About the market
The Port of Kalama is excited to announce that the new Mountain Timber Market has officially broken ground and is slated to open late 2023! This special market is designed to be an incubator for small business retail and restaurants, to provide shopping opportunities for local residents and visitors, enhance public recreation, and become a gathering place for the community.
In true Port fashion, the name of the market and design of the building are an ode to the history of Kalama and the original Mountain Timber Company from the early 1900’s. The market is located between two beautiful parks along the beaches of the Columbia River. Locals and visitors can spend a morning, afternoon, or the whole day walking the trails, playing in the parks, checking out what's new in the market, listening to music in the amphitheater, and grabbing a bite to eat along the sandy beaches on the river.
The idea for the market came from the Port looking for ways to bridge the gap between someone having a dream to open their own business and helping connect them with the resources they need to make their dream come true. Now there is a space for new and growing businesses along with resources and mentors to help the dreamers become the doers through a partnership with SCORE and the Port. SCORE has decades of experience fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. Their nationwide network of seasoned entrepreneurs and executives from all business sectors helps entrepreneurs access all the information they need to make their business a success.
The 32,000 square foot market has room for nine small retail spaces, two small restaurants, vendor hall space, two large restaurants, and two event spaces that can be rented for meetings, gatherings, and events. Businesses that have taken part in the Port sponsored 13-week Education Series have gone through a selection process and have been invited to be a part of the market. The remaining retail spaces will be filled in a similar fashion. To be eligible for one of the remaining small spaces or a space in the vendor hall, submit an Application of Interest to the Port to be added to a waiting list. Completed applications can be submitted via email to info@mountaintimber.org or in-person at the Port's Administrative Office located at 110 W Marine Drive, Kalama, WA 98625.
FAQ:
What are the requirements for applying?
• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must be a legal resident of the United States.
• You must live within 100 miles of 110 West Marine Drive, Kalama, WA 98625.
• Neither you nor any of your immediate family members or anyone living in your household may currently be an employee of the Port of Kalama.
• If chosen for participation, you must successfully pass a background and credit check for participation.
Will my storefront need to be open daily?
Yes, while minimum hours are still being established, there will be minimum operating hours seven days a week.
When is the market opening?
The market will open in the Fall of 2023.
What types of businesses will be considered?
- Boutiques with locally sourced goods
- Cheeses and special dairy
- Locally made jewelry
- Artisan crafters
- Locally grown fruits and vegetables
- Your idea!
