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An effort is under way to redevelop a portion of Astoria’s waterfront into a destination. The framework includes mixed-use buildings, a new hotel and a market space.

Walker Macy is designing the master plan for the site that stretches west from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Pier 1. It includes the iconic Red Building, the West Mooring Basin, the strip of land behind the basin, and the pier.

Members of the Port of Astoria, the city and Walker Macy presented master plan updates 鈥� including the preferred development schematic 鈥� to the public on Tuesday night.

Unlike other waterfronts around Oregon, Astoria’s has limited space. The site’s back end has the Riverwalk trail and trolley tracks with a 50-foot right of way on both sides. That divides the land into 鈥渟kinny zones鈥� too small for large-scale development and industrial uses, Walker Macy project manager Calder Gillin said.

Plans call for turning the strip of land behind the basin into a boardwalk topped by a 鈥渇ishing village鈥� with small buildings for vendors selling food, drink and seasonal retail items.

Due to site constraints, the best spot for large-scale development, Gillin said, is at the end of Pier 1 because of its size and water access. The master plan framework suggests that portion of the property would be used for manufacturing, seafood processing, shipping, or another industrial use.

The other side of the pier would be dedicated to attracting cruise line visitors via tour buses, taxis, rideshare vehicles and rental bicycles. Plans also call for a viewpoint tower at the tip of Pier 1.

Only two existing buildings 鈥� the Chinook Building and Astoria Riverwalk Inn 鈥� would not remain as they are, according to the master plan, because of their conditions and repair cost estimates, Gillin said. Proposed reuse of those spaces would be as a hotel and a market hall.

After talking with hotel planners, Walker Macy principal and landscape architect Mike Zilis said the new hotel would likely have 60-90 rooms and a restaurant. However, in order to accommodate such a structure, the current zoning code would need to change.

The target, Gillin said, is for Walker Macy to complete its work 鈥� including updates that account for community input 鈥� by early February. Then the plan will go to the port and the city for adoption.