Syre had run his law practice and had equity in agricultural lands but had no experience as a real estate developer. In order to procure the $1,000,000 loan to start Snowater, he brought on as a partner Ron Benson, a well-established contractor from Bellingham. A corporation was formed that was first named Terra Properties Inc., then for a brief time was known as Snowater, and was eventually renamed Trillium Corporation.

Based on Benson's reputation, Syre's convincing manner and some presales, the loan was granted to initiate a 40-unit condominium project (later expanded to 174 units). Some of the presales were real whereas others were made to people on the project. That some presales were "concocted" didn't bother the loan officer. The project was funded. 

The first zoning ordinances for the area were not passed until 1973 and 1974, about the same time the Shorelines Act was enacted. Prior to then, builders would get a permit and proceed to build. Jean Gorton was on the Whatcom County Planning Commission when Syre brought the Snowater project to that body.  According to Jean, David Syre came to the Commission in a way nobody had before.

Rather than entering with complete plans and expecting a rubber stamp, he engaged the Commission in a collaborative manner. Syre was concerned with not disturbing the ecosystem (also a novelty as most developers until then did not take into account the environmental impact of their projects). He had ideas but he wanted the Commission to participate in the project. The Commission attended planning sessions and was invited to view the site. (David provided hot cider and doughnuts.) This collaborative model was adopted by the Planning Commission thereafter. 

Jim Zervas of Zervas Group Architects was the original architect, hired by Trillium to design Snowater. A native of Wisconsin, graduate of University of Illinois and Purdue and student of Frank Lloyd Wright, Zervas had become immersed in the woods of Whatcom County when he purchased a vintage (1884) log cabin in 1961. In designing Snowater, it was a high priority of his to cut no trees, maintain the landscaping, and to site the buildings high above the river with good views. 

Faruk Taysi was a young architect wanting to locate in the Bellingham area when hired by the Zervas group in 1974. He was brought into the Snowater project. He espoused the same philosophy shared by Syre and Zervas of minimizing the impact of design and construction on the environment.

Both Zervas and Taysi take great pride in the design of the Clubhouse. Zervas fondly recalls the balcony overlooking the pool, the wet bar, and the design of the light fixtures, but admits the dressing rooms were too small. It was decided to bury the racquet and handball courts so as to save valuable land space. They gambled that a sealant, newly on the market, would render the buried sports courts waterproof. 

It was David's idea to name the buildings after mines in the area, to tie Snowater to the local history. He was also instrumental in creating the fire and water district for Glacier. He created the first sewer system of its kind in the state and provided the first emergency vehicle for Glacier 

"Glacier Water District was formed by resolution of the Whatcom County Board of Commissioners on July 3, 1975.  Glacier Water District is a municipal corporation governed by the laws of the State of Washington, Department of Health, Department of Ecology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Whatcom County.  It is managed by three Commissioners that have been elected to six-year terms.  There are two employees:  Water Distribution Manager and Office Manager. 

The formation of the district was the result of one and one half years of effort by citizens of the community, landholders, and governmental agencies and representatives.  Within the District's boundaries, there were a number of existing water systems, each of which required improvements to bring them into conformance with current standards.  The principal deficiency of the existing systems was the water supply sources, both as to quality and quantity.  One system provided water to Snowline Community Club, Snowline Inn and Mr. Baker Rim Community Club.  This was an infiltration system that had been severely damaged by flooding of Glacier Creek.  The water supply to the town of Glacier consisted of a pipe in the ground tapping into spring water that was filtered over a screen into a bathtub.  This proved to be in violation of Health Department laws.  A practical solution to all the water problems was not evident for any of the systems until 1974.  Snowater was being proposed and the question of water supply was being examined. After investigation of the existing systems, the developer (David Syre) elected to drill a well on his property as a separate source.  Because of the community and governmental agency involvement in that investigation, it was apparent that if the well proved to be sufficient, a water district should be formed and the new source inter-tied with the other existing systems.  The well was developed for possible district use and during the summer of 1974 was drilled, tested and was determined to be good in both water quality and quantity.  Based upon these findings, the individuals representing the community, the developer and the governmental agencies worked together to initiate the District formation. 

After the District was formed, a Utility Local Improvement District was established to construct a 500,000-gallon water storage tank, install a 10" main line along the Mt. Baker Highway and tie together all the existing systems into one.  The well at Snowater was purchased by the District along with all the underground piping from all the separate systems.  In 1981, a second well was developed and the two wells were tied together to form a well field.  As part of the approved Comprehensive Water System Plan, meters were installed on all active services beginning in August of 1996 and finishing in June 1998. 

In order to ensure that tap water is safe, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prescribes regulations that require utilities to monitor regularly for numerous substances in the water it provides.  This testing is performed by an independent laboratory certified by the EPA and the State of Washington. Glacier Water District performs two bacteriological water tests every month.  In addition, periodic tests are made for inorganic chemicals, volatile organic compounds, lead and copper, nitrates, EDB and DBCP.  The water provided by Glacier Water District has never exceeded the limits for any regulated compound or substance as established by the State of Washington or the United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

In 1999, a diesel generator was installed in the pump house in case of a power failure. The generator is designed to automatically start when there is a power outage.  This will insure that there will be no interruption in the flow of water for personal usage and for fire protection." 

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"Glacier Fire and Rescue District was formed by resolution of the Whatcom County Board of Commissioners on July 3, 1975. Glacier Fire and Rescue is a municipal corporation for the purpose of prevention and suppression of fire dangers and occurrences within the fire district, generally providing for the welfare of the property and people within the confines of the district against future catastrophes and calamities that may occur. The District is governed by a board of three commissioners and the volunteers are headed by a Fire Chief

The formation of the District was the result of one and a half years of effort by citizens of the community, landholders and governmental agencies and representatives. It was formed at the same time as the Glacier Water District and the proposed Snowater condominium project. The developer (David Syre) drilled a well on his property that proved to be an excellent source of not only drinking water but also could provide adequate water flow for the fire district. 

In 1976, Glacier Fire and Rescue purchased property from Whatcom County and built the fire hall. This hall has been added onto to provide additional space for vehicles. There is currently a project underway to again add onto the fire hall for much-needed office space. The District's first fire-fighting vehicles and equipment were provided by Civil Defense and through grants from the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Commerce and through donations from various individuals, ARCO and other fire departments. 

Throughout the years, Glacier Fire and Rescue has provided one of the best-equipped volunteer fire organizations in Whatcom County by continually upgrading vehicles and training to volunteers. In 1989, Glacier Fire and Rescue was awarded Whatcom County EMA Agency of theYear. The District currently has a 1980 Chevrolet 1,200 gallon Pumper, a 1986 Ford Aid Car, a 1989 Chevrolet Crew Cab with a 250 gallon slip-on tank and a 1995 Ford 1500 gallon Tanker. There are currently 11 volunteers, 5 who are Washington State certified emergency medical technicians, and all volunteers have firefighting training." 

It sounds as though the development of Snowater was linear. It was not. There were bumps and bends in the road. Financial problems came and went as did key players. Shortly after landing the first $1 million, Ron Benson ceded the project to his brother, Darryl. Darryl and David Syre did not work well together. Syre and Benson dissolved the partnership and Syre decided to hold control of Trillium thereafter. Among his first employees who were hired to work on Snowater were Terry Olsen, a consulting engineer; Russell C. Keithley, a real estate developer; Cliff Delzell, a contractor, and his assistant Dick Campbell. 

The construction model was to hire a large crew, which moved the project quickly, but created cash flow problems. David found an investment group from Vancouver Island to augment the start up funds. Bob Kirschner was a realtor with Pacific Rim Properties who signed on early to the project. It was he who assisted in the pre-and early sales. He widened the deer path that went along the river's edge, toured prospective buyers around the site and sold the concept. 

Canadians comprised nearly 90% of the early buyers. There was a moratorium on development in British Columbia, Whistler had not yet been fully developed, and it was relatively easy to ferry from Vancouver Island where no ski area yet existed. Bob gave the early buyers credit for having faith in a project that was only begun; he also gave credit to Syre in that he listened to his and the owners' requests. Most significant is that special attention was devoted to amenities that are far more extensive and beautiful than a complex the size of Snowater ever had before or since. 

Bob sold the first unit (307) to Nancy Lowden on Veteran's Day, November 11, 1975. He was scurrying around trying to make sure the unit was perfect in time for her taking possession. When he went for the final inspection, he found a bat hanging on the front door, eye height. Nancy was due momentarily. He asked a construction worker to "take care of the bat" while he attended to the final details. He returned to the unit to find the bat smashed in place on the door. Aghast, he set to cleaning the bat from the door and succeeded only moments before Nancy arrived.