Port plans to close Transit Shed to events December 31, 2023
June 7, 2021 | Archive
The Port of Anacortes plans to permanently close its Transit Shed to public and private events on Dec. 31, 2023. The Port plans to market the 16,800-square-foot warehouse in 2024 to support future job creation and economic benefit for the community.
The Port commission made the decision during its regularly scheduled June 3 meeting to provide a two-and-a half year “sunset period” for the Transit Shed, transitioning the facility from an event space back to its original maritime industrial use.
The commission’s decision came after a months-long discussion during which the commissioners heard from the community, considered economic information, weighed options for the space, and considered the needs of local organizations as well as the needs of local businesses and workers.
“There is a need for a working waterfront, and a big part of our mission statement…is jobs…and economic development,” said Commissioner Bonnie Bowers. “I understand that events do bring tourism dollars to our community. But at the same time, family wage jobs are what drive the economic prosperity of our community and allow people to buy homes in the area and live in our community.”
The commission directed staff to draft a resolution for consideration at the regularly scheduled June 17 commission meeting. The Port is continuing to hold virtual commission meetings; recorded and upcoming meetings can be accessed at www.portofanacortes.com/governance/commission-meetings.
Repurposing the Transit Shed
The Transit Shed has been temporarily closed to events due to COVID restrictions since spring 2020 and has been utilized as storage space for Port tenants during these restrictions. The Port plans to reopen the space for events when restrictions are lifted by the Governor’s office and continue hosting events through Dec. 31, 2023. As of Jan. 1, 2024, the space will return to maritime industrial use.
According to a 2017 economic analysis commissioned by the Port, repurposing the Transit Shed could support at least 30 direct, indirect, and induced jobs and provide $3 million in revenue that can be reinvested in property, facilities, and other amenities to attract additional employers to Anacortes.
The Port continues to explore options for a future event space as part of its redevelopment strategy for the Transit Shed and Cap Sante Marina. For more information, please visit www.portofanacortes.com/governance/guiding-documents.
For more information on the commission’s decision and the short- and long-term future of the Transit Shed, contact Jen Tottenham at 360-299-1804 or jen.tottenham@portofanacortes.com.
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