Curtis Grad has a growing file of parties interested in occupying space in the CPR Steamship Terminal building.
"We've had a strong interest, particularly in the food and beverage (industry), but in the other services as well," said Grad, president of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
The GVHA, which won the bid to lease the terminal from the Provincial Capital Commission earlier this year, formally launched a request for proposals last week to operators interested in moving into one of six areas in and around the historic waterfront property.
A "destination restaurant" is envisioned by the Harbour Authority to occupy the lower level of the building, plus a large outdoor patio. A second-level, north-facing coffee shop and wine bar could also make use of wooden decks over looking the harbour.
"It's very similar to what you would have seen there 30 to 40 years ago, when the steamships were still operating," he said. At that time, wooden gangways extended from the second floor to the ships, he explained. Evidence of that exists in the form of two large doorways, about five metres up.
"It's like a doorway to nowhere right now. The idea would be to restore that to the old historical feature of the building."
Still required, however, will be zoning and heritage alteration permits from the City of Victoria.
The building also presents other retail and exhibition space opportunities.
The GVHA will accept proposals until April 27. Grad hopes to announce the new tenants by mid-May.
rholmen@vicnews.com