The first of three public design meetings for the proposed Gateway Center project in downtown Aberdeen is scheduled on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Rotary Log Pavilion, 1401 Sargent Blvd.

The Gateway Center will sit at the entrance to Aberdeen’s downtown district on the northeast corner of Wishkah and F streets, west of the Wishkah River.

It’s envisioned as an enterprise center and resource for business creation and job growth for all of Grays Harbor County.

The location would also provide visitor and tourism information as well as community space to accommodate many public and private events.

Gathering feedback from the community about the project is the aim of these meetings. People will be asked to evaluate how important certain design qualities are to them.

Coates Design Architects has been retained to develop initial design ideas for the center’s appearance and will conduct these meetings with the public.

A state grant is paying for services of the Bainbridge Island firm. Full architecture and engineering work for the project comes later.

Aberdeen anticipates the project will be financed with a state grant, and the project has widespread local legislative support.

Ideally, people can come in person either on Thursday or at the following meeting held Dec. 1. A final meeting on Jan. 5 will include the presentation of the center’s final design plans.

Those who can’t come Thursday or to the subsequent meeting on Dec. 1 can visit the project website to express their opinions: www.graysharborgateway.com. However, it’s recommended people interested in participating come to the meeting. Some of the design concepts will benefit from direct live explanation from the architecture team, according to the design firm.