Maritime Economic Development: Kalama

Brewer/Restaurateur coming to Port of Kalama waterfront

McMenamins Inc. has signed a lease to develop a brewpub and hotel on the Port of Kalama waterfront. The port commissioners approved the lease during their regular meeting on March 23.

Expected to open by the end of 2017, the new McMenamins destination will include a 40-room hotel, meeting rooms, a gift shop, restaurant, brewery, and rooftop brewpub with a river view, as well as a smaller 500-square-foot pub a short walk away.

McMenamins will incorporate Kalama’s Hawaiian heritage into the design of its buildings, which will be modeled after the historic Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, Maui. John Kalama, originally of Kula, Maui, lived in the area as an employee of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Kalama River and the city both bear his name.

Architectural planning will commence immediately. After the design is complete, the Port of Kalama will construct the building shell and exterior, parking area and landscaping, and rough-in electrical and mechanical features of the building. McMenamins will design and construct all interior components of the facilities.

"This is happy news for Kalama and the entire region as we expect this new establishment to bring jobs and tourism to the area," said Port Commission President Alan Basso. "This McMenamins location at a breathtaking spot right on the Columbia River offers a new destination for travelers and tourists who may have never stopped in Kalama before. We expect an economic boon for the entire community."

The Port of Kalama's industrial area includes five miles of riverfront property adjacent to the 43-foot federally-maintained deep draft navigation channel of the Columbia River. More than 30 businesses, employing more than 850 people are located on port premises.