Liberty Steel terminates contract with developer for Georgetown Site

Steel News  |  2026-09-18 00:05:14   |   By

Andrea Johnson, owner of Aunny’s Country Kitchen, said she believed the development could have benefited businesses along Front Street and throughout Georgetown.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The future of the former Liberty Steel mill site in Georgetown is uncertain after Liberty Steel terminated its contract with potential developer River Development Equities. The 66-acre property along Frazier Street had been eyed for a multi-million-dollar mixed-use development, but disagreements over the timeline and funding have now put those plans on hold.

According to Georgetown Mayor Jay Doyle, River Development Equities asked for additional time to finalize its redevelopment agreement with the city and work through remaining details related to the site’s environmental cleanup. Doyle says Liberty Steel declined to extend the agreement unless the developer made a $5 million nonrefundable deposit.

River Development Equities had been working toward acquiring the former steel mill property and had begun taking steps in the environmental cleanup process. The proposed development included green space, apartments, office space and retail.

The project was also viewed by some local business owners as an opportunity to bring more people and economic activity to Georgetown.

Andrea Johnson, owner of Aunny’s Country Kitchen, said she believed the development could have benefited businesses along Front Street and throughout Georgetown.

“Based on the conversation I had with them, had the development gone through, I believe there would be more businesses in Georgetown, more people coming to Georgetown and it would’ve been beneficial for Front Street and Georgetown as a whole,” Johnson said.

Despite the termination, city leaders say they are hopeful the two sides could return to the negotiating table.

River Development Equities is expected to address the situation at a public meeting on September 24 at the Winyah Auditorium. County officials say the meeting will give residents an opportunity to hear more about what happened and what could come next for the property.

News 2 reached out to River Development Equities for comment but has not yet received a response.

Courtesy: www.counton2.com