Port of Anacortes Commission authorizes next steps for Marine Supply and Hardware and BikeSpot buildings
February 20, 2026 | News
PRESS RELEASE
February 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Port of Anacortes Commission authorizes next steps for Marine Supply and Hardware and BikeSpot buildings
ANACORTES, WA – The Port of Anacortes Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 19 to authorize planning for mitigation, demolition and disposal of the Marine Supply and Hardware and BikeSpot buildings. The action also authorizes the Executive Director to pursue a partnership with the Anacortes Housing Authority to determine if there are potential cost savings on simultaneous demolition of the structures owned by both organizations.
The Commission’s decision supports the Anacortes Housing Authority’s project to rehabilitate the neighboring Olson Building into an affordable workforce housing complex, which has been on hold awaiting the Port Commission decision. Deconstruction of the Marine Supply and Hardware and BikeSpot buildings is necessary for the Olson Building project to advance. The action follows multiple engineering condition assessments performed since 2017 which conclude that the buildings are unsafe for continued use without significant capital investment.
“This has been a careful and deliberate process,” said Port Commission President Kathy Pittis. “Our multiple structural assessments make it clear these buildings are not safe for continued occupancy without major repairs. We cannot justify investing significant public funds into facilities in this condition, especially with other public priorities. At the same time, we strongly support the Anacortes Housing Authority’s workforce housing project. It aligns with our mission and enhances the long-term vitality and quality of life in our community.”
The Port is conducting an environmental review of the buildings under the State Environmental Policy Act and continues consultation with the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to assess potential effects to environmental and historic resources. Staff will return to the Commission with additional action items as planning advances for mitigation and deconstruction of the buildings.
More information about the buildings and the Anacortes Housing Authority’s Olson Building project is available at:
https://www.portofanacortes.com/doing-business/marine-supply-hardware-building-faqs.
About the Marine Supply and Hardware Building
The Marine Supply and Hardware building is more than 100 years old. The Port acquired the property in 2016, citing its potential for maritime industrial use and its strategic proximity to other Port properties. Since then, the Port has commissioned three structural engineering studies. The reports identified long-term deterioration in the structure, foundation and flooring, much of which occurred over decades before Port ownership. The building does not meet current building or seismic codes.
The Port notified tenants of structural concerns in 2017 and has continued monitoring conditions. In 2023, as plans advanced for the Anacortes Housing Authority’s rehabilitation of the neighboring Olson Building into workforce housing, the Port evaluated potential impacts to the Marine Supply and Hardware building.
In 2024, the Commission previously determined it would not invest additional public dollars to stabilize or rehabilitate the Marine Supply and Hardware building and directed staff to evaluate options — a decision that helped guide the current action.
##
The Port of Anacortes was formed in 1926 to promote economic development for Anacortes and the surrounding area. The Port district is led by a board of five elected commissioners: Kathy Pittis, Bonnie Bowers, Shawn Ottenbreit, Mary LaFleur, and Bob Papadakis. Public meetings are held the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Port Administrative Office, 317 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA. For more information, visit www.portofanacortes.com.