The SWIFT Center Portfolio:
Six Buildings, 200,000 Square Feet, Immediate Opportunity
Every structure qualifies for historic tax credits, turning preservation requirements into significant financial advantages.
INCENTIVES AND MOREProven Design Leadership, with Flexibility for Your Team
RMC Architects serves as the architect of record for SWIFT, bringing deep experience and a thoughtful, community-centered design vision to the project. Based in Bellingham, WA, RMC believes that architecture should be rooted in place—honoring local culture, history, and geography while creating buildings that strengthen community. They are known for clear communication, empathetic listening, and responsiveness—ensuring goals, budgets, and timelines are balanced with design quality. Their role in SWIFT provides a strong architectural foundation and momentum, but developers are welcome to bring their own architect, should they prefer.
Building Documentation
For each of the six buildings in the Historic District, RMC Architects has produced the following documentation in 2021 that includes:
- Renderings
- Maps
- Project Summary
- Schematic Design Estimate Summary
- Current Floor Plans
- Proposed Floor Plans
- Current Elevations
- Demolition Plans
- Demolition Elevations
- Proposed Elevations
- Structural Assessment
- Mechanical Basis of Design
- Electrical Schematic Design Narrative
- Hazardous Materials Survey Report
- Detailed Budget
The document for each building is downloadable below.
Building-by-Building Opportunity Analysis
These Spanish Colonial Revival buildings in the Core Area are pre-approved for high-value uses: Corporate headquarters, boutique hotels, research campuses, educational facilities, medical offices, senior living, artisan manufacturing, destination retail—all uses that benefit from authentic character.
Hub Building (17,902 sq ft)
- “Crown jewel” of the campus
- Built in 1916 as an assembly hall
- Best condition among unrenovated buildings, positioned for quick, lower cost renovation
- Although the building exterior has fallen into some disrepair, the interior of the main gathering space on the upper level is remarkably intact and could easily function again as a community focal point and meeting venue.
- Current concepts: Food hall, event venue, boutique retail
- Estimated renovation cost: $8 million at $446/sq ft
- This iconic building is undergoing restoration to once again serve as the heart of the community, providing a premier venue for events, gatherings, and connections.
Colman Building (17,770 sq ft)
- Built in 1915
- Repeatedly updated over the years
- Has many of the systems normally associated with more modern buildings (fire sprinklers, seismic retrofit) but now need renovation or replacement (HVAC and electrical systems).
- Target uses: Either a single-tenant or multi-tenant facility focused on research and development, coworking, office space, retail, restaurant, hospoitality, and speciality residentail/live work.
- Estimated renovation cost: $4.4 million at $245/sq ft for Class A finishes. More affordable updates possible. This building offers the shortest path to tenant occupancy.
Trevennen Building (11,027 sq ft)
- One of the most architecturally intact and ornate buildings
- Three story round tower and baroque entryway
- Former nurses' quarters with residential layout
- Built in 1938
- Target uses: boutique hospitality or wellness center with 31 or 19 guestrooms, depending on configuration
- Other uses can be considered
- Estimated renovation costs: $5.8 million at $526/sq ft
Denny Building (111,894 sq ft)
- Signature opportunity: centerpiece of the SWIFT Center campus
- Its large size and scale make it suited for a variety of adaptive reusescenarios
- Target uses:The Denny Building's size makes it suitable for a number of adaptive reuse scenarios
- Estimated renovation costs: $37.5 million at $335/sq ft
- Construction began in 1912 and completed in 1938
Fraser & Gray Buildings (38,764 sq ft combined)
- Two identical 19,382 sq ft buildings
- Significant damage will require extensive rehabilitation
- Could be developed separately or together
- Target uses: Creative office, maker spaces, research and development
- Combined renovation cost: $15.5M at $400/sq ft
Manufacturing Building (new build)
In keeping with the intended purpose of the SWIFT Center, the right developer could choose to site light manufacturing in the influence area. Conceptual design plans for the development of four 50,000 sq ft facilities have been partially developed that could be utilized by a developer or project.
Port Investment Creates Development Momentum
Active public investment signals market confidence and political support. The Port isn’t waiting for developers to arrive—we’re creating the conditions for your success through systematic risk reduction, anchor tenant establishment, and infrastructure preparation. Join a campus in motion, not a speculative venture. The Port of Skagit has made strategic capital improvements that enhance the SWIFT Center campus value and reduce developer risk.
Your investment builds on active public sector momentum, not dormant property.
Completed Work (Saving You 2-3 Years)
- Environmental Impact Statement approved [download]
- SEPA Planned Action status [download]
- Master Binding Site Plan adopted
- Historic design guidelines established (2015)
- Phase I & Il environmental assessments complete
- $750,000 in architectural planning funded (2024)
- Pre-approved uses eliminate conditional use permits
- Historic tax credits pre-qualified through National Register
- Intergovernmental partnership streamlines approvals
- Community stakeholders already aligned
2025-2027 Campus Enhancements Underway
- NWIRC TheLab@SWIFT: Innovation center establishing R&D anchor tenant and workforce development programs ($500,000 state investment)
- National Guard facility expansion: Proven institutional tenant adding service capacity and long-term lease stability
- Olmsted Park development: City of Sedro-Woolley's public amenity investment enhances campus appeal for hospitality and commercial uses
- Infrastructure modernization: Security systems, roof stabilization, and preventive maintenance protect building envelope integrity
- $750,000 architectural planning funded: Master planning and design work accelerating development readiness