Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

A Steptoe, as defined as “a hill or mountain that projects like an island above a surrounding lava field” in some ways describes Steptoe Street in Kennewick, and of course in some ways does not – mainly that whole lava field part.  Nonetheless, Steptoe Street has officially begun it’s expansion southward towards Clearwater Avenue as of Tuesday when the groundbreaking was held. This southbound expansion will initially cover some hilly terrain, winding along 1.1 miles as it reaches North Center Parkway.  The second phase will take it upwards to Clearwater Avenue, and the final phase of expansion is to take it all the way to the Southridge area, once again heading up and over the southernly hills.

The hope for this expansion is that it will alleviate congestion on both Leslie Road and Columbia Center Blvd. and additionally allow for greater economic development with transportation flow being a key for sustained growth in Kennewick. This project is currently slated for completion in late summer.

October 2010 marks the move date for the Z Place Salon & Spa in Kennewick to their new home in the Southridge area of town. This move will allow for a expansion of services as well as more room for staff & clients – approximately 3 times as much room! The groundbreaking for the new building will be Thursday June 3rd at 9 am. The owners, Vonda and Doug Smith, plan to have two other spots in the facility to lease out – with a potential for a restaurant and perhaps a clothing store. The new facility will allow clients from Richland, Pasco and West Richland easier access via the highway to this location, without having to travel through traffic to their current location. Southridge is considered to be the new growth area in the Tri-Cities, with a proposed new restaurant and water park in the works as well as current tenants HAPO Credit Union, KGH medical center, and wine tasting rooms. To visit Z Place online, go to www.zplacesalonspa.com

HB 2510 is headed to the governors desk for signature this week could potentially save Kennewick General Hospital millions and make the construction of their new hospital in the Southridge area a reality as soon as this summer.  In a short summary, the bill would allow hospitals to use the land they currently own as collateral towards the financing needed for construction.  Ground breaking this summer is the hope for the district.