Port of Olympia seeking developers with vision for 6 acres at Swantown

The Port of Olympia is looking for a partner to help redevelop a waterfront site at Swantown Marina, the port announced Friday.

The 6-acre parcel is at 1022 Marine Drive. It currently is being used for a marina office, parking and dry storage. The parcel also includes undeveloped land, according to the port.

The port has decided to seek “expressions of interest” for the property because its needs for the parcel have changed, said Community and Economic Development Director Mike Reid this week.

The port originally had considered the acreage for a future administrative building, but then Dancing Goats Coffee was acquired and the new owner no longer needed the roasting facility. The port later bought that building, which is between the Olympia Farmers Market and the main entrance to the marine terminal, for its new headquarters.

The port made clear that the solicitation is not a public works request and that it “retains the ability to reject all responses if a suitable partner is not identified.”

“It is anticipated that if a successful respondent is identified that an exclusive negotiation period would be identified to further refine the project and develop the necessary transactional documents,” the solicitation reads. “The port will not be entertaining selling the property but rather anticipates utilizing a long-term ground lease.”

Responses are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 15. The responses should include:

• A general statement of interest that aligns with the port’s vision and guiding principles.
• Narrative and/or graphics describing proposed uses and design approach.
• Financial capacity.
• Team qualifications.
• Implementation plan.
• Community benefit.

What are the port’s guiding principles?

In the solicitation, they ask the respondents to leverage marine identity, support marine operations and growth, enhance community access and tourism, ensure financial stability, maintain strategic flexibility and include a plan for sea level rise and other environmental factors.

For more about the opportunity, or to submit an expression of interest, go to the port’s procurement portal.

This story was originally published October 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.