Port moves to ‘Plan B’ for waterfront development

After getting zero bites from developers interested in revamping the Port of Camas-Washougal’s prime waterfront property, port leaders have entered “Plan B” of the waterfront plan, hiring a management firm with ample waterfront development experience.

In September 2018, the port issued a request for proposals (RFP) to develop the waterfront.

Port leaders had hoped developers would submit proposals by mid-October. When that didn’t happen, the port extended the RFP deadline to the end of November, but still had zero responses.

At that time, Port Chief Executive Officer David Ripp said developers told him it cost time and money to put together a proposal and they were currently working on other projects. Some developers also expressed concern about their ideas for a waterfront development being available to the public.

Ripp said Monday the port did not receive any RFPs last year, so they will decide which developer to work with by requesting qualifications.

“Last year, developers were very busy and didn’t have time to develop a proposal,” he said.

A company that has worked on several waterfront plans in Washington and Oregon will provide guidance for the Port of Camas-Washougal in the planning and development of its waterfront plan.

Leland Consulting Group, of Portland, has worked with the Port of Vancouver and NBBJ Architects to complete a master plan, recruit hotel and mixed-use developers and bring a new restaurant to Terminal 1, a future project on 10 acres.

Leland has also worked on the Everett Marina District Master Plan for the Port of Everett, in Everett, Washington; the Eugene Riverfront Master Plan, in Eugene, Oregon; and Independence Landing, in Independence, Oregon.

Port of Camas-Washougal commissioners approved a $137,092 contract with Leland Consulting Group to review developer qualifications, solicit developer design proposals and negotiate a preliminary deal and support the negotiation of a development agreement. Leland will also provide a market analysis summary, public buildings analyses of a cultural center and public market and a return on investment analysis.

The port is requesting qualifications from mixed-use developers for 26.5 acres of waterfront land, due by 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31.

Area residents interested in the future development of the Port of Camas-Washougal waterfront are invited to attend a special port commission meeting on Jan. 22.

Port officials will discuss the waterfront property and update the public on “next steps” at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22, in the port office meeting room, 24 S. “A” St., Washougal, prior to the commission’s regular meeting at 5 p.m.

Ideas for a mixed-use development on the waterfront have previously included restaurants, a hotel, offices and a cultural/conference center.