Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1050422
MBAKS is saddened by the passing of longtime member James C "Pete" Middlebrooks on July 5, 2018 A Seattle native, Middlebrooks was a land use attorney with the Law Office of James C Middlebrooks in Everett; his practice focused on representing subdivision and condominium developers Pete was best known for being a lead author and "Founding Father" of the 1989 Washington Condominium Act He served as the co-drafting lawyer for many additional state statutes relating to subdivisions, the Landlord-Tenant Act, qualified warranty, land development, owner associations, defect claims, and defect disputes He didn't stop there Pete worked tirelessly to help shape fee simple and unit lot subdivision codes in multiple jurisdictions Over the years, he also helped many members navigate the complexities of land use; fee simple; setting up condo associations and homeowners' associations; and helping local jurisdictions set up covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) Last year, Pete was inducted into the BIAW Hall of Fame in recognition for his many contributions to the homebuilding industry His expertise and commitment across several decades were enormous assets to both BIAW and MBAKS members, as well as the homebuilding industry In nominating Middlebrooks to the Hall of Fame, MBAKS Past President Dick Rokes said, "Pete is a true industry leader He has put his great legal expertise to work and committed countless hours in multiple legislative arenas for the benefit of the housing industry He has worked tirelessly on behalf of housing industry clients, helping to advance their projects His passion and dedication to housing, his clients, and building constructive partnerships has been unwavering " Over the years, Middlebrooks served as a BIAW director; a member of BIAW's Legislative Policy Committee; and chair of the Legislative, Education, Condominium committees, and Real Estate Property/Creditor-Debtor Sections of the Washington State Bar Association He also served on the MBAKS board of directors, Housing Policy Committee, and Dispute Resolution and Condominium Defect Liability committees Middlebrooks had a direct hand in shaping the landscape for housing in Washington state that will have a lasting influence for years to come He will be remembered for his involvement in drafting key laws, his active engagement in the evolution of the Condo Act, and his tireless work on behalf of members, helping thousands of projects to move forward In Memoriam: Pete Middlebrooks (Pete's) passion and dedication to housing, his clients, and building constructive partnerships has been unwavering." —MBAKS Past President Dick Rokes 42 master builder WINTER 2018 industry image