A fancy new fountain is tested at Everett’s Waterfront Place

EVERETT — A central public art feature of Everett’s waterfront development is nearing completion.

A new splash fountain can be glimpsed through the construction fences. The Port of Everett has been testing the fountain in recent weeks. It has 36 jets that recycle water. Lights can be used to turn the water various colors for holidays and events. Some jets shoot as high as 8 feet.

The fountain is within the Pacific Rim Plaza, a park that is meant to be the centerpiece of the Fisherman’s Harbor. The 12-acre harbor district is the first stage of the Waterfront Place development near 13th Street and W. Marine View Drive. Plans call for a hotel, shopping, restaurants, apartments, new roads and trails.

The area is being designed to honor Everett’s history and its connections to railroads, mills, commercial fishing and boat-building, said Terrie Battuello, the Port’s chief of business development. Streets in the development have been named after historic occupations in town, such as sawyer, timberman and millwright.

The theme of the park is the Port’s mission of trade, she said. The public agency is celebrating its centennial this year.

“People will be able to go there and really get a feel for how we’re contributing around the world,” she said.

The plaza is expected to cost about $2 million, including the fountain. The jets are arranged to resemble wave patterns from above. An inlaid globe in the park shows trade routes between Everett and other places on the Pacific Rim. Eventually, other motifs will be added to represent trading partners and commodities, Battuello said. An area also is set aside to display military flags, a nod to Naval Station Everett just to the south.

Nearby is the future site of the 142-room Hotel Indigo.

Fisherman’s Harbor is expected to open in 2019, with the hotel in the spring and the housing to follow. The retailers have not been announced.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@herald net.com; Twitter: @rikkiking.

Open house

The Port of Everett plans an open house on the waterfront redevelopment from 5 to 7 p.m. April 19 at its offices on the second floor of 1205 Craftsman Way.