Asarco Property in Ruston Closer to Sale

I’m usually an optimist.  Except when I talk about city decisions and land use choices.  Then I often become a bit of a cynic.  But if we start talking about bankrupt companies, court processes, and big project developers, I become flat out negative.

The News Tribune reports that four companies are now vying for the Asarco property in Ruston and that none of the proposals are making anybody happy.  The four companies said to be in the running are MC Construction, Environmental Liability Transfer, Brownfield Restoration Group, and Lowe Enterprises. 

Do we know what these proposals look like?  No.  Why?  Because they’re sealed until approved by the bankruptcy judge.  So we’re left wondering what could become of some amazing real estate (ignoring the arsenic and such).  It appears that these companies have experience in either 1. decent looking commercial development or 2. brownfield restoration.  It doesn’t appear that the two sets of experience can mix. 

MC Construction has done some decent projects in Tacoma, but nothing that appears to be on this size.  Plus, any company that lists a mini-storage and on their commercial properties resume concerns me.  But they are the local company.  The other end of the spectrum is Lowe Enterprises that have by far the slickest website and the best looking developments.  So the resume looks good, but that’s just what they’ve chosen to show the world.  It’s time to start looking around and find out what these folks have done previously.  If the wrong developer is chosen for this property, the city will feel its effects for a very long time. 

Link: Four vie for Asarco property – The News Tribune

Previously: On the Market: Superfund Site w/ views. Waterfront.