DEVELOPMENTS

News about construction projects underway

Posted May 2006

ELLEN M. BANNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Ferry system seeks hotel, office or condos at busy Seattle dock

While considering large-scale improvements to Washington's busiest ferry dock, the state is seeking a range of private investments in the form of a hotel, living or office space adjacent to downtown Seattle's Colman Dock. The development will provide an ongoing income for the terminal along with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and prime downtown access no matter what the use.

Washington State Ferries released the arrangement as part of its long-range plan that predicts dramatic increases for the terminal that serves as the launch point for trips to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. The state intends to coordinate the construction of the ferry terminal with the construction options under discussion for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Over the next ten years, the ferry system will relocate the departure point for Kitsap County's Southworth run from the Fauntleroy Terminal to downtown's Colman Dock, further increasing the need for improvements. Funding for the $225 million project will come from rider fees. Passenger volumes for the two routes will double over the next 25 years while walk-on traffic is likely to triple in that same period. Beyond new structures, designers are planning to institute numerous pedestrian-friendly revisions, including increasing access points, widening the pedestrian bridge leading to Marion Street and granting better access to Metro bus service. To alleviate parking concerns, the state plans on turning the nearby Terminal 48 into a waiting lot for boarding vehicles.

The ideas were spurred by Seattle's waterfront planning process that identified the area around Colman Dock as prime territory for increased activity, density and public access to the waterfront.

Washington's ferry system is the third largest in the world, carrying more than 25 million passengers each year.

Construction of MJR Development's Woodinville Village, replete with four wineries, tasting rooms, 220 condominiums and street-level retail, begins this summer.

Located along State Route 212, the urban village will utilize 23 acres of mostly undeveloped land that Woodinville previously set aside for business tourism.

To entice wineries to the village and to establish the high-end feel, MJR provided the land at cost to DeLille Cellars, DiStefano Winery, the Woodinville Wine Co. and Brian Carter Cellars. In addition, the presence of four wineries in close proximity to one another along with a restaurant may attract visitors that can "make a day" of Woodinville Village.

MJR will invest in upgrades for the on-site Redwood Apartments and then sell them as condos after the conversion is complete.