The city of Vancouver is soliciting proposals from developers to purchase the city-owned property at 811 Washington St., known as Block 10.
The city issued the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Acquisition and Redevelopment of Block 10 earlier this month. Proposals are due at 3 p.m. on July 15.
A stone’s throw from Esther Short Park, Block 10 is the last remaining vacant block in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The city bought the property (which was once part of the Lucky Lager brewery) back in 1994.
The Vancouver City Center Vision and Subarea Plan, developed in 2007, envisions using Block 10 for housing or offices with a mix of active services on the first floor such as restaurants, coffee shops, brew pubs, a grocery store or other retail.
“We’re hoping for as many stories as possible and as many uses as possible,” said Lee Rafferty, executive director of Downtown’s Vancouver Association, which helped to spruce up the vacant block in 2013 by adding park elements. “A strong retail base on the main level is really imperative; more users downtown in terms of more office spaces or residences; a parking element would be a welcome part of any project; and you know, there’s a lot of talk about a grocery store. We think that would be a pretty wonderful place to put a grocery.”
Rafferty said it makes sense that the city is now issuing an RFP for the property because of the health of the economy.
“It’s the right time,” she said. “People are feeling more confident about developing something and sharing a vision.
“It’s such a central block to the way we live and [move] around downtown,” Rafferty added.
Upon review of the proposals, the city council will decide whether or not to sell the property.
The RFP is available online at www.cityofvancouver.us/Block10. It includes details on incentives, zoning restrictions, environmental conditions and more.