Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

The Three Rivers Campus is the Entertainment District of the Tri-Cities. The Three Rivers Convention Center, Toyota Center and Toyota Arena all are public buildings that continue to focus on bringing conventions, meetings, sports, concerts, family shows, Broadway shows and social events, as well as providing new entertainment and partnering special events to the growing Tri-Cities community.

The Three Rivers Convention Center works under the direction of the Kennewick Public Facilities District. The KPFD also has an agreement with the City of Kennewick to oversee the Toyota Center and Toyota Arena. The KPFD hired VenuWorks (formerly Compass Facility Management) to run the day-to-day operations of the venues. The three facilities have come into their own over the past few years with the mix of events that use these buildings.

The synergy of the facilities feeds into each other to make a seamless location to do almost anything. If you have a convention, conference, concert, family show, or basketball, hockey or football game, this is the place to bring your event. We have grown in many ways over the past few years, and some of the accomplishments have had a national impact from right here in the Tri-Cities.

The KPFD has maintained the funding needs of the operations so well that in 2008 it did not need to use any reserves to run the facility. This was one of the biggest goals the KPFD wanted to accomplish in its first five years of operation of the convention center. The Three Rivers Convention Center opened its doors in June 2004 and is coming up on the fifth anniversary. The convention center also has completed its first season with the Mid-Columbia Symphony, which proved to be a huge success. The convention center has signed a five-year agreement with the symphony to continue to provide an elegant facility for their performances.

You cannot talk about the Toyota Center without saying what great teams we have in the Tri-Cities. Last year, the Americans accomplished a franchise first as WHL, US Divisions Champions. The Tri-Cities Fever, of the arena football 2 league, also is a great partner and exciting addition to the live sports that take place right here at home.

The Toyota Center is finishing up its second Broadway Series and looking forward to year three. We recognize the Toyota Center is not a theatre but being sensitive to bringing to town events the community wants, the Toyota Center staff began a partnership with VenuWorks Presents and Jam Theatricals to bring Broadway to the Tri-Cities. With valuable feedback from the community, plans are under way for a smaller set with better sight lines and elevated seating to ensure the events are as good as they can be. More changes will be taking shape in the near future to accommodate the needs of Broadway events.

This year, we were proud to announce that the Toyota Arena is now home to the Tri-City Titans hockey team. This partnership has opened the doors for endless possibilities. The Learn-to-Skate program is growing, due to a well-executed advertising push. The arena also offers public skating sessions, a figure skating school and has recently upgraded its concession area. The Toyota Arena continues to be the most used facility on campus, closing only one day a year.

The VenuWorks staff wants to thank the Tri-Cities for its support in making this year a successful one. We look forward to doing it again.

Source: Tri-City Herald, Progress 2009

Tri-Citians are weathering these economic tough times with the same even keel they’ve handled other highs and lows. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, as always, is playing an important role in keeping the local economy on course.

PNNL has seen–even thrived in–ever-changing economic times. We’ve done this by focusing our science and technology expertise on national challenges in energy, environment and security. In 2008, we made great strides in demonstrating how our work is making the country a better place.

With the opening of the Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, PNNL is teaming with Washington State University Tri-Cities to advance biomass research in hopes of discovering new energy options. We’re also developing technology that enables homeowners to monitor, and in part control, their demand for electricity from the power grid. And our state’s geologic may play an important role in our efforts to permanently capture carbon dioxide in basalt formations underground, reducing the environmental impacts.

Our environmental research continues to advance Hanford cleanup through technical evaluation of the effectiveness of the pretreatment system for tank waste. We are also shedding light on global challenges by improving computation models that can help predict climate change and its impacts.

Our staff are keeping the nation safe. In the Puget Sound region, we’re working with various organizations to test technologies that can detect radioactive material on small water vessels. This project is an important step in stopping the transportation of harmful materials through waterways into the United States. We are also leading a project that focuses on spotting explosive devices from a distance. Known as “standoff detection”, this capability is intended to protect the public from terrorist attacks in free-flowing crowds.

Progress in these complex issues positioned us well for business growth. In 2008, our business volume increased $130 million to $880 million, and we hired an additional 113 staff.

Our campus is changing as we update it with new and replacement facilities. Our steward, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, is teaming with the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to help fund the new Physical Sciences Facility, due to open in 2010.

The funding is also helping us upgrade the Radio-Chemical Processing Laboratory, located in the 300 Area of the Hanford site. And the Biological Sciences and Computational Sciences Facility will open this fall.  When complete, all of these new or upgraded buildings will make PNNL one of the most modern multiprogram campuses in the DOE national laboratory complex.

Our contemporary campus will be a cornerstone of the Tri-Cities Research District. Last year, TVA Architects completed a master plan for the 300-acre core of the TCRD. In all, the TCRD encompasses 1,600 acres that promise to be a hub for living, working, playing and learning. And PNNL and WSU Tri-Cities continue to support the TCRD by bringing in national speakers who advise on how to develop a successful research park.

Beyond the boundaries of our work, PNNL, and Battelle have long been partners in improving our community’s quality of life. Our staff donated more than 20,000 hours among 60 community projects, and Battelle contributed more than $800,000 to a variety of civic and philanthropic organizations. Battelle also made a second $1 million pledge to the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center and a $1.2 million commitment to the new science, technology, engineering and math-based Delta High School.

Through the power of partnerships, PNNL and the Tri-Cities have come together to better educate our community’s children, diversify the economy and help those in need. As this national laboratory expands the impact of our science and technology across the globe, we always will keep our roots firmly planted here at home.

Source: Tri-City Herald Progress 2009

A contingency of more than 100 Tri-Citians ventured to Olympia in February for the annual Tri-Cities Legislative Day. About 40 people from the Tri-Cities Legislative Council joined another 60 other Tri-Citians Feb 19-20 to lobby and discuss important regional issues with state legislators and governor’s staff.

It was the largest group of Tri-Citians to ever attend the event. “We’re reminding them that Washington doesn’t just run along the I-5 corridor,” said Steve Simmons, Legislative Council chairman and owner of the Country Gentleman. “We got a number of comments from legislators and we’ve heard this before, that we’re generally the most articulate and best organized group that comes, and this year we were also the largest group (from a municipality).”

The Legislative Council, made up of representatives from the local chambers and economic development organizations, presented unanimous positions on six issues it deemed regional priorities: Climate change and renewable energy, economic development and infrastructure financing, Hanford cleanup, the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center, a regional public facilities district and regional transportation.

Simmons said one of the more encouraging things the group heard from the legislature was a willingness to be more informed about nuclear power.

“There’s been a real hard anti-nuclear line on the other side of the mountains and it sounds like it’s beginning to soften. Maybe the conversations can get started,” he said.

Past lobbying efforts by the group helped secure WSU Tri-Cities as a four-year university, obtain funding for a new lab near Hanford and create a master facilities plan in the Tri-Cities.

The crowd from the Tri-Cities does not go unnoticed, said state senator Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

“It was great to have a hundred-plus people from the Tri-Cities who were able to showcase themselves and the businesses and technologies of the region,” Delvin said.

Delvin said that other legislators noticed the strong Tri-Cities presence. “I think they’re impressed that we have a community that cares and wants to make that known to policy makers here in Olympia,” Delvin said.

A reminder of home in gray-skied Olympia doesn’t hurt either. “It’s always good to have visitors from the Tri-Cities,” he said. “It’s quite a journey to get here and I don’t see them very often.”

Legislators sat down with the Tri-Cities representatives in three conference rooms during the two-day trip, said Mattson, Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce president.

The legislators were given copies of the group’s position papers before the visit and updated Tri-Citians on legislative progress for those issues.

“It was very, very informative to have the legislators come and update us on those issues, as well as other issues affecting our state,” Mattson said.

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council has been organizing the yearly lobbying trip since 2003, Mattson said.

The Legislative Council has representatives from the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-City Industrial Development Council, Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau, West Richland Chamber of Commerce, Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

In 1805, Lewis and Clark camped at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers in an area that 200 years later is called Sacajawea State Park in honor of their Native American guide; little did they know the surrounding area wold soon be called Pasco.

The City of Pasco is one of the fastest growing cities in Washington State today. A thriving community of more than 50,000, it is one of the leading cities for growth and development, ranking 29th in the country. Aesthetic and recreational charisma surrounded by natural beauty make this desert community rich in agriculture, a popular recreation destination. its diverse culture, stable economy, public transportation, medical facilities, and award-winning educational services, provide a diverse palette for economic and community resources.

The recreational activities are limitless with golf courses, bicycle and jogging paths, baseball and soccer fields – Pasco is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Location, location, location – Interstate 182, US Highway 395 and State Route 12 link Pasco to transcontinental highways, not to mention the Port of Pasco for waterways and the rail service! Pasco is a place where people put down roots and raise families in a safe, forward-thinking, active environment. For business or a place to call home, Pasco has something for everyone!

Pasco, is a “sports-minded” community! Twenty soccer fields, eight softball fields; one professional minor league baseball stadium, home to the Tri-City Dust Devils; seven baseball fields; 50 meter pool; professional indoor rodeo arena; 3.1 mile cross-country dedicated course for walkers, joggers, and runners; professional golf course with nearly year-round play; 24 public tennis courts; 15 miles of pathway overlooking the majestic Columbia River for bikers and hikers; and one multipurpose outdoor stadium with state-of-the-art field turf, and a ten-lane, all-weather running track capable of hosting state level football and track events.

If it’s a positive lifestyle you flourish in, Pasco is for you!   www.pasco-wa.gov

Source: Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau Office Guide

Creating a master plan for landscaping the area’s rivershore and adding public art is the top recommendation of a new study released Wednesday by the Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council.

The study was completed by the Washington, D.C.-based Waterfront Center and is a follow-up to the original set of recommendations made in 1997.

Beautifying the shoreline is one of the more than 20 recommendations in the study, including extending trails, increasing rental opportunities for bikes, boats and other gear, and holding more events focused on the Sacagawea Heritage Trail.

“We are pleased with the number of project ideas that were presented in the Waterfront Center study,” said Kris Watkins, president and CEO of the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau. “Each of the jurisdictions now have the opportunity to review these projects and will set goals at the April rivershore enhancement council meeting as to how they will accomplish each of the recommendations.”

Ann Breen and Dick Rigby, co-directors of the center, visited the Tri-Cities last fall. The two toured the area by foot, boat and car, and held meetings with several community leaders and groups.

Some of Breen and Rigby’s positive findings during their visit included the enhancement of Clover Island, the Hanford Reach National Monument and the B Reactor’s recent designation as a National Historic Landmark, the trail network and more.

Other issues community members brought up also need to be addressed. Local boaters cited a need for more docks, fueling and repair facilities and places to buy food and drinks, according to the report.

A recreation study done by active local boaters could help map existing facilities and plan good spots for new ones, the study suggested. The report also noted the lack of “commercial bustle” along the shore, such as cafes.

The report also recommends working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the area’s members of Congress to attempt to streamline the permitting process.

Breen and Rigby praised the rivershore enhancement council in the report for the work it’s done since the last study.

The report said the rivershore enhancement council’s accomplishments to date “are numerous and powerful. We have several suggestions for the group to consider, but basically it wants to continue its work, charge ahead and not lose momentum.”

The study was commissioned by the cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco, along with the Ports of Benton, Kennewick and Pasco and the bureau.

Seniors moving to Mid-Columbia from more expensive cities add $1 billion to economy

Retiree income contributes to become a growing slice of the area economy as more retired workers flee higher-priced regions of the country to settle in the Tri-Cities.

Statistics from 2007, the most recent available, show retirees injected about $1 billion into the Tri-Cities, according to Dean Schau, regional labor economist.

For comparison, that was 16.8 percent of the Tri-Cities total personal income of $6.9 billion – which was up from 14.3 percent 10 years earlier, when the area’s total personal income was $4 billion, Schau said.

He said the estimates are based on the share of government transfer payments and pension income in the Tri-Cities, and don’t include other retirement income from personal sources such as dividends, interest and rents.

As property values have dwindled in areas such as California, Florida and Arizona, more retirees have sought inexpensive places to live, said Chicago-based retirement expert Art Koff. Many return to areas where they grew up or where they can be close to family, and they also look for safety, convenience and quality of life, he said.

Older Americans have more money to spend than any other group, said Koff. retirees spend money on services, pay taxes and contribute by volunteering in the communities where they live, Koff said.

Many people choose to retire in the Tri-Cities because of the quality of life, said Carl Adrian, president and CEO of the Tri-City Development Council.

It’s relatively inexpensive and safe community with nice weather and quality medical facilities. Kadlec Medical Center which began offering speciality medical services in cardiac care and neuro-sciences in 2001, also started a senior clinic in 2007.

The expanded services have helped the Tri-Cities become a regional medical center, attracting patients from nearby areas who otherwise would have gone to Seattle or Spokane for treatment, Hall said.

Empty-nesters from out of state or local retirees also are helping socially and economically diversify what’s known as the fastest growing metro area in the state, Adrian said.

A number of senior living facilities also have come to the Tri-Cities in the last decade or so, and the demand for them is expecting to grow. The number of people age 65 and up in Benton County increased from 15,655 in 2000 to an estimated 19,234 in 2008, and in Franklin County that number rose from 4,200 to an estimated 4,984, according to Washington’s Office of Financial Management. The estimates are based on changes in Medicare enrollments, said Theresa Lowe, the state’s chief demographer. 

Scott Ferris, 72, moved from north-central Arkansas to the Tri-Cities about 3-1/2 years ago to work as a doctor at Hanford and decided to live in Kennewick once his wife Rosann checked out the area. Weather in the Tri-Cities, the three rivers and proximity to Seattle and Portland won the Ferris’ over. The Tri-Cities offers a great sense of community.

The Ferrises explore local restaurants and wineries, go to the Americans hockey games and attend Mid-Columbia Symphony concerts, he said. “We like to support our local wine industry that includes some of the finest wineries in the country,” said Ferris, who also loves fly-fishing.

Rosann, 56, who has a degree in mechanical engineering, said initially she found the area expensive compared to where she came from, but now she realizes the Tri-Cities has the lowest cost of living in the Northwest.

She credits Washington State University Tri-Cities, Columbia Basin College and small businesses for helping diversify the Tri-Cities economy. “There’s a lot more here than just Hanford.” she said.

That’s part of the reason why housing prices have been stable. In February, 114 single-family homes were sold in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland, Benton City, Burbank and Finley, and the median price was up 2.28 percent over a year ago.

And a review of the state’s housing market in the fourth quarter of 2008 done by the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at Washington State University found Benton and Franklin counties have among the state’s most affordable housing prices.

That survey gave Benton County a housing affordability index of 170 and Franklin County 132, with a rating of 100 marking the level at which a typical family can afford a median-priced home. King County, by contrast, had a rating of 87.

The market may have slowed in the last six months, but real estate agents still get a lot of inquiries from potential customers to buy property in the Tri-Cities. It’s a metro area with a small-town feel and offers many opportunities such as golf and water-related recreational activities.

About half of the 425 members of the Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland can be considered seniors, said Jeremy Simmons, the club’s general manager. Many members have come from elsewhere, attracted by the low cost of living, he said.

“Seniors, that’s anyone 55 and up, have been very positive for us,” agreed Mike Lundgren, president and owner of Canyon lakes Golf Course in Kennewick. They provide about one-third of the business at Canyon Lakes, he said.

Source: Tri-City Herald