PORT TOWNSEND — The long-vacant blue building on West Sims Way in front of the Chamber of Jefferson County’s current office in Port Townsend is scheduled for removal next month.
The Navy and Port of Port Townsend are assisting the chamber in the removal of the former visitor information center building from city property May 2.
The building’s removal will make way for the city of Port Townsend to construct Gateway Plaza, a new city park slated for groundbreaking in early summer.
The chamber’s longstanding Readerboard, used to announce community events, will remain in place throughout.
Crews from the Navy and Port of Port Townsend will remove the building which is expected to take two to three days.
Their plans are to salvage and repurpose as much material as possible.
“When Indian Island was approached with this idea, I jumped at the opportunity to provide assistance. Efforts on projects like this increase solidarity and foster a sense of community between the Navy and people of Jefferson County,” said Cmdr. Rocky Pulley, Naval Magazine Indian Island commanding officer.
“The Navy is extremely happy to assist and pleased to have a chance to work together in a collective effort for the community. This is a win-win for everyone.”
The chamber had previously publicly offered the building for free in hopes of its adaptive reuse elsewhere but no one able to arrange for its private removal came forward.
“The port is very happy to be a part of this project. It is always great to see our community come together,” said Jim Pivarnik, Port of Port Townsend interim executive director.
“Many thanks to our friends at the Navy for their help and support.”
City Manager David Timmons is scheduled to discuss the Gateway Plaza project in detail as the guest speaker at the chamber’s May 20 luncheon at Fort Worden Commons.
For more information, contact the Chamber at director@jeffcountychamber.org or 360-385-7869.
