Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

If you are trying to decide what to do this Friday or Saturday night, join in the holiday spirit by attending the Tri-Cities’ annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade.  The decorated boats will be floating along the Columbia River Friday and Saturday nights.

You may view the boats from many parks along the river.  Their journey will being at Clover Island in Kennewick at 6:00 p.m.  They will travel to Howard Amon Park in Richland at approximately 7:10 p.m.  They will turn around by the Red Lion in Richland and return back to Clover Island. 

The parade typically consists of 20 – 25 boats in all different sizes and types.  After the parade, an awards ceremony will take place and awards are given to the 3 best decorated boats.  The parade has take place for more than 40 years thanks to the Clover Island Yacht Club!

The Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Rail riverfront makeover project has unanimously brought the City of Kennewick and Port of Kennewick commissioners together in a spirit of cooperation, thus allowing them to begin the process of creating the vision and planning for the future development of Kennewick’s rivershore. The Port of Kennewick has added many upgrades to the Clover Island area and that will feed into future plans. Both agencies also agreed to work together on how development should proceed for the Vista Field Airport and the adjacent Three Rivers Entertainment District. All of these improvements will add much to the economic stability of the Downtown Kennewick area with upscale real estate developments, tourism, business growth and recreational activities.

The new lighthouse, the stylish archway and now a new 1150 square foot shade structure – Clover Island is putting on the dog with all the new additions! Kennewick’s Planning Committee gave approval for the new structure to be providing shade to the island’s guests over the Metz Family Plaza. The structure itself will play into the marina theme with an appearance similar to a sailing ship, only the sail itself will provide shade (in time) with evergreen wisteria instead of sail fabric. Under the shaded area will be a lovely piece of sculpture art entitled the Family Group, created by Richard Warrington of Cheney.

The three ports in the Tri-Cities area reported on the projects they have undertaken to help boost the economy of the Tri-City area recently.

Officials from the Port of Kennewick, Port of Pasco, and the Port of Benton, who comprise the Tri-Ports, spoke to about 200 individuals about their parts in promotion of economic development and adding to the growing job market in the area.

Discussion about the revamping of the Clover Island area, plus improvements at the Richland Manufacturing Mall, the Prosser Food and Wine Park, and the Benton City Industrial Park were also covered.  There will be efforts to update the Benton City area as well, by the Port of Benton and with that, the hope that other businesses will fall in line to spruce up their appearances and keep the efforts flowing.

The Port of Pasco has several projects underway, including the current construction of a potato processing plant at the Pasco industrial park, as well as  Parsons expanding its footprint in the Big Pasco center, and the port’s Riverfront Business Park project.

Our Tri-Cities area is growing with more and more businesses moving in, expanding, or investing here, we are looking at a brighter and stronger future for our Tri-Citians for many, many years to come.  The real estate market is strong and jobs continue to materialize for skilled workers. These are the reasons that the Tri-Cities, and Benton and Franklin counties have become at the top of list for best places to live and work continually.  Come join us in our beautiful corner of southeastern Washington State!

A unique new landmark will soon grace the gateway to Clover Island in Kennewick and bring a special feel from the past to historic downtown Kennewick. 

The $1 million dollar project has been a work in progress for several years by the city of Kennewick and will finally get underway this month, thus bringing together the ambiance of the past and the function of the future – aiding the U.S. Coast Guard with navigation along that part of the Columbia River.

After completion and permiting, the lighthouse will offer visitors a chance to climb to the top and take in the view along the river. The improvements will also include a public plaza with plantings and seating. A graceful arch will be placed at the entrance to Clover Island with welcoming signage.

September 24th is the day for Tri-Citians to witness the grand opening of the new Clover Island Yacht Club in Kennewick. The Port of Kennewick is inviting the public to a ribbon cutting and reception to dedicate the new facility.

Ahoy Matey!  Call the Port of Kennewick for an RSVP 586-1186, ext 2 by September 21.