The area outlined in yellow shows the Port of Olympia property under consideration for a waterfront destination development plan. The port is seeking proposals for that plan.
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The Port of Olympia is seeking proposals from consulting firms and others for what it calls a “waterfront destination development plan” for 31 acres of property along East Bay.
A map attached to the request for proposals shows that the 31 acres of property stretches from behind the Hands On Children’s Museum to the north end of the port peninsula.
In the port’s request for proposals, port officials ask that the work incorporate efforts to build a new administration/marina office building, an RV resort, and concepts included in a a long-range planning document that the port calls Vision 2050.
Port of Olympia spokeswoman Jennie Foglia-Jones said Thursday the new administration/office building would replace the small office building that serves Swantown Marina.
One of the community goals that emerged from the long-range planning effort was to turn the port peninsula into a “premier destination by adding attractions, increasing accessibility and maintaining a clean and safe environment,” the request for proposals document reads.
Financial feasibility studies have also been completed on siting boutique hotels on the peninsula, according to the port.
“We want to see some development happening down there,” port spokeswoman Foglia-Jones said, adding that it’s not just about creating new spaces, but also to provide more waterfront access points.
The port has committed $50,000 for the waterfront destination development plan. The source of the funding is from a community economic revitalization board grant, Foglia-Jones said.
Once the contract has been awarded, it could be amended for additional work. The additional work has been budgeted at $250,000, but the increase from $50,000 to $250,000 would be subject to port commission approval.
Foglia-Jones emphasized Thursday that there will be a public process associated with the development plan, possibly in the form of open houses.
Interested in submitting a proposal? For more information, go to: http://portolympia.com/bids.aspx?bidID=54.
Rolf has worked at The Olympian since August 2005. He covers breaking news, the city of Lacey and business for the paper. Rolf graduated from The Evergreen State College in 1990.