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Terminal 91 — the 198-acre property comprised of Piers 90 and 91 — and nearly 100 acres of uplands property has housed a variety of maritime activities, including general and bulk cargo and automobile shipments. Since the Port acquired the site from the federal government in 1976, it has seen numerous changes. Due to an ever-changing competitive marketplace, a portion of it will see even more.
Mark Griffin, Real Estate Development Manager, leads a team planning development of nearly 57 acres on the uplands formerly leased to Distribution Auto Services and the "West Yard" site. This effort marks the new Economic Development Division's first endeavor to convert a site devoted largely to traditional maritime uses to a new mix of uses consistent with the Port's renewed strategic emphasis on the long-term enhancement of the region's economic vibrancy.
"At North Bay, we have an enormous opportunity to revitalize the area, much in the same way that our Pier 66 project and the surrounding uses helped bring new life to the central waterfront," Griffin said. North Bay refers to the name Tom Tierney, Deputy CEO and Managing Director of the Economic Development Division, coined for this stretch of the waterfront at the northern tip of Elliott Bay.
The pre-master planning work at North Bay involved a preliminary analysis of a mix of commercial uses like office, research and development (R&D) lab, and light industrial space. "The burgeoning vision for the site is one of a vibrant blend of commercial uses that will provide quality jobs in growing and emerging employment sectors to help sustain the city's and the region's long-term economic vitality, while generating new revenue for the Port and the region," stated Griffin. These commercial uses would likely be complemented by open space and other uses to create a lively, "new community" that is well integrated into the surrounding neighborhoods and with the marine uses that will continue on the piers.
The rich opportunity presented by the project is not without challenges. A number of interests have to be balanced, noted Griffin. Those interests start with the Port's long-term tenants on the uplands — primarily City Ice Cold Storage and Trident Seafoods — which will remain in their current locations. "These are valued Port customers whose concerns about how new development will affect their operations must be addressed," said Griffin.
The Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Ballard neighborhoods also will be closely following what the Port does at North Bay. Traffic congestion, noise, and aesthetic impacts will be foremost on the minds of the residents in these neighborhoods. The plan to replace the Magnolia Bridge will particularly concern those living in Magnolia, as well as the Port given that it provides a key access point for the site. The future monorail line along 15th Avenue presents an opportunity for a station location near the site as well as a challenge to coordinate that project with Port plans.
The Port's long association with and support of several marine industrial groups will enter the discussion as well. Griffin explained, "The Port's focus on real estate development doesn't, in any way, signal less of a commitment to supporting maritime commerce. It will continue to be at the core of what the Port does." Piers 90 and 91, he pointed out, will continue in water-related, maritime uses. He notes, however, that the site's current zoning may not allow for realization of the vision the Port Commission will eventually adopt for the site.
The master planning phase of the project is currently underway. This phase will take 18 months to 2 years, followed by an infrastructure design and construction phase before ground is broken on new buildings. Stay tuned to the evolving environment at North Bay — exciting changes lie ahead.