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Port of Vancouver plans waterfront marketplace: See the artist renderings

Renderings show three different proposals for the waterfront property at Terminal 1.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Port of Vancouver hopes to turn the former Red Lion Hotel Vancouver into a marketplace, similar to Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

"We're on the waterfront, we have a really special place here,” explained Abbi Russell with the Port of Vancouver. “We have a wonderful view of the I-5 bridge and across the river to Oregon, and it's such a fabulous and unique place that a public market makes a lot of sense."

Renderings show three different proposals for the waterfront property at Terminal 1. The Port of the Vancouver took input from the public to help decide on a final design. It has not yet made a final decision.

PHOTOS: Port of Vancouver waterfront marketplace artist renderings

Some were excited about the proposal.

"I think there would be nothing better. It's so fun,” Sue Replogle said about the proposed changes. “I mean, I love going to Pike Place Market, so I would love to have something like this."

"I think it's a great idea, I mean there's a lot of opportunities for local businesses and small groups to be able to get together," said Patrick Flynn as he was leaving a business in the area.

The building has a lot of history. The dock itself is about 100 years old and will need to be rebuilt before the marketplace can become a reality. The Port of Vancouver estimates rebuilding the foundation and dock will cost approximately $30 million.

“I think we'd all love to see it happen tomorrow, it's really exciting. But the reality is we have some challenges with the structures that we have today being quite aged and having to deconstruct and that takes time,” Russell explained.

The Port of Vancouver said funding is another challenge. It is looking at the best way to fund the project, whether that is through grants, bond revenue or community donations.

In the meantime though, the Port of Vancouver is asking for input to help decide on the final design. To weigh in send an email to: communityfeedback@portvanusa.com or visit their website.

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