Greely Building
The Greely Building project aims to support economic and community benefits in Ridgefield by creating new business opportunities, generating jobs, and stimulating local economic activity.
Project update
In February 2025 the Port Commission received an update on the first phase of work:
- One underground gasoline storage tank was removed. No contamination was found from this tank.
- Indoor air sampling detected vapors above safe levels from past contamination.
- An assessment of the existing, century-old brick walls found they are in worse condition than expected.
- Preliminary design and cost estimates to bring the building up to code and remodel it is around $7.7 million, with total project costs estimated at about $9 million—significantly higher than the Port’s initial estimates.
Based on these preliminary findings, the Port is exploring funding options and determining the best path forward. The Port remains committed to balancing the responsible use of public funds while delivering a project that supports the community, local economy, and environment.
Project background
In early 2024, the Port of Ridgefield acquired the circa-1920 Greely Building through a property swap with the Ridgefield School District, with the intent of transforming it into a vibrant economic hub for the community. Formerly known as the Bus Barn, this building was used by the district for several decades as a shop space for their grounds and facilities crews, and before that, this building had a long history as a garage and showroom used for vehicle sales, maintenance, and as a service station.
In July 2024, the Port received a $3 million funding package from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), consisting of a $2.25 million low-interest loan and a $750,000 grant . The Port has been working with consultant teams on preliminary design, cost estimates, environmental investigation, and architectural review. These findings will help determine the best path forward for the project and the future of the Greely Building site.
Stay Connected
For more information, please contact Ethan Perry at EPerry@portridgefield.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at eperry@portridgefield.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Greely Building is located at 304 Pioneer Street in downtown Ridgefield, directly across the street to the east of Ridgefield City Hall.
The Port of Ridgefield currently owns the property. Prior to that it was owned and operated by the Ridgefield School District for many decades.
The Ridgefield School District used the building as shop space for their grounds and facilities crews, as well as storage for vehicles, equipment, and bulk goods.
No, it was only recently designated the 'Greely Building' by the Port of Ridgefield to reflect its historic origins. Before this official designation, it was commonly known as the 'bus barn' by residents, as it had once been used to house school buses.
The Greely Building was built around 1920 by Charles Henry Greely and was initially used as the Greely Ford Garage and showroom for several years. It was part of the broader “Greely’s Garage” business, which had multiple garage and showroom locations in Clark County. The building was sold to multiple owners throughout the years, including Wes Shattuck, Bill Tetz, and Harold Patee. Over the course of these various ownerships, it continued to be used for vehicle sales, maintenance, and as a service station for several decades before Patee sold it to the school district to use as a bus garage and agriculture classroom. It continued to be used by the school district for facilities and maintenance until the Port acquired the building in 2024.
The Port hopes to remodel and restore the building for use as multiple small business and community spaces.
Work began in summer 2024 with the decommissioning and removal of an underground fuel storage tank. Completion of additional work will depend on future funding and budget levels.
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