Destination Waterfront
Overview
In 2019, the Port Commission adopted Port Vision 2050—an 18-month stakeholder and community-driven planning process that shaped long-term goals for Port activities through the year 2050. One of the key goals that emerged was a clear community priority:
“Turn the Port Peninsula into a premier destination by adding attractions, increasing accessibility, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.”
With thoughtful planning and vision, the Port Peninsula has the potential to be more than just a working waterfront—it can also be a revenue-generating, environmentally sustainable community asset.
To bring this vision forward, the Port partnered with an award-winning team: Thomas Architecture Studio (TAS), SCJ Alliance, and SiteWorks. Together, they brought deep experience in major community projects and a strong understanding of Thurston County’s people and values. This work was supported by a Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) grant, and shaped through the input of more than 450 residents via public meetings, surveys, and workshops. Guidance also came from an Advisory Group representing local government, business, education, tribal, nonprofit, and community leaders.
As the Port Commission affirmed and adopted in its unanimous March 22, 2021 motion:
“The Commission acknowledges the community input given to this vision for the development of a Destination Waterfront and recognizes that staff will use this vision to continue to build partnerships, market Port properties, and develop project proposals for Commission consideration.”
Development Site Plan
The Destination Waterfront will create a thoughtful balance between commercial development and mission-driven enterprises that celebrate our maritime heritage, natural beauty, and thriving arts community. The Port also honors the Squaxin Island Tribe, who have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial.
Future development will directly address the challenges of sea level rise and environmental legacies by using sustainable design and striving for a net-positive environmental impact. By building a diverse portfolio of businesses and activities, the Destination Waterfront will also ensure long-term financial sustainability.
This waterfront is being planned as a place for everyone—welcoming visitors and locals alike, inspiring kids and lifelong learners, and creating opportunities to learn, work, and play. Development on the Port Peninsula will strengthen our community’s resilience by supporting jobs, caring for public assets, and protecting the natural environment.
In March 2021, Port leadership, in collaboration with Thomas Architects, presented the Destination Waterfront concept to the Commission. Following the presentation, the Commission unanimously approved a motion in support of the project. This action marked an important milestone in shaping the long-term vision for the Port Peninsula, laying the groundwork for thoughtful planning and future community-focused development. View the PowerPoint here.
Site D Solicitation of Interest
Public Outreach
Two community feedback surveys were conducted. Results of both surveys are provided in the Project Documents below, as are the PowerPoints from the four public outreach meetings. The complete list of past meetings include links to videos of the meetings.
Project Documents
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Past Meetings
October 14, 2020, Destination Waterfront Advisory Group Meeting. Link to Video of Meeting.
November 10, 2020, Destination Waterfront Advisory Group Meeting. Link to Video of Meeting.
November 16, 2020, 2:30 pm – Commission Work Session agenda item. Link to Video of Meeting.
November 18, 2020, 5:30 pm – Public Outreach Meeting. A brief presentation to learn more about the Waterfront Destination Development Plan, followed up with opportunities for questions and feedback. Link to Video of Meeting.
December 8, 2020, 10:00 am, Destination Waterfront Advisory Group Meeting, open to the public. Public comment taken at the end of the meeting. Link to Video of Meeting.
December 16, 2020, 5:30 pm – Public Outreach Meeting #2. A brief presentation to learn more about the Waterfront Destination Development Plan financial analysis and feasibility, followed with opportunities for questions and feedback. Link to Video of Meeting.
January 13, 2021, 10:00 am, Destination Waterfront Advisory Group Meeting. Link to Video of Meeting
January 20, 2021, 5:30 pm, Public Outreach Meeting #3. A brief presentation to learn more about theWaterfront Destination Development Plan public outreach summary, underlying assumptions, and aesthetics, followed with opportunities for questions and feedback. Link to Video of Meeting
February 10, 2021, 10:00 am, Destination Waterfront Advisory Group Meeting, open to public. Link to Video of Meeting
February 24, 2021, 10:00 am, Destination Waterfront Advisory Group Meeting, open to public. Link to Video of Meeting
March 4, 2021, 5:30 pm, Public Outreach Meeting #4. A presentation culminating what we heard from past public outreach meetings. Link to Video of Meeting
March 8, 2021, 5:30 pm, Port Commission Meeting (agenda item). Link to Video of Meeting
March 22,2021, 5:30 pm, Port Commission Meeting (agenda item). Link to Video of Meeting
