If you lived in Edmonds during the Eisenhower administration, you probably bought groceries there. Maybe grabbed a burger and a shake across the street at Day’s Drive-In, put a nickel in the juke box and rocked out to Chuck Berry while you waited for your order (but only out-of-towners called it Day’s — to the locals it was simply D’s).

We’re talking about the corner of Sixth and Main, of course. Just a block up from the fountain.

But the years passed and both the Thriftway and D’s closed, falling victim to chain businesses located in higher traffic areas with greater exposure. D’s was demolished years ago to make way for the Centennial Building that now houses The Insurance Services Group.

The old Thriftway however has “good bones,” was built to last and is still there. Over the years it has been home to a succession of businesses, most recently Ombu Salon and Next to Nature Pet Supplies.

But change is coming, driven by the vision of an Edmonds kind of guy with deep roots in the community who, in his own words, wants to create a public space that reflects and celebrates Edmonds values, lifestyle and charm.

Mike McMurray grew up in Edmonds, and in 1995 was part of the second graduating class from what was then the new Edmonds-Woodway High School. He went to college at Western, ultimately returning to Edmonds where he lives with his wife and two school-age kids, while working as a financial analyst out of his 5th Avenue office.

“One of my dreams has been to have property in downtown Edmonds,” he says. “I really love this town and the people in it. I grew up here, and I guess it’s just in the blood. It’s been great for me and my family — honestly, I wouldn’t live anywhere else — and I want to give back something special.”

The amazing transformation that’s taken place in Salish Crossing as the old Safeway was reborn as the Cascadia Art Museum is not lost on McMurray. Like the Safeway, the Thriftway building has a high arched ceiling with laminated beams, and he plans to showcase these along with the structure’s other mid-century architectural nuances.

“I want to keep the original mojo of the building,” he says. “We’re looking at probably three business tenants, anchored by an independent gourmet pizza restaurant. We’re planning a pleasant interior space with multi-level dining featuring a horseshoe bar with seating arranged to encourage people to meet, interact and kick back. Most of all I want to provide a safe, welcoming place to hang out.”

But the interior space is only part of it.

“We’re keeping the large parking area outside, and even adding a few parking spaces as we close off the driveways that cross the sidewalk to Sixth Avenue and provide access via the alleyway,” he adds. “But part of that space will become an intimate outdoor seating area with tables, chairs, benches and landscaping. I want to create a place where Edmonds citizens will feel a sense of ownership, and we’ve chosen the name ‘Main Street Commons’ to reflect this. My vision is to create a space that will draw people in and encourage conversation and interaction, a peaceful spot that will be kind of a refuge from outside distractions.”

McMurray sees the space as a possible venue for events, concerts and “maybe even an outdoor market.”

And speaking of parking, he is also looking at working with the city to make some of this available as general parking for anyone, and possibly creating some additional underground parking. But he cautions that this will be “down the road a bit.”

Two businesses, including the independent pizzeria, are already lined up, but with permits still in process McMurray is not identifying them yet. Will it include a juke box with Chuck Berry tunes? “No promises,” he added with a smile.

McMurray hopes to have the permitting in place by the end of this year. If all goes as planned construction could begin in early 2019 with occupancy before year-end.

— By Larry Vogel