Architect Jeff McClure says the new subarea master plan for the Port, “prioritizes accessing nature, considers the surrounding context, and is mindful of the community and tourists who will be part of determining this project’s success.”
McClure, whose firm RMC Architects was hired by the port, describes the plan in the Daily Journal of Commerce.
- A special joint City Council - Port of Anacortes Commissioners meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 4, at 5pm at City Hall to discuss a proposed Community Events Center.
McClure says, “RMC Architects was hired by the Port of Anacortes to create a subarea master plan that will energize currently underused property at Cap Sante Marina and strengthen and enliven the connection between the city’s historic downtown and waterfront through pedestrian and road improvements.”
The plan is centered around what is now a five-way intersection at 9th St., R Ave. and Market St.
The plan includes locations for a hotel on property where a temporary dog park is located, an event center closer to the water, and other development along the Marina between 9th St and the current Marina headquarters building.
The event center would face the marina and would be designed to handle up to 400 users. It could include a dance floor, stage, buffet, green room, warming kitchen for outside caterers and storage for equipment. The would be space for an art gallery, coffee shop or a small chandlery.
McClure said the design strategy is to look beyond the buildings. “To develop these memorable moments, we look at the project from a variety of angles: accessing nature through open spaces and pedestrian connections; consideration of the surrounding context of scale, form, and materials; and bringing our understanding of the community and tourists who will be part of determining this project’s success.”
McClure adds, “The wonderful geographic presence of Anacortes combined with its robust community spirit provided RMC with the perfect tools for creating a master plan that will carry the city into a successful future, ripe with opportunities,” McClure adds.