PORT GAMBLE, Wash. — Developers are proposing a 21st century makeover for an Olympic Peninsula town with 19th century charm.
A plan to redevelop and rejuvenate Port Gamble would bring homes, restaurants and businesses to the New England-inspired former mill town.
"It's a big change for a little town. Some people like change and some people don't," said Mary Brackney of the Port Gamble Cafe.
The Olympic Property Group is a subsidiary and descendant company of Pope and Talbot, which owned the town's saw mill that closed in 1995.
One of the country's last privately owned towns, the company wants to develop nearly 150 acres of land -- new homes among historic buildings -- plus, new businesses and houses on the 26-acre mill site.
"I love how peaceful it is here. The people are so friendly. I love the historic look of the community," said Ann Precup.
Precup, visiting Port Gamble from Seattle, said she hopes any new development won't ruin that historic character.
The developers said the new buildings will blend in with the old ones. A historic architect will make sure the new structures will stay true to the historic character of the town.
"If you like the buildings and how they look, there's just going to be more of it," said Jon Rose of Olympic Property Group.
KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Jeff Dubois said he found little opposition to the plan.
Mary Brackney, with the Port Gamble Cafe, is all for it.
"It brings jobs and people into the area, and it brings work," she said.
And the jobs are not just retail and construction jobs.
"We have a marine science lab on the mill site. We have shellfish growers who want to open a hatchery here. So, if you come back ten years in the future, you're going to see almost a marine science enclave down on the site," said Rose.
Although the development has been in the works for years, the plan is just now gaining momentum. A public open house for residents is being held Wednesday night.
County, state, and federal approval of the plan will keep the proposal from becoming reality for a couple more years.
KIRO
