Kalakala owner unveils new, grandiose plans

[proud_ionian]

source: www.komonews.com

Steve Rodrigues has hope, a lot of it.

As the owner of the Kalakala, he has to have hope to believe the art-deco ferry boat can be restored and serve as a centerpiece for new development along Tacoma's waterfront that could include an indoor ski-slope, sky-diving, a hotel, and a dolphin aquarium.

"The beauty of a community project that can be shared and bring a new sense of hope and that's what the Kalakala is all about," says Rodrigues.

The Kalakala operated on the Puget Sound from 1935 until it was retired in 1967. Over the years it fell into disrepair and obscurity. Rodrigues purchased it hoping to bring about its rebirth.

"The Kalakala is our first phase," says Rodrigues. He's hoping once it's restored, it can be displayed on the waterfront in Tacoma. From there his master plan calls for building up and around the historic ferry.

"We do have investors willing to look at this," adds Rodrigues. "We could have a farmers market, scuba diving and our water features."

Water features that could house dolphins he says.

Grander still, a project he's calling the Columbia Gardens: "The snow feature is the exciting new entrepreneurial venture that will bring something new to this state. In fact, we'll have the first indoor snow skiing facility in the United States of America."

Rodrigues would also like to see regional ferry boats or a local cruise line, like Argosy, dock at the facility. Helping support it all: A hotel, space for retail development, and possibly a restaurant.

Rodrigues says he's reaching out to Tacoma, Pierce County and the state to find some way to join him in a public-private partnership to finance the plan which he estimates would cost $80 million to $100 million.

Rodrigues even hopes there might be way to use federal stimulus dollars in getting the project started.

"We'd create 200 direct jobs and with the economic multiplier we really impact the community with 600 jobs," he said.

So far, no local government has expressed any interest in the project and still Rodrigues says he's hopeful.

"I'm just filled with as much hope and that's what the Kalakala has given to me is that hope."

[proud_ionian]

προκειται περι ενος μοναδικο "μνημειου" art deco. στα νιατα του ηταν πολυ designατο, αλλα σημερα σαπιζει.

οι φιλοι του εχουν site, προσπαθουν χρονια να το αναπαλαιωσουν και εχουν και τα απαραιτητα videos