Largest performing arts center in Tri-Cities is getting a $7.7 million renovation

Musical and theater performances in Richland will have a better home soon.

The Richland School District recently approved a $7.7 million project to renovate the Richland High School Auditorium.

The 40-year-old auditorium is the largest performing arts venue in the Tri-Cities with 1,500 seats.

It’s home of the Mid-Columbia Ballet’s annual production of the Nutcracker along with several other performances from Tri-Cities groups.

Along with modernizing the electrical and mechanical systems, and putting a new roof on the building, theater-goers well see new restrooms, two new electronic reader boards outside and improvements to the vestibules and stage areas.

The project is part of a $99 million 2017 school bond that is paying to replace two elementary schools as well as build a third.

Along with those projects, it also is paying for a new administration building being built near Belmont Boulevard and the Early Learning Center near Jefferson Elementary School.

Construction on the theater is expected to start this summer and wrap up in July 2021.

G2 Commercial Construction of Kennewick had the lowest of seven estimates for the project.