Killian Pacific interested in Hambleton site

The same company that produced The Crossing and Evergreen Marketplace, in Washougal, as well as the Grand Central and Riverstone Marketplace developments, in Vancouver, has an interest in purchasing the former Hambleton Lumber Company site.

Adam Tyler, a design and development manager with Killian Pacific, confirmed this morning that the commercial real-estate development and investment company located in Vancouver and Portland is interested in buying the former lumberyard located at 335 “A” St., Washougal, but said “several challenges must be solved first.”

Tyler said the challenges will be outlined during the port commission meeting today, at 5 p.m., in the port office meeting room, 24 S. “A” St., Washougal. The site, owned by Hambleton Brothers Lumber Company, is approximately 25 acres.

Port Commissioner Bill Ward said by phone Monday night the public-private partnership with the port and Killian Pacific is expected to result in a mixed -use development with retail and housing.

The port owns 14.7 acres on the other side of the former Hambleton site, known as the Sixth Street property.

“By working together, we’ll be able to provide a continuous site for business development along the river,” Ward said. “Our goal will be to maximize access for the public to the waterfront.”

An open house regarding potential development of the waterfront land is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 26. The time and location are yet to be announced.

In July, the port received a $200,000 grant from the Washington Department of Ecology that could lead to the cleanup of the former Hambleton Lumber Company site.

Port commissioners approved a professional services agreement with the consulting firm of Maul, Foster and Alongi, to analyze the site and determine a cleanup plan. It may address habitat restoration, site work for recreational use and infrastructure development as part of the overall cleanup process.

Port Executive Director David Ripp has said previously the port was exploring the opportunity to acquire, cleanup and redevelop property along the waterfront that extends east of its existing marina and connects to port-owned property at Sixth Street in Washougal.

In June, the Washougal City Council approved the rezone of a parcel totalling almost 15 acres, previously occupied by the Hambleton lumber mill. The decision changed the zoning from heavy industrial to highway commercial.

The mill, which closed in the summer of 2010, was operated by Hambleton Lumber Sales LLC.