Heights District project could start construction in 2026; Vancouver close to asking for proposals

A seven-member committee that includes two city planning commissioners and the owner of nearby Garside Florist will evaluate the proposals.

City officials plan to have development agreements in place by the end of the year, said Amy Zoltie, real estate project manager for the city.

“We do recognize that this is an aggressive schedule but (that’s) necessary to start redevelopment occurring and dirt moving,” Zoltie said.

The three developments include mixed-income and affordable housing, with space on the ground floor for businesses, for a total of 340 units.

Groundbreaking on the three parcels could occur as early as 2026, Zoltie said.

A city staff presentation said proposals should maximize density, provide subsurface parking, use alternative financing and ownership models, and demonstrate a commitment to equity.

“Many times this council is underwhelmed by what we’re able to accomplish on privately owned property, despite our best efforts to work with developers to get certain things our community needs or must have,” Mayor Pro Tem Erik Paulsen said. “This is an opportunity for us to dictate what will actually be here.”

City officials plan on adding art installations this spring to attract people to the area and create a sense that the Tower Mall is a destination, not just a shortcut to bypass traffic lights.

River Maiden coffee shop will stay on the property but will likely have to move to a new building, Zoltie said. River Maiden did not return a phone call from The Columbian.

The city will not renew its lease with Vanco Golf Range. The Vancouver institution that opened in the 1970s will shut its doors in October, owner Chuck Milne said. He had previously announced a plan to close the range at the end of 2020 before the lease was extended.

“I have real mixed emotions about it,” Milne said. “I’ll miss it. I’ll miss the people.”