EVERETT — The Port of Everett has proposed significant changes to its Waterfront Place development that it believes will make it a much more attractive neighborhood.
Waterfront Place is the current name of a proposed multi-use development on port property that has been in the works for 10 years.
The plan would transform the pier between the North and Central Marinas, now composed of vacant lots, parking, and marine businesses. In its place would be a development featuring between 330-660 residential units, up to 156,000 square feet of space for marine sales and service businesses, and up to 513,000 square feet of office, retail and other commercial space, including a hotel and several restaurants.
Some of the changes include removing an extension of 13th Street to run through the heart of the property, instead creating a loop. A two-acre park at the western tip of the wharf would provide a green public space.
A pedestrian and bike path would run around the edges of the development next to the water, with several vistas with interpretive signs, said Terrie Battuello, the port’s chief of business development.
The first phase of construction, which could begin in 2016, would be on the part of the project called “Fisherman’s Harbor,” the southeastern part of the property between Marine View Drive and the Central Marina. It would have a retail and hospitality focus as well as a wharf for commercial fishing boats.
Subsequent phases would build out the park areas on the circumference and start to fill in some of the commercial and residential sections toward the center of the property.
A public hearing and approval of the amended project are scheduled for the council’s Jan. 21 meeting. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Historic City Hall building, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
The Everett City Council was generally supportive about the port’s changes when they were introduced at its Jan. 7 meeting, but several councilmembers expressed concerns about having to approve the update so quickly.
Battuello explained there were concerns about missing next year’s construction window.
“We do have developers who are ready to close on this project and start construction by 2016, so I have to make a deal,” Battuello said.
Chris Winters: 425-374-4165; cwinters@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @Chris_At_Herald.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
