Molbak's rolls back comeback plan as Green Phoenix Collaborative

After closing earlier this year, Molbak's Garden and Home had a plan to remerge as the Green Phoenix Collaborative and keep its gardening vibe going in Woodinville. But organizers were not able to raise enough money for the comeback effort.

"Thank you to those who supported our fundraising campaign for Green Phoenix Collaborative at Molbak’s. Sadly, we did not reach our goal," the organization announced on its website Friday.

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The effort aimed to replace Molbak's Garden and Home store, which closed in January 2024 after 67 years in Woodinville. In April, the business' leaders announced a new plan for the property, called "Green Phoenix Collaborative." The idea was to use the site to host a variety of gardening uses, such as outside retailers.

"Beyond retail, we could see ourselves ... partnering with people to do education programs and workshops," Molbak's CEO Julie Kouhia told KUOW in April. "And there could be nonprofits operating out of this space. There's beautiful spaces for innovation. In the back, we have a huge open area that we could turn into community P-patch gardens, for the apartments behind us and people in Woodinville."

To make the new endeavor happen, organizers were asking for contributions from the public, with a goal of raising $2.5 million. According to its Indiegogo campaign, a total of 539 people donated to the Green Phoenix Collaborative, adding up to $106,814.

Those who contributed to the campaign will get a refund.

"While the community as a whole wasn’t quite ready for GPC, you helped plant a seed of possibility. When the time is right, we’re hopeful it will take root in another form and bring something positive, green-friendly and community-driven back to the area. Nothing would make us happier," Friday's announcement stated.