Port of Poulsbo puts in high bid for North Kitsap Armory

POULSBO — Port of Poulsbo commissioners said Monday the port has registered the high bid for the now-shuttered North Kitsap Armory.

The state decided to shut down the armory as a cost-saving measure, shifting National Guard personnel stationed there to Bremerton.

Port officials had expressed interest in buying the property, even taking a tour of the building at 19133 Jensen Way. The building has seen different uses over the years.

Its floor was built thick enough to withstand tanks being parked inside, and at one time National Guard units had a firing range in the back.

Recently the American Legion has provided veteran benefit counseling at the site, and the Poulsbo Noon Lions pancake breakfast holds its annual breakfast in the hall.

Commission Chairman Glenn Gilbert said the port received a letter from the state saying it lodged the winning bid. Gilbert said the minimum bid was $500,000.

The port registered a bid of $511,000 Sept. 10, and indicated it would want to "'meet or beat' any other offers received for this property," according to documents.

The state department of General Administration answered the bid Oct. 1. The port must also provide written notice to local legislative authorities and conduct a public meeting before the sale can be finalized.

The port submitted the sole bid for the armory, said Steve Valandra, spokesman for the state Department of General Administration, which is handling the armory sale for the state Military Department.

"We bought it as an investment, it's going to have to pay for itself," Gilbert said.

The port does not have to borrow money to buy the property, Gilbert said.

Officials do not have a clear idea of what they want to do with the property, and have scheduled a public meeting Nov. 10 for the public to offer ideas to the commission.

Those with ideas can also send them to the port at P.O. Box 732, Poulsbo, WA 98370.

Commissioner Arnold Bockus said the port wanted to offer something to residents who don't own boats, noting that the port owns only waterfront property.

"They would have a piece of property that could be used by them," Bockus said.

Contact North Kitsap Herald Staff Writer Andrew Binion at abinion@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.