RedLion-POV-2015-21VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA has selected consultant NBBJ to head up a master planning effort to transform 13 acres of historic waterfront property along the Columbia River.

The port’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved selection of the Seattle-based consultant during its regularly scheduled meeting April 14.

NBBJ was founded in 1943 and offers a full range of planning, design and consulting services. Clients and partners have included Amazon, Google, Microsoft, the ports of Olympia, San Diego and Seattle, Portland Community College, Southwest Washington Medical Center and Washington State University.

“NBBJ brings extensive expertise to the table,” said Katy Brooks, port director of economic development. “We’re particularly impressed with their collaborative approach and experience with urban centers, ports and waterfront districts. We look forward to working with them as we create a new legacy on Vancouver’s waterfront.”

Community support
Several community leaders spoke in support of the port’s waterfront project and selection of NBBJ, including City of Vancouver Councilman Jack Burkman, City of Vancouver Economic Development Manager Teresa Brum, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce CEO Kelly Love, and Vancouver Downtown Association Executive Director Lee Rafferty.

Rafferty thanked commission President Nancy Baker for her leadership, and spoke of the importance of partnerships and connections forged by an effort like revitalization of the waterfront.

“It’s really important to find ways to connect, one to another,” said Rafferty. “You are a connector, you’re the future, you’re a driver,” she said of the port.

The Port of Vancouver’s waterfront legacy
The port is reinventing its birthplace on the Columbia River. The site, known as Terminal 1, is where the port established its first facilities – in partnership with the city of Vancouver – in 1925. Today it’s home to the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, The Quay Restaurant, a small office building, public amphitheater and public docks.

NBBJ will use current city plans, market data, and discussions with key stakeholders and citizens to create an overarching master plan for the port’s property. Initial plans for redevelopment could include a mixed-use building, new hotel and public attractions.

“Among other things, Terminal 1 has been home to a prune warehouse, shipbuilding, and the first Red Lion hotel in Washington,” said Brooks. “It has a long and rich history that reflects the character of our community, and we want to draw people back to that – draw the community back to our shared heritage on the Columbia.”

The port expects to complete its master planning process late this year.

– POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.