The Port of Pasco launched Thursday the first phase of its Riverfront Business Park with plans for a port-owned $5 million building.
It’s the first time the port is developing a nonwarehouse type building with the hopes of attracting new capital for future growth.
The port hopes the business park, with its unusual business setting near the river and close to warehouses, manufacturing space, good transportation access and recreational opportunities at nearby Sacajawea Park, will help generate $90 million in investments and provide 1,200 jobs over the years.
Todd Wolf, project manager with the Tacoma-based architectural firm BCRA, said the proposed 20,000 square-foot, two-story building will be built about 350 feet from the shoreline in the 110-acre business park near Oregon and Ainsworth avenues.
The design includes great views of the river and environmentally friendly landscaping, he said.
And there’ll be no stormwater runoffs as proposed rain gardens will collect the water to be treated and reused, Wolf told a group of community members, civic officials and city leaders at Thursday’s announcement.
The proposed building will set the design standards for the business park and also promote development there, said Jim Toomey, port’s executive director.
“If it wasn’t done by us, it was going to be done.” he said. The Port of Pasco plans to use money from an insurance settlement to pay for the project, which is expected to start in February.
About 10 acres in the central part of the business park will be developed in the first phase, and the rest of the park is expected to develop over the next 15 years.
The port already has signed an agreement with the city of Pasco to help smooth the way for developers by making sure development standards and land use and other requirements won’t change for 15 years.
Source: Tri-City Herald