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Today, the one and one-half story Colonial Revival home that sits at 222 N. Second St. in Yakima serves as a reminder of a time when the city’s elite once lived within walking distance of downtown businesses. A time often forgotten and overshadowed by a century of change. Luckily, today’s owners of what was once the home of Edward B. and Minnie M. Moore have worked hard to help preserve the home’s wonderful charm, while also helping to revive the Moore’s love of community.

In August of 1900, Moore purchased four lots on the west side of N. Second Street with the intent of constructing a home for his soon-to-be wife Minnie. For unknown reasons, the construction of the Moores' home was delayed. It wasn’t until the spring of 1903 that the homes interior was completed and the Moores, along with their adopted son Robert, moved into the home. As members of the city’s elite, the Moores wasted no time using it as a location to host private parties and public events.

Soon after moving, Minnie was reported as suffering from inflammatory rheumatism. To help alleviate her symptoms, she made several trips to the Green River Hot Springs for treatment. Sadly, approximately six years later, Edward passed away. After his death, Minnie continued to own the home, although she left for a few years while renting it out to others in her absence. Her brother Dr. John B. Burns lived in the home for approximately a year while also having his medical office there. By 1911, Minnie moved back into the home and remained living there until 1928.

Since then, ownership of the Moores' home has changed hands several times. Various businesses have operated from within its walls, including a real estate office, a hair salon and a photo studio. Some significant interior changes have also occurred, including a 1980 remodeling of the second floor. Regardless of the changes made, in 1987 the Moore home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, helping to preserve its role in the city’s history.

Almost four decades later, Brittany and Jim Barth are now the owners of the wonderful home, as well as the Bri-Cho Healing Sanctuary located inside. Brittany and Jim purchased the home in 2018, after wanting to return to Yakima from Montana. When they purchased the home, it had sat empty for a few years, causing further decay that the Barth’s have worked hard to restore. Through their efforts they have successfully managed to create a warm and inviting space for their clients, as well as for those living and working nearby who have come together as a community.

Originally, the Barths opened their business as the Bri-Cho Spa & Coffee Bar. Including the coffee bar in the business served as a successful introduction to their uniquely wonderful types of services. The coffee bar has now been relocated across the street to the Barth Center and the business has been renamed the Bri-Cho Healing Sanctuary. Although its name changed, the business continues to focus on the holistic wellness of its clients through massage, skincare and other services.

When one enters the healing sanctuary, which goes beyond what one would expect when entering a spa, it doesn’t take long to begin to relax. With its beautiful décor, warm and inviting atmosphere and positive energy, it’s no wonder the home has become a popular place for clients and neighbors.

Bri-Cho Healing Sanctuary offers several services from licensed practitioners with varying backgrounds. Clients can choose from a variety of massage and body work methods that include Lomi Lomi, Swedish, Myofascial techniques, and warm stones. They also offer Reiki, Sound Healing and Life Coaching. Meanwhile, skincare services including HydraFacial, Seaweed Detox Wraps, Waxing and permanent cosmetics are also provided.

Clients can also purchase wonderful items that range from handmade products (some of which are made by the practitioners who work there), as well as imported items. Their assortment of bath salts, candles, gems, clothing and décor offer a wonderful way to bring a little serenity home.

While at Bri-Cho Healing Sanctuary, inquire about the often overlooked but well worth a visit Crystal Blue Persuasion located in a separate part of the home. The Barth’s started their crystal and gem store as a way of sharing the natural healing powers of crystals and gems. Their shop offers many wonderful items that everyone from collectors to beginners can enjoy. 

After meeting with Brittany at the Bri-Cho Healing Sanctuary, I left feeling far more relaxed than when I arrived, and I hadn’t even had a massage! I think that Minnie, who suffered from inflammatory rheumatism, would be happy to have a healing sanctuary within her home if she were alive today.