Waterfront Development: Everett, Los Angeles

Brandon Whitaker
Photo/Port of Everett

The Port of Everett moved its planned Waterfront Place Central mixed-use development a step forward last week by naming Brandon Whitaker project manager. Currently the port’s environmental and safety specialist, Mr. Whitaker will assume his new role in early 2015.

The Waterfront Place Central plan and first phase of marina improvements consists of more than 16 projects with an estimated price tag of $67 million. Mr. Whitaker will manage the design and construction contracts to ensure they are performing in accordance to the standards and goals of the Waterfront Place Central capital program. Projects include transportation, utilities, in-water facilities and public access improvements. Mr. Whitaker will report to John Klekotka, the port’s chief of engineering and planning, but will be supervised by Terrie Battuello, its chief of business development.

Mr. Whitaker has worked on the engineering and planning side of port operations since 2006. He holds bachelor’s degree in in environmental policy and planning from Western Washington University. He recently completed the development of trails at the port’s Riverside Business Park and is now working on in-water projects at the Marine Terminal.

"Brandon’s participation in the development of Waterfront Place assures the project will be consistent with the Port’s sustainability goals and vision for a new generation of uses," Mr. Battuello said. "Brandon’s participation and skill as a project manager will assure the project’s acceleration and success. I couldn’t be more thrilled."

Rendering of Waterfront Place Central.
Source/Port of Everett

Everett’s Waterfront Place Central is a large scale real estate venture, with first development offerings planned for late January. The project unifies the marina and surrounding uplands property as a new Everett neighborhood; one which supports Everett’s vision for dynamic and livable neighborhoods that incorporate the history and culture of the city with the splendor and beauty of its surroundings. According to the port, the pedestrian-oriented project takes full advantage of its waterfront and recreational boating setting and supports the final phases of the port’s state-of-the-art regional boat sales and services center in what is Washington State’s largest marina.

According to the port, the completed Waterfront Place Development will support 2,075 family-wage jobs and generate $8.6 million annually in state and local sales taxes.

On December 16, the Everett Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Waterfront Place Central plan. The project now goes to Everett City Council for consideration early next year.

Los Angeles Waterfront Renewal Projects Win Recognition 

Two Port of Los Angeles waterfront renewal projects have received "2014 Project of the Year" awards from by the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). They include the Berth 100 Wharf South Extension and Backland Development initiative, and the LA Waterfront Downtown Harbor Landside and Rail Improvement project.

In addition, trade industry publication Engineering News-Record (ENR) announced that the port has won an "Award of Merit" for its Downtown Harbor project. The project won in the Landscape/Urban Development category of ENR’s "Best Projects" award program.

Officially unveiled in June of this year, the Downtown Harbor Plaza and Town Square is located on 1.2 acres between the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and Fire Station 112. Previously a parking lot, the space was transformed into a harbor inlet for recreational vessels. Surrounding the inlet are a public plaza and pedestrian promenade featuring trees and landscaping, decorative lighting, a picnic area and a Main Channel-overlook pier. Adjacent rail lines were realigned to accommodate improvements.

As the third and final phase of the China Shipping terminal development program, the Berth 100 Wharf South Extension and Backland development project included construction of a 325-foot reinforced concrete wharf and 14 acres of PCC pavement backland. The port’s existing Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) system was expanded to the site to allow for an additional berthed vessel to hook up to shoreside electrical power.

The Southern California Chapter of APWA gives awards each year in recognition of outstanding capital improvement projects and public works programs by public agencies. This year’s awards were presented at the organization’s 15th Annual Public Works Awards Luncheon on December 11.

LA Waterfront Downtown Harbor Landside.
Source/Port of Los Angeles

American Association of Port Authorities
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