Mayor's 2007 Harborside District Report

Mayor's Message
This report should remind everyone of how much progress we made in 2007 in our efforts to redevelop the waterfront and create a great urban waterfront neighborhood called the Harborside District, which runs from Washington Avenue to Pacific Avenue. The past year was very exciting as we opened the fantastic new Harborside Fountain Park and then located the great Naval Museum in old Building 50. Ground was broken on the $40 million tunnel and the $20 million 350 slip Harborside Marina. Grand openings were held for the first two downtown condominiums, The Harborside and the 400 Building. Both projects are half sold and bringing new residents to the downtown. Also this year local developer Tim Ryan began construction on a new class A office building and long time local artist Amy Burnett moved back into her original art gallery on Pacific Avenue.

But the most exciting project is yet to come with the sale of the old Penney's building to Bellevue developer Ron Sher. A big thank you to Bremer Trust for agreeing to make this sale which will turn out to be a win-win for the City and Olympic College. Ron Sher will work with downtown project administrator Gary Sexton to come up with the best possible plan for this critical space in the middle of Harborside District. Hopefully the plan will bring retail, housing, and community activities to the project which should begin development in 2009.

Last, but not least, I want to thank Congressman Norm Dicks for his efforts in funding the tunnel for the Harborside District so it could accomplish the goal of becoming pedestrian friendly. Yes, 2007 was a huge year for the Harborside District but, as they say, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Mayor Cary Bozeman