The future of the historic Greely Building in downtown Ridgefield remains uncertain as the Port of Ridgefield weighs high redevelopment costs and short-term community use.
The port acquired the century-old building at 304 Pioneer St. in 2024 through a property swap with the Ridgefield School District. At the time, port leaders hoped to transform the former bus barn into a bustling marketplace with multiple tenant spaces, a commercial kitchen, a restaurant and coworking areas. As planning moved forward, however, the scope and cost of rehabilitating the building became clearer.
Early estimates now place a full build-out between $8 million and $9 million. Those figures reflect extensive structural repairs, seismic upgrades and environmental cleanup tied to the building’s long history as an automotive facility.
“The Greeley building really dates back to the early 1920s. It was originally known as the Chass H Greeley garage and it really served as an automobile repair and service facility during Ridgefield’s early growth years. Historic records show that the port was able to pull, showing that the site included fuel storage and automotive-related uses,” Port of Ridgefield Executive Director Ethan Perry said.
Those historic uses have contributed to present-day challenges. According to the port, investigations revealed vapor intrusion from beneath the building, seismic deficiencies and widespread deterioration of the roof and brick exterior. While recent assessments show the building is safe for limited short-duration occupancy, long-term reuse would require major investment.
“When we started diving into the architecture and engineering and really the design development, we found out that the building was in poorer condition than what we originally anticipated. With a 100-year-old-plus building, we thought there would be extensive needs for repair, but it turned out to be a bit more than what we bargained for,” Perry said.
The port received a $3 million funding package from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board in 2024, including a $750,000 grant and a $2.25 million low-interest loan. Those funds were awarded based on the original marketplace concept and have not been spent.
“Because we’re not sure exactly what this space is going to be, we have not touched those dollars. We have not started to spend any of that money, and if we were not to make it into the marketplace (concept), we would have to go back to the board and present the idea for the building moving forward or give the money back,” Perry said.
Rather than rushing a decision, the port is shifting its focus in 2026 toward limited, temporary uses that activate the space while long-term planning continues. Conversations are underway with the City of Ridgefield and Ridgefield Main Street about hosting indoor markets or small public events that stay within safety guidelines.
“Our focus really is on thoughtful temporary use while we continue planning for the long-term future of the Greeley Building,” Perry said.
For now, Port officials say patience and careful planning are key as the Greely Building enters its next chapter.
