Ridgefield Waterfront

Project

Year

2024

Location

Ridgefield, Washington

Client

City of Ridgefield, WA

The Challenge

Extending Downtown to the Waterfront

The Ridgefield, WA Waterfront Masterplan Request for Proposals (RFP) process is a strategic initiative to transform the city’s waterfront into a dynamic and vibrant community space. First Forty Feet was invited to compete in this process, recognizing the firm’s expertise in creating thoughtful, community-driven urban design solutions. A key challenge of the project was to develop a plan that extends Ridgefield’s downtown to the waterfront, creating a cohesive and connected urban fabric. The RFP aimed to ensure the masterplan reflects Ridgefield’s values of sustainability, economic vitality, and cultural heritage. First Forty Feet’s proposal highlights strategies for public access, environmental restoration, and mixed-use development, establishing a vibrant linkage between the waterfront and the heart of downtown. The masterplan enhances the waterfront’s natural beauty while fostering economic growth and new places for people to gather and recreate.

A view from the new waterfront park looking toward new mixed-use development along the Waterfront Promenade.

The Impact

Downtown Built To Last

The Ridgefield Waterfront Masterplan is poised to have a transformative impact on the city over the next 30 years, reshaping it into a thriving and interconnected community hub. By extending the downtown core to the waterfront, the plan will foster economic growth through mixed-use developments that attract businesses, residents, and visitors alike. Enhanced public access to the waterfront will encourage outdoor recreation and cultural activities, celebrating Ridgefield’s natural beauty and heritage while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Environmental restoration efforts outlined in the plan will ensure the long-term sustainability of the area, protecting vital ecosystems and strengthening the city’s resilience to climate change. Over the coming decades, the masterplan will serve as a blueprint for Ridgefield’s growth, creating a vibrant, walkable, and inclusive space that reflects the community’s vision and values, ensuring its place as a regional destination and cherished hometown.

A view from the new Sanctuary Greenway, which acts as a gateway into the waterfront district and directs visitors to the Wildlife Refuge.