Previous planning efforts laid the groundwork for the general project density and form. GreenWorks and team members developed a master plan that emphasized visual and physical connections to the river, new amenity spaces on the waterfront and to support new buildings, streetscape and pedestrian connections, including an important connection of the regional Renaissance trail.
A robust public process gathered feedback from stakeholders and the general public, with an end-point of evaluating multiple schemes to determine the specific conceptual design, types of amenities, and layouts of buildings. GreenWorks developed graphics and animations to support the public process, including workshops, press releases, and websites.
The project also achieved LEED Neighborhood Development Gold certification, showing the Port’s commitment to smart and ecologically sensitive design. The virtual environment, video walk-through, and fly-throughs were instrumental in public outreach, and helped with generating buzz for the project, ultimately resulting in the Port getting significant funding from the State of Washington to help make the project a reality.
ROTARY WAY & RENAISSANCE TRAIL
The initial phases of development began with design and permitting in 2019, including the Vancouver Landing, and the first connection for the Renaissance Trail along the upper bank. This catalyst project aimed to set the stage for future work, and established a design concept that celebrated the industrial history of the site while greening the existing amphitheater, restoring the shoreline, and making vital connections to the adjacent Waterfront Park, and existing trail to the east.
Complexity at the Core
The location of the project on an existing structure, and along the shoreline of the Columbia River were factors that contributed to the complexity from a design, engineering, permitting, and construction perspective. The initial phase included seismic and structural upgrades to the pier, modifications of the existing structure to help with the new accessible route, bulkhead wall interface, and additional piles that allowed for the weight of future seating, decking, soil and site amenities.
GreenWorks working closely with Port staff and managed the team schedule and deliverables to ensure work and permitting was done to allow bidding and installation within the specific in-water work window. Team members at KPFF led the structural and seismic upgrades, including the addition of new seismic dolphins to stabilize the structure. WSP led permitting coordination for the local permitting along with state and federal compliance.