Published September 2005

Condos to transform
aging industrial area
on waterfront

SCBJ Staff

An entirely new residential neighborhood and retail center is about to be built on Everett’s waterfront.

In mid-August, after public hearings, much study and evaluating, Port of Everett commissioners unanimously approved an architect’s plan for a $300 million redevelopment that it hopes will transform an aging industrial area into a new community of 660 condominiums, retail stores, restaurants, offices, marine service firms and other businesses.

Adjacent to the development is the Everett marina, the second largest on the West Coast. The marina is due for its own expansion soon to add slips for larger yachts.

There will be a public walkway around the development, public spaces inside it and a public amphitheater for events. A spire 80 to 90 feet tall would serve as a fisherman’s memorial.

The next step is to win approval of new building height restrictions through the Everett planning department and the City Council, raising the limit from 55 to 65 feet tall. The first meeting of the planning commission on that issue is expected to be Sept. 13, if the port submits its variance application soon.

Two years ago, the height restrictions were changed from 35 feet to 55 feet to accommodate the project, but developer Maritime Trust said additional height is needed to accommodate the planned number of condos.

Some residents on the bluff overlooking the waterfront protested the building heights would block too much of their views of Port Gardner Bay but Commissioner Phil Bannan – whose house also overlooks the bay from that bluff – said he believes the extra height would make “an OK project into a great project. Just OK isn’t good enough when you’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Bannan’s family-owned brew pub business, Scuttlebutt’s, is also in the redevelopment area. He said the taller buildings would allow for underground parking and make the project more profitable, making it more attractive to lenders.

Commissioner Don Hopkins said that of the 91 letters commissioners received about the project, “the overwhelming majority said to move ahead … I thoroughly believe that when they see the final product, they will be glad we did it.”

Since the city must approve any heights over 55 feet, opponents are expected to continue expressing both their support for the development project and their opposition to the taller building limits as hearing come before the Everett Planning Commission.

Bert Mears of Maritime Trust, the development company chosen by the port, said he is pleased by the unanimous vote and “very excited to be moving forward … it’s the first of three legs. Now comes the planning commission and the council.”

Mears said he hoped to have some condos and stores ready on the project by spring 2007. “We’re really anxious to get on it,” he said. “We’re fighting for every half day.”

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