ROYAL CITY - The Port of Royal Slope recently acquired a new office building, and port officials hope to move in to their new space by Nov. 1.

The building is located at the intersection of Rd. E Southwest and state Route 26 in Royal City.

The Bank of Whitman previously occupied the space.

The building was originally built sometime in 2004 or 2005, said port Executive Director Cathy Potter, and was originally a mini mart and gas station.

The bank renovated the space to fit their needs when they moved in, and as a result Potter said the port won't have to do any major construction.

Potter said the new building is a lot closer to the area's industrial zone, than their current downtown office.

The new building is two stories, and about 6,000 square feet, said Potter. She said the port needs the extra office space.

"We've outgrown our office, there's so much going on," said Potter.

She said acquiring a new office building is part of the port's long-term plan.

While they weren't planning on purchasing an office this soon, port commissioners thought that it would be a good deal to get the old bank building, Potter said.

She said the county valued the building at close to $1 million. The port's winning bid of $250,000 was the highest bid the FDIC received, she said.

"The port is so business oriented, so it's good that we'll be located closer to the industrial area," said Potter. "It was a good deal."

Potter said that since there is more space in the new building than the port needs at the time, they might consider leasing out a section of the building.

Bids for the port's current building on Camelia Street in Royal City will be accepted beginning Nov. 5.