RICHLAND -- A project that "tells the story of our region," and has been nine years in the making, found a home Wednesday.
Construction could begin before the end of summer at the Hanford Reach Interpretative Center's new 18-acre site in the west end of Columbia Park.
Officials from the city of Richland and Richland Public Facilities District formally signed a sublease Wednesday -- marking a significant milestone for the proposed $40.5 million museum.
"This community deserves a world-class museum," said Kimberly Camp, the interpretive center's chief executive officer.
It's been a bumpy road for the project that lost its preferred site at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers because of objections by area tribes and requirements attached to federal money.
Officials then saw promise in property in Columbia Park, which is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and leased by Richland.
After city officials determined that the site use was consistent with its master plan and the Corps of Engineers found it fit federal requirements, an environmental review began.
Last month, Richland got the OK to sublease the property to the facilities district for $1 a day. The sublease is good for 46 years, which is the time left on the city's lease with the Corps, Camp said.
"This is a pretty momentous event for us," said Richland Deputy City Manager Bill King. "... It's going to be a stunning facility."
The goal for the 61,000-square-foot interpretative center is to tell the story of Hanford's role in winning World War II and the Cold War. It also will include history, geology, flora and fauna of the region.
Mayor John Fox likened the project's journey to the ups and downs in the Tour de France.
"The Reach project will now have at least a defined route to complete the tour," he said.
But, now the hard work begins.
More than $25 million has been raised for the project, primarily from state and federal grants and large pledges. Another $15 million is needed to complete it.
"... The only way we're going to get to the finish line is for everyone to participate and step up and help," Camp said.
Johnpaul Jones, with Jones and Jones architectural firm in Seattle, said the center is going to be a "remarkable, education and inspirational center."
Critics have questioned the need for the center, including the size and cost, but Jones said it's important for the Tri-Cities because "heritage is very important."
"This place will talk about that," Jones said. "It's a monument."
Camp said a survey of Tri-Citians showed that 85 percent of them are museum-goers, but right now they go out of town for those experiences.
The interpretive center means they can stay here, keep their money here and bring in other tourists.
The interpretive center is going to have a core exhibition gallery and dynamic and fun-filled exhibitions. It will include an education center and engage children in hands-on learning.
"Science, history, fun and mystery" are key words included on a display about the center.
"It's going to touch on so many aspects of this community, and I think it's going to be fantastic," Camp said.
-- Paula Horton: 509-582-1556; phorton@tricityherald.com
