Brewpub. Dance studio. Makers’ space. Art gallery. These are just a few ideas the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners heard from Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a non-profit conducting a feasibility study for a community-based public market at Terminal 1.

The study examines how a Vancouver waterfront market at Terminal 1 could look and feel, how it might be implemented and the keys to its success. PPS based its findings on a site visit, demographic analysis, vendor and customer surveys, and comparable spaces in other cities and countries. David O’Neil, PPS Senior Director for Public Markets, presented the study to the port’s Board of Commissioners during a Dec. 13 public workshop.

In the short term, PPS found that adaptive reuse of the former Red Lion hotel rooms could be feasible for a variety of tenants, including crafts and arts, massage therapists, body care products and prepared foods. Other areas of the hotel could be utilized for a brewpub, coffee shop, art gallery and dance studio. The site could house both indoor and outdoor marketplaces as well as outdoor event space for festivals and food trucks. Goals and outcomes included offering affordable incubator space for small-scale entrepreneurs who could eventually move to local storefronts.

The study also included preliminary financials for rent ranges and expenses as well as recommendations for managing the site.

Terminal 1 is an important property for the port and community. It should reflect our community, preserve our history and enhance Vancouver’s downtown. PPS’s study and stakeholder work are great resources to help ensure we achieve these goals while keeping Terminal 1 vital and open to the public throughout redevelopment.

About Project for Public Spaces
Project for Public Spaces is a non-profit planning, design and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. PPS has completed projects in more than 3,000 communities in 43 countries, including all 50 U.S. states.