomish regional fire & rescue

163 Village Court, Monroe, WA

Serving 160,000 residents in Monroe, Lake Stevens, Clearview, Maltby, and unincorporated southeast Snohomish County. SRFR responds to an average of 17,000 calls per year with highly-trained personnel and state-of-the-art rescue programs.

SRFR is known for providing the highest quality fire and emergency medical services (EMS). We also provide fire prevention and life safety programs to prevent emergencies and accidents before they happen. We conduct inspections of businesses and all new construction to make sure they comply with the latest fire safety codes. We’re in our local schools, offer safety classes for seniors, and teach disaster preparedness, home fire safety, and fire extinguisher use. We also host two water safety camps for children in the summer and attend various community events throughout the year. Our philosophy is to serve people, save lives, protect property, safeguard the environment, and continuously improve to meet the needs of our community as it grows.

Our team of dedicated professionals are committed to your health, safety, and well-being. Follow the QR code to learn more about how you can take advantage of some of the health and safety programs we offer.

Spotlights Spotlights this issue's business

In this issue of Choose Monroe, we highlight businesses within the Commercial and Industrial Zone of Monroe (see map below). Unknown to most who call Monroe home, there are over a hundred businesses tucked away into this quiet area of our city.

With winter and early spring projects on our minds, we’d like to introduce you to the home improvement and automotive businesses within this (sometimes hidden) area of the city. Has your floor seen its last winter? Or, does your car need professional detailing? Let us introduce you to the local business owners that offer the services you are searching for right here in Monroe.

The businesses selected for this issue are all open to the public, but this is just a fraction of what is located in the industrial area. More options are available for contractors or business owners looking to purchase wholesale products or services. Also, this is just a small area within the city. Many home or auto improvement service providers are located throughout Monroe and surrounding areas. Make sure to shop local!

Floored Floored

BY ADAM WORCESTER

If Monroe residents want to know why they should choose AAA Flooring & More LLC for their countertops and flooring needs, Frank Bresnan has a quick answer. “They can look at our reviews,” the floor operations manager says.

This small Monroe shop does, indeed, boast impressive Google reviews – 64 at press time, averaging 4.8 stars. A quotation from one five-star critique adorns a poster on one of the company’s showroom doors, like a football motivational slogan.

“We have worked with AAA on multiple projects,” states one typical online reviewer. “They are incredibly easy to work with, are super responsive, and their work is beautiful. We’ve recommended a number of friends who have all had the same great experience we’ve enjoyed.” Another reviewer admits initial skepticism. “Who gets all 5 stars??,”

AAA Flooring & More

17461 147th Street SE #13A (360) 863-6744

www.aaaflooringandmore.com

she writes. “I researched…and found that they were credible. I can say that our experience was top notch.”

What prompts these glowing comments?

“We’re a small company. We take better care of people versus larger companies,” says Eugene Kurilchenko, who runs the shop alongside his brother Edward, the AAA owner, and Bresnan. The company cuts overhead costs by leasing space in a nondescript warehouse building not far from the intersection of State Route 522 and Highway 2. They pass the savings onto customers through wholesale pricing and in-house fabrication. “We haven’t really raised our prices,” says Bresnan, “except for materials.”

AAA Flooring & More LLC opened in 2017. Just as it was getting established, Covid prompted a months-long shutdown in

2020. Business is on the upswing again, although the showroom is now closed on weekends. “The last couple years were a little bit different because of Covid and stuff,” says Kurlichenko, who is shopping for a house to buy in Monroe. “Every year we learn. It gets better every year. Every year (revenue) goes higher and higher, so we’ll do better.”

AAA has a fabrication shop in the building, as well as a third unit for cutting and storage, so it can be tricky to find the main door. But once you do, the brightly lit showroom feels welcoming. A large desk carved from a block of quartz sits in front of racks and shelves displaying hundreds of samples from all leading brands. There is hardwood, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl tile and plank, carpet, vinyl, marmoleum and tile flooring. Countertop choices are quartz, granite, marble and quartzite. There is green flooring and waterproof hardwood flooring. One of the most interesting samples is a Mohawk carpet made partially from recycled

soda pop bottles.

While the choices can seem overwhelming, AAA advises customers on materials, walking them through the process from start to finish. The company gives free estimates, fabricates countertops and installs. AAA Flooring offers a one-year warranty on all materials it sells and helps customers with

the paperwork on manufacturer warranties. It bills itself as “your one stop flooring and countertop shop.”

Though it serves the entire state, most business comes from the Puget Sound region. It doesn’t do a lot of commercial sales, Bresnan says. The average customers are like this reviewer, who writes, “Saw the billboard on WA-522 and my wife decided to drop by AAA Flooring one Saturday morning… They bent over backwards to make sure that we got exactly what we wanted for the best price.”

Bresnan says if a customer has a warranty issue with a manufacturer, “I’ll help them file a claim and follow it through to the end. I’m pretty good with insurance companies. I beat them up a little bit,” he says with a grin.

Bresnan and Kurlichenko both sell, cut, and install countertops, but came to the profession by different paths. Kurlichenko comes from a family of craftsmen originating in the Ukraine. He has been installing countertops since he was 15. Bresnan is a

bookkeeper by trade who has had his hand in several types of businesses, from selling cars to running a scaffolding company. He had begun installing countertops and was simultaneously helping a friend with his Monroe auto body shop when Kurlichenko brought his car in. “I like to talk. He likes to talk,” Bresnan says. Kurlichenko needed a bookkeeper, so Bresnan came aboard. Bresnan taught himself how to measure, cut, and install counters through hours of video tutorials and hands-on training. “You learn all the tricks of the trade,” Bresnan says. “The main thing I learned was to answer the phone and to call people back.”

The shop works with 25 to 30 contractors in Eastern Washington, and “maybe one day” will open a shop east of the mountains, he says. Meanwhile, the crew is more than happy where it is. “Monroe is a small town but it’s not. It’s growing,” Bresnan says. There is convenient access to surrounding cities, and drivers have found back routes to get AAA vans to Redmond Ridge in just 22 minutes.

“Our name is well-known in Monroe,” says Kurlichenko, “I can tell you that.” Don’t believe him? Just check the reviews.

“It’s been tough to get good service on this type of work these days, but even without this climate we’d have been blown away. After one visit we were shown multiple flooring options which worked for us. The customer service was A++.”

“Hands down the most professional, productive, and person friendly business I’ve come to know in my 13 years of contracting. Frank Bresnan was the most honest and experienced salesman in my contact list.”

“AAA has a work-hard small-

business feel…Usually I only write reviews to warn potential consumers about why not to buy, but occasionally I will write a review if I feel like my socks were knocked off. Good work AAA!”

But you don’t have to take others’ words for it. Call, stop by, or schedule an online estimate. From concept to creation, the AAA staff will help you not just renovate your space, but transform it.

industrial park home improvement retailers

Barn Pros

14567 169th Drive SE (866) 844-2276

www.barnpros.com

From a traditional barn to a fullscale home, Barn Pros will help you plan and build a beautiful structure. The company uses a “smarter, more streamlined process” to guide you through every phase of construction.

It pre-cuts and assembles as much as possible before shipping customers a package of blueprints, lumber, hardware, and step-by-step instructions. The only materials not included are nails, concrete, and the final layer of roofing.

DE- EL Enterprises, Inc.

17476 147th Street SE, Suite H (360) 794-3747

www.deelinc.com

DE-EL stands for “Designer Elements for Everyday Living,” an apt description of the firm’s product line. It can craft personalized plans for any room, regardless of budget or décor.

The company has a deep array of blinds, shutters, fixtures, and awnings to improve both interiors and exteriors. It also installs and offers free consultations with no pressure to buy.

Evil Metalworks

17404 147th Street SE, Unit M (425) 614-6444

www.evilind.com

Evil can satisfy all your metalworking needs, commercial and residential. Fabrication services include machine welding, on-site mobile cutting, and finishing. All fabricators are state-certified, bonded, and insured.

Drafting services include 3D part modeling, file exporting, CAD rendering, and more.

Homeowners can take advantage of their craftmanship on a new staircase railing, fireplace, or kitchen upgrades.

PHOTOS: STERLING HAMMER PHOTOGRAPHY

Heston Door Service Inc.

17461 147th Street SE, Suite 4 (206) 550-3853

hestondoorservice.com

This is your “one-stop shop” for all garage-door needs, residential and commercial. Heston provides service and installation across King, Snohomish, Skagit, and Pierce counties.

Since it’s locally owned, employees “take great pride in our work,” its website states. “We are proud to play a small part in the betterment of our neighborhoods and communities.”

Hide- A- Hose of Washington

14490 147th Street SE (425) 750-7636

www.hideahoseofwashington.com

Looking for a smarter, healthier way to clean your home? Check out Hide-a-Hose. With this patented central vacuum system, you simply pull out the hose from an inlet valve, connect it to your cleaning wand and start vacuuming.

Central vacuum units are up to 5 times more powerful than a standard portable vacuum, and last more than 20 years, according to the company website. >

New job, new retirement account

options

Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options:

• Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan

• Move it to your new employer’s plan

• Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

• Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties

We can talk through your financial goals and find the option that works best for you.

Desiree

14090 Fryelands Blvd Se Ste 223 Monroe, WA 98272 360-294-8911

LCM Cabinets

17404 147th Street SE, Unit A (360) 794-4000

www.lcmcabinets.com

LCM sells more than custom-built cabinets. “We create an experience you will want to share with all your friends and family,” it claims.

This family-oriented business aims to exceed customer expectations, using cutting-edge machinery and high-quality materials. It will help design your cabinets, manufacture them, and then deliver them to your door ready to install.

R. Gleason Painting and Decorating Co., Inc.

14497 Fryelands Blvd. SE (360) 805-0202

www.rgleason.com

This high-end custom finishing company specializes in luxury residential, large-scale commercial and custom finishing projects throughout the country. Its finishers have a combined 124 years’ worth of experience.

The Gleason portfolio features Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, the Seattle Hilton, Nordstrom Rack, and Aulani Disney Resort.

Let Gleason upgrade your home with their expert finishing touches.

Bookkeeper Monroe

Monroe Bookkeeper 18639 U.S. Route 2 Monroe, WA 98272

Spencer LLC

17381 Tye Street SE, Suite 4 (360) 805-2500 spencerllc.com

“Beautiful cabinetry, built to order” is the motto at this family-run shop featuring five generations of cabinet makers.

Spencer’s “Book of Secrets” –attention to details that other cabinetmakers overlook – is its special edge. It has a paid apprenticeship program and utilizes the Toyota Production System – eliminate waste and achieve efficiency.

Stair Shop LLC

16642 146th Street SE, Suite 101 (425) 361-0055

www.stairshop.co

Stair Shop LLC is a wood manufacturing company that provides prefinished hardwood accessories to stores and builders.

It’s averaged near-perfect 4.9 reviews. “A gem in the industry,” a recent reviewer wrote. “My dad is building a house and purchased stairs,” wrote another. “They look amazing.”

www.monroebookkeeper.com

Switch Electric Home Energy

16778 146th Street SE, Suite 154 (425) 244-5511

www.myswitchelectric.com

Since 2009, Switch has been helping customers find the best way to power their homes. It specializes in installing clean energy systems, standby generators, and energy storage systems.

Switch claims it will save average customers 88 percent on their electricity bill by changing to solar energy, as well as 15 percent on solar installation.

Where happy & healthy start

As your community-owned hospital, we provide the personalized care you want with the convenience you need, at every stage of life. With our comprehensive services and clinical expertise, we’re here to be your health partner, no matter what comes your way. Learn more at www.evergreenhealth.com/monroe.

24/7 Emergency Room Care

Urgent Care in Monroe

Primary Care in Monroe & Sultan

Anticoagulation Management Clinic

Chemical and Alcohol Dependency & Recovery Center

Outpatient Addiction Medicine Care

Diagnostic Imaging

Gastrointestinal Services

Heart Care

3-D Mammography & DXA

Midwifery Care

Nutrition Counseling

OB/GYN Care

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Pain Management

Physical & Occupational Therapy

Podiatry

Respiratory Care

Surgical Services – General, Orthopedic, Gastrointestinal & Gynecological

Vascular Care

APC AUTO SPA

hen you walk in the door it’s a bit disconcerting. The sparkling clean lobby. The pink-tinged signage. The comfortable couch. The side nook whose bottle-lined shelves resemble a bar. This doesn’t look like a typical auto shop, and for a logical reason. It isn’t.

APC Auto Spa is an elite dealer for Ceramic Pro, which specializes in ceramic coating. In applying this coating to a vehicle, “the environment has got to be as clean as possible,” shop manager Colin Chaney explains.

APC actually has a full menu of services. It offers interior and exterior detailing, Ceramic IR window tint, and can cut paint protection film (PPF) to conform to the shape of any vehicle – even for rare cars such as a 1927 Ford. But its roots lie in protecting cars with ceramic coating, a technology that has spread from Europe.

Ceramic coatings are liquid-based protection that create an impervious barrier against water, oil, and dirt for up to 10 years, twice as long as the average person owns a car. It makes washing easier and eliminates the need for waxing. Ceramic coatings are relatively new to the United States, but in Europe, Ceramic Pro is a lifestyle brand with Auto, Marine, and Home divisions, coating everything from ships and trucks to clothing, jewelry, and toilets.

Seth Thomas got a crash course on all this back in 2014, when he learned about the benefits of ceramic coatings and sought someone to coat his silver Nissan GT-R with Ceramic Pro. “I’m around efficiency,” he says. “I hate waxing. When I heard about this protection, I wanted it.” He couldn’t, however, find a Ceramic Pro dealer anywhere in Washington.

He contacted the company and discovered there were no certified installers here to train others. His quest eventually led to San Diego, headquarters of Ceramic Pro USA, where he met CEO Peter Diebitsch and heard the leader’s plan to establish regional hubs across the country.

At first Thomas wanted only to act as a middleman and foster a connection that would lead to getting his car coated. But “I left saying, ‘I’m just going to start my own company. I’m going to find an employee and we’re going to piece this together,’” Thomas says.

He became a certified installer, rented a space in a garage, trained a couple of employees, and recruited fellow GT-R owners as his first customers. He met coowner Heather Humphrey through a GT-R club. She was working in real estate but began helping Thomas with the business. After business exploded they rented a shop in Woodinville where she began running daily operations and has since learned all aspects of the trade.

The pair then set out to spread the gospel of ceramic coating –which proved a daunting challenge.

“Automotive folks are pretty cynical,” Thomas notes. “It took a multi-year effort at education.” The company spent five years in Woodinville, coating and detailing vehicles for the police and fire departments while building a loyal clientele. When rent doubled in Woodinville, APC chose Monroe for its new home, with a plan to open another store in the south down the road.

“I just really liked Monroe, honestly. It’s up and coming. There’s a straight shot to Everett with Highway 2, and it’s only a few minutes up the road from Woodinville,” says Humphrey. APC has quickly settled in. The company sponsors the annual Dream Builders car show at the Evergreen Speedway, a charity event that raises money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Snohomish County. It also sponsors the track itself. APC uses local businesses, such as Purcell Tires, and offers its space for special events held by business brethren such as Rebel Fitness.

“We are happy to be a part of Monroe and support local as much as possible,” Humphrey says.

Now Thomas works from his home in Yakima, near where he was raised, providing technological and marketing support, while Humphrey heads operations at APC and Colin Chaney manages the Monroe shop. All three are car enthusiasts who met through various car clubs and events. “The car community around here brings a lot of people together,” Chaney notes.

APC, sets out to provide a better experience than typical detail shops. In addition to a comfortable lobby, there is an indoor area next to it where customers can pick up their finished vehicles without getting wet. “These were key differentiators we wanted to provide,” Thomas says.

APC became an elite dealer last year, one of 200 in the country. The alliance not only increases its marketing with the brand recognition of Ceramic Pro but allows APC to offer exclusive products and technologies. Shortly after the Monroe shop became an Elite dealer (Ceramic Pro Snohomish), APC opened their second location in Tukwila. That location is also an Elite dealer (Ceramic Pro Seattle).

“We’re hitting our numbers really well. We’re back to the normal, steady state where we need to be,” says Thomas. “Tukwila is starting to pick up. We’re starting to see organic growth there. Now (ceramic) is kind of a household name. When people experience it, they want it. It sells itself. People refer each other, and we’ve grown off that organic word of mouth. We’ve quite literally never had a customer come back and say, ‘I want my money back, it didn’t work.’ We’ve definitely led.”

APC plans to continue growing

and expanding with hopes to purchase a shop in Monroe and make its roots here permanent. “We want to own our own building,”

Thomas says, noting the company has a five-year window to buy at each current location. “Being in Monroe would be most ideal.”

industrial park automotive retailers

All Makes Auto LLC

17150 Tye Street SE, Suite O (360) 805-5577

all-makes-auto-llc.business.site

Customers love All Makes Auto, whose motto is “nothing is too small or too big.” Sixty-six of its sixtyseven Google reviews at this writing are five-star; the other is four-star.

The shop repairs every kind of make and model. “Their work on my BMW was flawless,” one reviewer writes. “Zachary, the manager/owner of ‘All Makes Auto’ earns a ten-star.”

Writes another: “There’s not a single thing I could say bad about this shop.”

Alta Customs

17461 147th Street SE #14 (360) 805-5577

Owner Sergey Lutskov and crew have decades of experience fixing, painting, and restoring all types of autos. They do custom paint jobs and other unique touches.

Examples of recent work posted on its website include a repainted 1966 GTO and a John Deere tractor to which gratis flames were painted on its repaired hood.

Auto Tize Wraps

17150 Tye Street SE, Suite F, 425) 337-3016

www.autotize.com

Need your commercial vehicle wrapped with your company logo or an eye-catching graphic to adorn your retail business? Auto Tize is the place to go!

The shop has a client list that includes Microsoft, US Cellular, Callaway Golf, Coca Cola, Toyota, Anheuser Busch, the Seattle Seahawks, and many others.

Almost a third of people who view a wrapped vehicle base their buying decisions on the ads they see, according to the Auto Tize website.

PHOTOS: STERLING HAMMER PHOTOGRAPHY

Automotive Velocity

17150 Tye Street SE

(425) 260-1395

www.automotivevelocity.com/

Automotive Velocity has “reverse engineered” the used car business to offer customers a unique buying experience. It features “carefully chosen cars,” fully reconditioned. A recent list included a 1954 Chevy 3100 pickup, a ’61 Metropolitan, a ’95 Mercedes SL500, and a 2007 BMW 650i.

Primarily internet-based, customers can watch video road tests and call to schedule driving appointments. They can even fill out paperwork remotely. Automotive Velocity’s website states: “We make it simple to buy a car."

Bow Wow Import Parts

17239 Tye Street SE

(425) 672-4366

bowwowaircooled.parts

Bow Wow sells a huge variety of air-cooled parts for European import cars, with a passion for air-cooled Volkswagens. It also services aircooled vehicles.

Most of the 229 parts listed on its website are for Volkswagens. Bow Wow vows “to provide you with peace of mind by taking the fear and worry out of purchasing the correct parts for your car.”

DuraFlap Mud Flaps

16726 146th Street SE, Suite 171 (541) 245-9148

www.duraflap.com

DuraFlap makes and installs custom drill-less mud flaps for most vehicles, including motorhomes and dump trucks. It recently debuted vinyl mudflaps with a potential new bottom outline.

The company has a variety of other new 2024 flap designs, many based on customer requests. DuraFlap has an active Facebook page and routinely replies to inquiries. Owners consistently solicit – and respond to – customer posts, inquiries, and suggestions.

Kenny’s Truck Parts & Repair

17066 Beaton Road SE (360) 794-1220

www.kennystruckrepair.com

Got a busted horse hauler? Head to Kenny’s. Its ASC-certified technicians can help with parts and repair for all kinds of things: diesel trucks, motorhomes, forklifts, commercial woodchippers, small equipment.

Kenny’s specializes in repairing medium- and heavy-duty trucks, with discounts for fleet service. “This place rocks,” a recent customer posted. “Their technicians know what they’re doing and are very reasonable on repairs.”

Pacific Diesel Service

17404 147th Street SE, Suite H (360) 863-6632

www.pacificdieselservice.com

If you own a diesel truck, van, or SUV, Pacific has your back. Its “complete bumper-to-bumper” service covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine overhauls.

With ASE-certified technicians and 50-plus years of professional experience, it’s hard to top this iconic shop located next to Highway 2.

Purcell Tire and Service Centers

16779 Tye Street SE (360) 805-5049

www.purcelltire.com

Whether heavy-duty truck, tractor, passenger car, or almost anything in-between, Purcell has tires for your ride. It can even make custom tires.

But there’s more: Purcell also offers tire and wheel balancing; heavy truck alignment; A/C service; brake, engine, and suspension repair; tire retreading; regular oil changes; and fleet service.

Rods, Rides & Customs, LLC

17164 Beaton Road SE (360) 794-7562

www.rods-rides-customs-llc.business.site

“We care about your project” is the motto at this auto restoration shop. Its website boasts many photos of restored cars, trucks, and vans to back that claim.

With more than 35 years of restoring, refinishing, and painting experience, this is the go-to place for help with your restoration project -- of any make, model, or year.

Specialized Diesel and Conversions

17351 Beaton Road SE, Suite 131 (360) 805-4046

specializeddieselandconversions.com

Attention diesel pickup drivers! SDC is the only Monroe shop catering specifically to you. It offers just about any service needed for light- to medium-duty trucks but specializes in diesel engines.

The goal, states it website, is to ensure “an above and beyond experience that you will not be able to compare to other repair shops.”

Streamline Auto Repair

17120 Tye Street SE A (360) 243-3193

www.mechanicmonroe.com

This full-service repair center advertises “dealer quality without the dealer price.” It services vehicles ranging from personal autos to commercial trucks.

All Streamline mechanics have ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification and use state-of-the-art equipment to find a problem and identify its root cause to prevent re-occurrences. This, the company says, “is one we promise to each and every one of our customers.”

Vartan Vans

14700 172nd Drive SE, Suite 203 (360) 217-7971

vans.vartan.world

Van fans need look no further than this subsidiary of Vartan USA, which has everything you’ll need – and more – to enjoy the van lifestyle.

From individual parts and accessories to fully customized vans, the Vartan team of “aerospace engineers and outdoor enthusiasts” has you covered. It can bring your ideas to life, from initial design to finished product.

Dine Local

FEATURED RESTAURANTS SERVING THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONE OF MONROE

Asian Spice feels like the type of authentic hole-in-the-wall restaurant you want to tell your friends about. It’s nothing fancy, but the bright, clean interior, limited seating, and large menu board photos are reminiscent of thousands of similar mom-and-pop eateries across Asia.

The menu has a cross-section of Asian dishes, including chow mein, four types of curry, and pad thai.

Wok entrée specials start at $9.95. A family platter feeds four people for $54.95, and a party platter six to eight people for $89.95. Honey chicken is a specialty and one of the most popular dishes. Another customer favorite is Job-Che, a $13.95 plate of chicken and prawns.

Customers love the big portions and huge platters. Many mention that there can be a few minutes’ wait but

“Quality, Freshness, Madness.”

Burger Madness is a great place to grab a meal and relax after a day at Fryelands Park and Lake Tye across the street.

The menu features burgers with handcrafted ground chuck sourced from Pasco, chicken, hot dogs, sandwiches, seafood, 30 kinds of shakes made with hard vanilla ice cream, and a wide selection of

ice cream dishes – all reasonably priced. The most expensive entrée (Seafood Combo) is only $14.99. A classic hamburger is $9.99, a threescoop Sundae just $3.99. All kids’ meals are $9.99.

Twenty-two burger options include the Uncle Bob (smothered in chili), the Fire Alarm (jalapeño peppers), the Cowboy Burger (bacon, onion rings, and Sweet Baby Ray’s

say it’s worth it. They note wait time can be shortened by ordering ahead.

“Love love love this place!! I’ve been coming here since I was in high school and it never disappoints,” a recent reviewer posted. “Food was very tasty,” wrote a visitor from Mill Creek. “Really enjoyed the honey chicken and noodles. Was very surprised food was this good as kinda felt it was a fast food style place but totally not.”

“My favorite place in Monroe to get food, period,” stated a third review. “The owners are so incredibly sweet and caring, I’ve been coming for over 6+ years and am still obsessed with the honey chicken and chow mein. They can get busy during normal peak times, but that’s because they make some great food and others know it too!”

sauce), and a special Puppy Patty for Fido.

“I have lived in Monroe area for almost a year and a half and finally found a GREAT burger in Monroe!,” raves a recent Yelp review. “I now worship at the Pearly Gates of Burger Madness for all of my Burger needs whilst still in Monroe!”

Another Yelp reviewer wrote: “Amazed they have a large selection of non-burger options like BLT, chicken and fish-wich, fish and chips, hot dogs, and even bubble tea!”

“Outstanding burgers, crispy crinkle cut fries, and great shakes!” said a third. “This little strip mall shop across from Lake Tye is easy to miss, but worth finding. Friendly, efficient service, good prices and a much bigger menu than you would expect.”

asian spice chopsticks

14655

14655

STERLING

Residing in the industrial area of the city and a quick walk from Lake Tye, Dreadnought Brewing is anything but hidden away.

The entertainment hub features roughly 15 beers on tap – in addition to cider, wine, seltzer, soda, and juice. In January, the brewery even advertised a non-

alcoholic beer. “We look to have an option for everyone in the family,” owner Jake Hoveland says. “We are located right near Lake Tye, which makes Dreadnought a perfect stop after a nice walk with the dog and family.”

Inside, the brewery displays large TVs for the regular televised

This popular, family-friendly Mexican grill has it all: a wide variety of food and drink, a warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and best of all, a covered outside deck overlooking Lake Tye!

It features homemade tortillas, beans, and horchata. The menu is deep – there are dishes with 13 different meats and 15 seafood meals – and includes soups, salads,

desserts, and vegetarian plates. There are “American Plate” choices of a cheeseburger or chicken sandwich.

Twelve small combination plates and 30 large combos cover every type of appetite. Sixteen lunch combination plates range from $11 to $13.25. Really hungry? Try an El Paraiso Super Especial – a combination of carne asada, pollo

sports games, a bar, stage for live music, an Owens Meats vending machine, and a throwback Galaga pinball machine. The brewery hosts regular live musical performances for customers to enjoy and rotating food trucks Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Be sure to follow Dreadnought on Facebook for their current lineup.

Have you heard of the Mug Club? Participants get to decorate their own mug at this annual event which can be displayed all year on the wall of brewery. This is just one of their fun events. You will never be out of things to do at Dreadnought: regular family-friendly activities with games and prizes are always on the menu.

asado, and shrimp wrapped in bacon, served with rice, avocado, pico de gallo, and choice of beans for $26.95.

“I’ve been coming here for years with my family and the owner recognizes us every time we’re in, makes us feel like family,” an enthusiastic reviewer writes. “Great fast service, delicious food, strong margaritas. Fresh tortillas when you walk in the door. Can’t get any better!”

“Hands down, my go-to spot for great Mexican food!,” writes another. “Atmosphere is good, service is amazing and food is fantastic!” “Wow wow wow! I love this place!,” adds a third. “I am blown away by their service, staff, food, and atmosphere. It felt like home and we all cleaned our plates!!! Thank you El Paraiso! My family and I are in love!”

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STERLING HAMMER PHOTOGRAPHY

JAKE

CAMPBELL

It’s more than a restaurant. It’s a movement. The mantra: Eat Healthy, Live Happy, Spread Aloha! Island Blends uses superfood ingredients “to ensure you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs, craves, and deserves.”

Island Blends imports fresh fish and ingredients such as ogo, inamona, alaea salt, yellow fin ahi,

and ono from Hawaii, and organic Açaí from Brazil (pronounced ahsah-EE). It has a big selection of bowls – Açai and Pataya, Poke, and Poke LB – as well as smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and wellness shots. Granola is for sale in pound and half-pound bags.

Prior to opening in Monroe in August 2021, Island Blends operated

out of a food truck, which it still has. The truck travels to events and festivals and can be rented with the whole menu or just specific items of your choice (minimum of 100 servings). A second brick-andmortar restaurant recently opened in Woodinville.

“What’s rad about Island Blends Açai is our customers, our fan base, our supporters, and our truck ‘groupies’ aka loyal, diehard customers who follow our truck almost every day,” the founders post in a message on the website. “It’s so amazing to see Brazilians at our truck telling us that we have the best acai bowls they have ever had, Islanders or people from Hawaii tell us that our poke bowls are legit… To be honest, that’s what keeps us going every day!

14655 FRYELANDS BLVD #163 • WWW.ISLANDBLENDSACAIANDPOKE.COM

city of monroe secures property for future downtown park

The City of Monroe has completed the purchase of two adjacent properties located on the northwest corner of Main Street and Blakeley Street in downtown Monroe for a future park. Together the properties cost $1.6 million. The properties include the former Union Bank building, chiropractor’s office, and parking lot. Combined, the properties

create a half-acre site for a future community gathering space, parking, and public restrooms – a plan envisioned by the city since the 1970s.

Mayor Thomas expressed his appreciation for the City Council’s actions to secure the site and stated “The city and community have long desired to create a festival lot or park space in our

downtown.” He added, “I look forward to working with our council, staff, and the community to activate this gathering space.”

In the coming year, the City Council will consider near-term uses for the properties. Planning and community input for long-term uses on the site may begin as early as 2025 with development occurring as funding becomes available.

monroe's municipal campus is undergoing changes to better serve a growing community

Exciting changes are underway at Monroe City Hall. The 50-year-old city hall is undergoing a remodel and expansion as part of a phased plan to make Monroe’s civic buildings safer, more welcoming, and better positioned to keep up with the community’s growth.

When complete, Monroe City Hall will feature a new municipal court, new council chambers, secure customer service window, new foyer and counter areas, increased square footage with room for future growth, increased parking, native

landscaping, new outside paths, and new interior public art. In addition to improving spaces for the public and employees, the remodel will improve safety through seismic upgrades, fire protection, backup power, upgraded network and security operations, enhanced air quality, and sound buffering. Energy and environmental efficiency will improve using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) design “Silver” standards.

City services have occupied the campus located on West Main Street since 1977, which was

originally built as a car dealership in the 1960s. At that time, the population of Monroe was less than 3,000 people. Today, over 20,000 people call Monroe home. Monroe City Hall, which has not had significant upgrades in over 30 years, was shown to have lifesafety and accessibility deficiencies, and ongoing maintenance was becoming more expensive and challenging. The Monroe Municipal Court has been functioning in the Council Chambers which also serves as a meeting room. A 2019 evaluation of the campus concluded it was less expensive to remodel the existing building than to build a new municipal campus.

To make this transformation happen, the City of Monroe has contracted with Bayley Construction, which was selected from nine bidders through a formal bid process. Bayley Construction is headquartered in Mercer Island and has extensive experience in the region. Past projects include the Everett and Alderwood malls and the Kirkland City Hall remodel.

The remodel and expansion of

Monroe’s City Hall started last December. As of early 2024, abatement is nearly complete in the interior of the current building. Construction trailers are on site and will be used as office spaces for Bayley project managers, superintendents, engineers, and other staff. The City’s construction management team will have a trailer as well and will be on site daily. Over the next few months, most of the City Hall interior will be demolished. The building connected to the west side of City Hall, named “Joe’s Shop” after a longtime city employee, will also come down.

The project is expected to be completed in 18-24 months. While the remodel is underway, city staff are working at other locations in Monroe, and City Council. Planning commission, and city board meetings will be held at various locations. A complete directory is available at www.monroewa.gov.

The Police, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation departments are not moving; access to these city facilities will be available during the current remodel.

In 2008, the City Council approved the Municipal Campus Master Plan which identified projects aimed at improving public access to services, reducing

environmental impacts, improving security and emergency response access, and acquiring and improving campus buildings for public works and parks operations. The first phase of the project, which included the Public Works/Parks Operations Building, Emergency Operations Center and associated facilities, was completed in 2019. The current remodel and expansion of the City Hall and Municipal Court is the second phase of the municipal campus improvements. The third and final phase will include the Police Department or “Justice Wing.” Last October, the Monroe City Council approved a contract with Mackenzie, Inc. to spearhead a comprehensive facility assessment of the police station.

Project updates, frequently asked questions, and more information can be found at www.monroewa.gov.

Events

march

March 2

Snohomish County 4H Tack Sale

Evergreen State Fair Park 7:00am-3:00pm

March 9 & 10

Snohomish Conservation District Plant Sale

Evergreen State Fair Park 9:00am-4:00pm www.theplantsale.org

March 15-17

Quilters Anonymous Quilt Show

Evergreen State Fair Park 10:00am-4:00pm www.quiltersanonymous.org

March 21

Help & Support Happy Hour

Monroe Community Senior Center 4:00pm-6:00pm www.mcsc,org

March 23

Monroe Community Band “All Creatures Great and Small” Concert Wagner Performing Arts Center 7:00pm-9:00pm

www.monroecommunityband.org

March 26

ABATE Spring Motorcycle & Parts Swap Meet

Evergreen State Fair Park 9:00am-3:00pm

March 30

Monroe Community Egg Hunt Lake Tye Park 9:00am

March 30

NASCAR Opening Night

Evergreen speedway

www.evergreenspeedway.com april

April 6

NASCAR Season Opener

Evergreen speedway

www.evergreenspeedway.com

April 6

Spring Market

Sky River Park 10:00am-2:00pm

April 20

Miracle League Season Opener Rotary Field 9:00am-1:00pm

April 20- 21

Oddmall-Emporium of the Weird Sprung

Evergreen State Fair Park www.oddmall.co

April 26

Arbor Day / Earth Day Celebration

Lake Tye Park 1:00pm

April 27

Miracle League Rotary Field 9:00am-1:00pm

April 27

Wiggly Walk Sky River Park 11:00am-3:00pm may

May 4

Monroe School District Plant Sale Monroe High School Greenhouse 9:00am-3:00pm

May 4, 11, 18

Miracle League Rotary Field 9:00am-1:00pm

May 5

Battle of the Badges Lake Tye Park Synthetic Field 12:00pm

May 5

Kaci 5K

Lake Tye Park 9:00am

www.Bigheartbigsmile.org/kaci-5k

May 3- 4

Pickin’ @ The Barn Vintage May Day Market 10:00am-4:00pm www.Pickinatthebarn.com

May 10-19

Hercules and the Golden Apple Musical Wagner Performing Arts Center Multiple Showtimes www.monroeartscouncil.org

May 11

Master Gardener Plant Sale Evergreen State Fair Park 9:00am-3:00pm www.snomgf.org

May 18-19

Early Ford V-8 Club’s Auto Swap Meet Evergreen State Fair Park 9:00am-3:00pm

www.monroeswapmeet.com

May 18

VFW Flags for Our Fallen 5k Lake Tye Park 9:00am

www.Monroe5k.com

May 26

Sean Peters Memorial Derby Evergreen speedway www.evergreenspeedway.com

May 29

Monroe Farmers Market Opening Day 1 Galaxy Way 3:00pm-7:00pm www.choosemonroe.com

battle of the badges

monroe community egg hunt

farmers market flags for our fallen 5k

SARAH MAC PHOTOGRAPHY

SARAH MAC PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRISTINE HENDRICKSON

Events Calendar

june

June 1, 8, 15

Miracle League Rotary Field 9:00am-1:00pm

June 5, 12, 19, 26

Monroe Farmers Market 1 Galaxy Way 3:00pm-7:00pm www.choosemonroe.com

music in the park

wwa wakeboard & wakesurf national championships

June 9

PRIDE

Sky River Park 12:00pm

www.monroeequitycommunity.org

June 15

Juneteenth

Sky River Park 11:00am

www.monroeequitycommunity.org

June 16

Dream Builders Car Show

Evergreen speedway www.evergreenspeedway.com

June 22

Summer Block Party

Downtown Monroe www.choosemonroe.com

June 29

Mark Galloway Shootout Evergreen speedway www.evergreenspeedway.com

july

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Monroe Farmers Market 1 Galaxy Way 3:00pm-7:00pm www.choosemonroe.com

July 5, 12, 19, 26

Music in the Park

Lake Tye Park 6:30pm www.choosemonroe.com

July 20

Walk to Remember Sky River Park 9:00am

July 20

Lake Tye Science Day

Lake Tye Park 8:30am-3:00pm

July 25- 28

Nautique WWA Wakeboard & Wakesurf National Championships

Lake Tye 9:00am www.thewwa.com

SARAH MAC PHOTOGRAPHY miracle league

Imagine Monroe

In December 2021 the Monroe City Council adopted a new vision statement to better reflect the needs, priorities, and values of our community:

Imagine Monroe: A lively center surrounded by nature. A place of beauty and goodwill.

Our parks, waterways, and environment are healthy and accessible for everyone to enjoy. Our historic downtown and business districts are thriving and full of locally owned businesses and locally sourced products. We can find everything we need with regional connections and with a variety of choices for work, housing, dining, shopping, arts, and activities.

Friendly and responsive, we strengthen connections through gathering spaces, events, services, and communitycentered infrastructure - creating a safe place for all.

In Monroe, everyone feels at home, and everyone feels they belong.