EUREKA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

I’m sure you’ve noticed…but…. The Redevelopment Agency is currently in the process of redeveloping waterfront property at the foot of C Street, north of First Street, for use by the commercial fishing industry, public access to Humboldt Bay, and retail/residential developments proposed by others.  This long-planned development of these sites includes construction of the new Fisherman’s Terminal building, a new public parking area, enhancement of C Street, and a public market square.

Fishermen’s Terminal ($3.2 million with a $2.4 million EDA Grant). The goal of the Fishermen’s Terminal project is to support economic development in the City of Eureka, the County of Humboldt and beyond through waterfront development of long term infrastructure in support of base industry cluster Fishing, Processing & Aquaculture. The Fishermen’s Terminal Building will provide the fish processing industry with the space and opportunity to develop additional specialty products.

Wild Planet (2 jobs saved, 6 created), Coast Seafoods (32 jobs saved, 19 created), and Humboldt Seafood Unloaders (2 jobs saved) will be tenants in the building and have the opportunity to expand their businesses.  Wild Planet and Humboldt Seafood Unloaders have historically been fish buying stations located on the partially burned Dock B in Eureka. With the closure of Dock B due to earthquake damage, these two businesses have temporarily moved to the work area adjacent to the building site.  Coast Seafoods needs additional processing space for kumomoto oyster processing. Additional space and improved dock conditions will allow all of these businesses to diversify and add employees.

In addition, the Fishermen’s Terminal Building will include a retail seafood counter and café and the City will also construct an adjacent market square for farmer’s markets and other community events. The square will include a stage, a ticket booth for the historic vessel Madaket’s bay tours and ample space for the market vendors.

This space will present an opportunity for local fisherman to sell more of their catch for local consumption. Currently the farmer’s market held in Old Town Eureka during the summer months includes fresh produce and canned goods like olives and honey. The new market square will allow the fishing industry to participate because it will be built right across “C” street from the Terminal Building and the docks. Its location will also allow tourists to see local and visiting fishing boats unloading their catch at the docks.

The “C” Street Market Square project includes the following three components: 

1. Public Parking Lot. Construction of 41 public parking spaces, including 2 handicap accessible spaces, immediately south of the Fisherman’s Terminal Building.  Access to the Terminal Building loading docks will be provided through the parking lot to Waterfront Drive.  The parking lot will be landscaped and include the installation of amenities consistent in number, scale, and style as those on the existing Boardwalk and “F” Street pedestrian plaza. 

2. C Street Improvements. Construction of a 60-foot wide plaza along the 240-foot long portion (14,400 square feet) of “C” Street between the Boardwalk and First Street.  This pedestrian oriented plaza area will include the installation of street furniture consistent in number, scale, and style as those on the existing Boardwalk and “F” Street pedestrian plaza.  Emergency access to the public parking lot and the Market Square would be provided, although daily vehicular access will be barred by bollards.

3. “Fishermen’s Market Square”. Construction of a plaza area at the southeastern corner of C Street and the Boardwalk up to 17,000 square feet in size.  The square will include the installation of street furniture that would be consistent in number, scale, and style as those on the existing boardwalk and “F” Street pedestrian plaza.  The Square will also consist of permanent, semi-permanent, and removable facilities for public gatherings including: a permanent covered stage wired for amplified sound, a ticket booth and/or information kiosk, outdoor dining areas, umbrella stands for market events and an approximately 60-foot by 120-foot removable tent along with imbedded anchoring stanchions and brackets.

Total Infrastructure Costs:

Fishermen’s Work Area      $0.5 million (done)
Fishermen’s Building          $3.2 million (under contract; construction to start any day)
Fishermen’s Dock                $5.0 million (done)
“C” Street and Square          $2.8 million (under construction)

Total                                     $11.5 million*

*$7.6 million from outside sources; and $3.9 million local sources.