Richland revisits plan for unsightly pit on George Washington Way

The unsightly pit at the entrance to Richland is back on the agenda of the Richland City Council.

The council is being asked to amend a development agreement with The Crown Group to convert city-owned property at 650 George Washington Way into an office-and-retail complex.

The council will consider the matter at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the council chambers at 505 Swift Blvd.

The Crown Group Inc. initially agreed to develop retail space and offices at the site, which was excavated for prior development that never materialized.

In early 2016, the Crown Group teamed with Richland businessman Adam Brault to advance the idea of merging a Pike Place Market-type amenity into the development plan.

The concept drew wide praise, but the city shot it down in April, saying it wanted to stay with the original vision.

Now, the Crown Group says market conditions no longer warrant developing 10,000 square feet of retail space and 18,000 square feet of office space.

The company says there is insufficient need for that much retail space. And its tentative agreement with an office tenant evaporated when the public market concept was shot down. Instead, it wants to build 5,000 square feet of retail space and 60 or more apartments.

The project would be up to three stories tall.

Crown is also asking the city to convey land at Howard Amon Park and along an adjoining gas station for parking, arguing that a city sewer is reducing the amount of parking area.

The proposed amendment to the purchase and sale agreement is fourth on the council’s agenda as an item for business and is not due for a vote. The agreement expires Nov. 16.

This story was originally published November 12, 2016 at 6:27 PM with the headline "Richland revisits plan for unsightly pit on George Washington Way."