| A downtown Gig Harbor property that has been called an eyesore by some residents in the past will be developed into a retail and office complex, following a two-year dispute between the city and the developer, Tangodoe Investment Properties.
Tangodoe, which purchased the property from Stutz Fuel, plans to build a 9,000-square-foot building on the site as well as a private marina. The existing pier and ramp along with boathouses will be removed.
Although the Gig Harbor Design Review Board and a hearing examiner approved a variance from the maximum allowed size of 6,000 square feet, the City Council challenged the project. The city filed a lawsuit in Pierce County Superior Court but lost, and in February the council voted to drop its appeal and approved a settlement.
“We’ll be moving forward,” said developer Jim Sullivan. “It’s been a long haul.”
According to the project’s architect, only 50 percent of the building will be visible at street level, causing it to appear much smaller than it actually is. Underground parking is included in the plan. The project could break ground this summer, although the architect indicated that was the best case scenario.
The property, located on the waterfront next to the popular Tides Tavern, was home to Stutz Fuel, which had clearly visible, above-ground fuel tanks. Tangodoe Investment Properties says the new development will complement the character of the downtown. |
