Construction crane signals progress at Vancouver waterfront

The first of two construction cranes expected on the Vancouver waterfront this summer was erected Thursday and Friday.

The progress, clearly visible from downtown and the Interstate 5 Bridge, illustrates the transformation of the old Boise Cascade paper mill site into offices, restaurants, retail and residential space.

Underground parking will be provided in two of the first four buildings now under construction by the firm of Robertson & Olson. One building will be for offices; the other, apartments.

A pier jutting into the Columbia River and a waterfront park are also under construction, as are two retail/restaurant buildings. The first waterfront restaurants should open sometime in 2018.

Gramor Development is the lead on the public-private project, which at full build-out will cover 21 blocks at an investment estimated at nearly $1.5 billion.

To the east, nearer the bridge, the Port of Vancouver also has major development plans for its property.