By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Vancouver USA and Clark College have signed an
agreement that opens the door to partnership at the port’s Terminal 1
waterfront redevelopment.
During its Feb. 23 meeting, the port’s Board of
Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement aimed at stimulating education,
art and commerce, and “creating a sense of place” at Terminal 1, which is the
site of unfolding redevelopment.
Owned by the port for more than a century, Terminal 1 most
recently housed the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay and The Quay
Restaurant. Both businesses closed in November 2015. The port says it immediately
began “reenergizing” the space, bringing in biotech company AbSci LLC and
locally owned Torque Coffee Roasters.
The agreement signed Feb. 23 allows Clark College to
collaborate with port tenants at Terminal 1 to provide educational and
community programs that “support and energize” the local economy, according to
the port.
“This is another exciting step in keeping Terminal 1 active
while we move through the planning and permitting processes for redevelopment,”
Vancouver USA CEO Todd Coleman. “We’re excited for the opportunities this
brings for us, for the college and for future industry at the waterfront.”
“Being a partner with the Port of Vancouver provides dynamic
learning opportunities,” Clark College President Bob Knight said. “We see a
home at the port for future programing and are happy to connect Clark College
to the revitalized waterfront.”