By Amelia Veneziano – Journal of Business
The Port of Pasco is developing 75 acres for retail use at the intersection of Argent Road and 20th Avenue in Pasco. The Port of Pasco will spend $ 3 million to $4 millions to prepare the property for commercial development, said Ron Foraker, Tri-Cities Airport assistant director. The Port will build roads and extend sewer, water and electricity to the property.
The mixed-use site already includes two airplane hangars and construction on a third should begin by the end of 2008, Foraker said. The property fronts Argent Road, across from Columbia Basin College. “It will be a mixed-use development, with some office space and some retail, as well as some facilities to perhaps support the CBC population,” said Foraker.
The nearest restaurants to CBC, aside from those in nearby hotels, are on Court Street in Pasco and the only off-campus coffee shop has limited summer seating, so the location could draw fast food or other restaurants seeking to cash in on the student population.
The Port has also redefined the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions to the property. The regulations define the building standards, like color, height, landscaping and building profiles, as well as further defining the type of construction there. The Port of wants high-end buildings, Foraker said. The Port is working with the city to change the zoning from its industrial designation to business and commercial use, he said.
Retail and restaurants, as well as some businesses, are planned for the location. Although no businesses have signed leases for the property yet, many have expressed interest, Foraker said. He expects the CCNR’s will be complete between December and January, opening discussions with potential developers later this winter. Other commercial developments in the area include two extravagant airplane hangars, with offices in front and aircraft space in the back. Two more could be added nearby, he said.