Earlier this month, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced recipients of the 2018 John D. Spellman Awards for historic preservation, which included a new category for legacy businesses.

The first winner of the legacy business award was the Mercer Island business Roanoke Inn, for “its continued contribution to Mercer Island’s cultural and community identity for more than 100 years.”

Constantine honored the “Rowy” and other award winners on Oct. 11 at a celebration at the Auburn Masonic Temple (also an award recipient).

In its newsletter, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce congratulated Dorothy Reeck, the owner of the Roanoke Inn, and wished her and the Roanoke continued prosperity.

Built in 1914 by George McGuire for visitors arriving at the Island’s Roanoke Dock, the building originally housed a chicken-dinner inn called the Roanoke. It has operated as a classic tavern and mainstay in the Mercer Island community since the end of Prohibition and has been continuously owned and operated by members of the Reeck family – changing very little – since 1943.

The Spellman award is named in honor of former King County Executive and Governor John Spellman, who died in January. He established the county’s Historic Preservation Program 40 years ago.