KENNEWICK -- It's still tough to find an apartment in the Tri-Cities, but it might be getting a little easier soon with two new apartment complexes opening.
And two more are looming on the horizon.
Occupancy rates still are very high in the area, according to the most recent apartment rental survey done by Crown Property Management of Kennewick.
Based on information gathered in mid-March, the occupancy rate was 99 percent in Kennewick, the same as it was last September.
The occupancy rate in Pasco was 98 percent, down from 99 percent in September. The occupancy rate in Richland was 97 percent, down from 99 percent in September.
In March, average rents in Kennewick ranged from $581 for a studio to $962 for a three-bedroom. Average rents in Pasco ranged from $414 for a studio to $878 for a four-bedroom. In Richland, average rents ranged from $623 for a studio to $1,050 for a four-bedroom.
Island View Apartments in Richland is one apartment complex that may help reduce those occupancy rates.
Island View already has rented some of its 144 units, said Joe Organick, director of development for Spokane-based The Wolff Co., which owns the apartments at 1529 Columbia Park Trail.
Inland Washington of Spokane is the general contractor for the $16 million project.
"The real plus is it's in such a great location," Organick said of the complex's closeness to Columbia Park and Columbia River.
The complex will have canoes and kayaks available for renters to use, he said, as well as a clubhouse, fitness room, tanning bed, Jacuzzi and pool.
The one- and two-bedroom apartments average about 980 square feet. Organick said the first units will be ready for occupancy in mid-May. He expects the rest to be finished by July or early August.
Rent for a one-bedroom starts at $1,025. Rent for a two-bedroom starts at $1,150.
More information on the complex is available at www.islandviewapartments. net or at a leasing trailer on-site.
Work also is under way on a 118-unit complex in West Richland called Quail Springs.
"It's the first apartment complex to be built in the city in 30 years," Mayor Donna Noski said of the complex at 4711 Dallas Road.
Vandervert Construction of Spokane is the owner and builder of the approximately $9 million project.
Noski said Vandervert already has built a strip mall at the site that is not yet occupied. Another partially filled strip mall is nearby.
"We're hoping and expecting the addition of the apartment complex will also bring new retail businesses and perhaps restaurants (to the area)," Noski said.
Lowell McKee, an owner of Vandervert, said the 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments will range in size from 755 square feet to 1,575 square feet.
He said the first ones will be ready for occupancy July 1. He expects the rest to be available within two months of that date.
Rent for a one-bedroom will start at $1,050. Rent for a two-bedroom starts at $1,250. Rent for a three-bedroom starts at $1,500.
The complex will feature a clubhouse, pool and playground. Rental applications are being taken for the complex. Call 783-8811 for more information.
Developers of a 228-unit Queensgate-area apartment complex plan to apply for building permits next week, said Tere Thornhill, architect on the project and president of Terence L. Thornhill Architect of Pasco.
"We hope to be grading and putting in utilities in the next two weeks," Thornhill said.
The general contractor will be Rush Hill Construction of Bellevue. The owner is RP Queensgate, according to Richland Development Services.
The complex will be called Regency Park and will include studios, one- bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, Thornhill said. It will be behind the Target store in the Queensgate area of Richland.
"It will be kind of a craftsman-style design," Thornhill said, with touches such as stonework in the entry areas and heavy timber beam detail on the exteriors.
An even larger apartment complex is planned in Kennewick, on 56 acres north of Interstate 82 near West Clearwater Avenue and the Badger interchange.
Michigan-based developer Edward Rose and Sons plans to start construction on the 640-unit complex next year.
The developer has submitted site plans to the city but has not yet applied for any building permits, said Cindy Johnson, plan examiner for the city's building and safety division.
* Kathy Korengel: 509-582-1541; kkorengel@tricityherald.com
