Kent's economic development manager Jacki Skaught tells GlobeSt the city "is looking for a public-private partnership" to develop a mix of multi-family housing, entertainment, retail and office buildings, tentatively named Kent Station. The city will immediately issue an RFQ and begin the selection process for "either a master developer or a mix of developers who will work together." Skaught expects that process to be finalized by late summer or early fall this year, with the city's first priority being the master planning.

When the development would get underway will be determined, in part, by Borden Chemical. Terms of the purchase allow Borden to continue leasing back its property for $16,000 per month for up to two years.

Skaught says the environmental clean-up will be minimal, currently estimated to run only $100,000. The downtown property lies across from the King County Regional Justice Center and is flanked by James and Smith Streets, and South Fourth and First Avenues.