Waterbuffalo
07-28-2008, 04:56 PM
http://columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/07/07282008_Two-show-interest-in-redeveloping-barracks.cfm
By JEFFREY MIZE, Columbian staff writer
Here’s what we know: Two individuals or companies are interested in rehabilitating the biggest building on the western half of Vancouver Barracks.
Here’s some of what we don’t know: who submitted outlines Friday to develop a historic hotel, what they want to build, and their backgrounds in similar projects.
The Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust is seeking a developer, operator and investor to transform the 104-year-old artillery barracks, which has been vacant since the Army moved its final soldiers off the post in 2000.
Kent Shorthill, the trust’s contacts officer, would not provide names or details about what was submitted Friday, except to say he considers them “serious” responses.
The city council has designated the nonprofit trust to manage Officers Row, the west barracks and other city-owned properties in the 366-acre historic reserve, which also includes the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Pearson Field.
The artillery barracks, the largest of 16 buildings at the west barracks, once served as headquarters for the post’s commander. A study by hotel consultants Kennedy & Mohn concluded that the barracks could provide 56 guest rooms, with another 14 rooms available in seven duplexes nearby.
Companies or individuals interested in the project were asked to submit information including:
* Preliminary development concept for lodging, with an emphasis on historic character.
* Number of prospective guest rooms, along with details about a restaurant, meeting facilities and other amenities.
* Potential members of the development team, including those specializing in operational and financial aspects.
* Terms of proposed compensation to the trust.
Interviews are expected to be conducted in the second half of August, with an invitation to begin formal negotiations with the trust expected by Sept. 5.
By JEFFREY MIZE, Columbian staff writer
Here’s what we know: Two individuals or companies are interested in rehabilitating the biggest building on the western half of Vancouver Barracks.
Here’s some of what we don’t know: who submitted outlines Friday to develop a historic hotel, what they want to build, and their backgrounds in similar projects.
The Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust is seeking a developer, operator and investor to transform the 104-year-old artillery barracks, which has been vacant since the Army moved its final soldiers off the post in 2000.
Kent Shorthill, the trust’s contacts officer, would not provide names or details about what was submitted Friday, except to say he considers them “serious” responses.
The city council has designated the nonprofit trust to manage Officers Row, the west barracks and other city-owned properties in the 366-acre historic reserve, which also includes the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Pearson Field.
The artillery barracks, the largest of 16 buildings at the west barracks, once served as headquarters for the post’s commander. A study by hotel consultants Kennedy & Mohn concluded that the barracks could provide 56 guest rooms, with another 14 rooms available in seven duplexes nearby.
Companies or individuals interested in the project were asked to submit information including:
* Preliminary development concept for lodging, with an emphasis on historic character.
* Number of prospective guest rooms, along with details about a restaurant, meeting facilities and other amenities.
* Potential members of the development team, including those specializing in operational and financial aspects.
* Terms of proposed compensation to the trust.
Interviews are expected to be conducted in the second half of August, with an invitation to begin formal negotiations with the trust expected by Sept. 5.