The Port of Ridgefield’s leaders envision the city’s untapped waterfront, located between Lake River and the downtown area, as a commercial hub.
The Port of Ridgefield leased its land for industrial use until groundwater contamination ceased operations in 1993. Following an extensive $90 million cleanup spanning two decades, the site is now poised for redevelopment. Port leaders including CEO Randy Mueller have a new vision for the waterfront focused on attracting businesses that will draw customers to the waterfront and downtown area, turning it into a vibrant destination for dining, shopping and community gatherings.
“We’d love to attract visitors [from] the Columbia River to dock their boat, come into town, spend some money on a burger and a beer and then go on their merry way,” Mueller said.
The Port of Ridgefield is awaiting proposals from three development teams, who will suggest how the city’s waterfront should be developed. In collaboration with the three elected port commissioners, Mueller presented the port’s current priorities to revitalize its waterfront, although plans are not design-ready or final.
Business development
The Port of Ridgefield plans to relocate its operations from downtown back to the waterfront. The proposed development includes a multi-level, mixed-use building that will house the port’s operations. Mueller aims to attract businesses to this new building, creating a hub to draw in customers and stimulate economic activity.
“Maybe there’d be retail on the ground floor, with the port office upstairs, or some community spaces,” Mueller said.
Of the available land on the waterfront, 26.2 acres can be developed. Port officials additionally are considering residential uses for the property, but whether or not they are implemented may depend on a chosen development proposal. Three development plans for the port will be examined in the first week of August.
“Residential buildings are not a priority for the port because ports are more focused on jobs, commerce and economic activity,” Mueller said. “At the same time, every successful waterfront development we’ve seen has some sort of residential piece to it.”
Public uses
Port officials will likely prioritize road, utility and parking infrastructure to ensure land is ready for business development. The port currently owns 2.4 acres used for parking in its waterfront zone, which is currently used as overflow by boat launch users. A challenge for the port will be accommodating parking for current boat launch users and future waterfront employees and customers. Electric vehicle charging stations are another interest for port officials.
“Something that we’ve talked to folks about a lot is the need for additional parking at the boat launch,” Mueller said. “But we’ve put in our plans to make that [space] a real parking lot, for overflow parking for the boat launch, [and] also for waterfront park visitors. All those people coming to the park need somewhere to park their vehicles. People [will] travel, walking onto the wildlife refuge [or] trail system.”
Another priority is to update its boat launch, which hasn’t seen any large updates since 2002. Mueller specified port officials are not interested in updating the capacity of the boat launch but will review a redesign to improve its functionality and accessibility. Subsequently, officials have expressed interest in building facilities for Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue and the Clark County Sheriff’s marine patrol boats. The port may expand the size of its dock for temporary parking for water access. A public engagement forum will be held to gather feedback during the development phase.
Port officials are also developing a plan for the 9-acre waterfront park in a 50/50 partnership with the City of Ridgefield. The park currently features a paved trail from the public boat launch to Carty Lake and a kayak launch to the west. Mueller expects the next park plan draft review between the City Council and port commissioners will take place in August. In a Jan. 30 open house, Ridgefield residents interviewed by The Reflector expressed interest in developing the park but emphasized a need to protect its natural beauty and Lake River access.
To learn more about the Port of Ridgefield’s plans for waterfront development, go to portridgefield.org.
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