Port seeks ideas for waterfront

Longtime dreams for developing the Port of Camas-Washougal’s waterfront are beginning to take shape.

Port leaders have invited mixed-use developers to submit proposals for commercial developments along the waterfront by mid-October.

The request for proposals (RFP) includes 26.5 acres of waterfront property described as “prime real estate” in the port’s executive summary. The land, zoned highway commercial, is located on part of the former Hambleton Lumber Company property, at 54 S. Second St., Washougal.

In addition to offers to purchase the mostly flat property, the port will consider a long-term ground lease or public-private partnerships. The property’s appraised value, as of May 2017, is $13.73 million.

The port will receive development proposals by 5 p.m., Oct. 19. As of this paper’s press deadline, the port had not received any proposals.

The submission requirements include a preliminary concept plan and project development budget, as well as examples of at least three similar projects the development team has successfully developed in the past.

The RFP mentions that high-end residences will be constructed on parcels at the east end of the property, located adjacent to the port’s pedestrian waterfront trail and a future natural play area. The Killian Pacific residential project is expected to include 150 to 250 units, potentially developed in phases.

Port staff will evaluate the submitted proposals Oct. 22 through Oct. 31, and interviews will be conducted Nov. 5 through Nov. 16. Negotiations are expected to occur in 2018 and into 2019. The RFP may lead to the sale of the property and issuance of a development agreement or co-development of the site through a joint development agreement. The port could also request additional information from one or more RFP respondents, issue a new RFP open to all potential development teams or take no action.

RFP packages are available by contacting Port Executive Assistant Yvette Winden, at 360-835-8098 or yvette@portcw.com. Questions about the RFP can be directed to Port Executive Director David Ripp at 360-835-5560 or david@portcw.com.