Our Voice: Public market project warrants city participation
Supporters of an idea to build a public market in Richland continue to look for a way to make that dream come true even after it became clear the Tri-Cities Public Facilities District wouldn’t be involved.
Their determination to turn what is now an unsightly city-owned hole along George Washington Way into a destination market, office complex, apartments and parking structure could pay big dividends in the community. The public market would be a tremendous regional asset and, as currently designed, the city could take a giant step toward addressing the current and future parking shortage.
Business owner Adam Brault wants the city to pay $60,000 toward a formal business plan and architectural designs. Brault and his partner the Crown Group, a commercial developer, will raise an additional $60,000.
While not a formal city project, the proposal has dominated recent council meetings because of its passionate, vocal supporters who believe what they call “the pit” is destined to be a public market.
The city has its own ideas, thanks to a consultant hired to work on its own downtown visioning plan. That consultant recommended a site in a city park, as well as the pit, as potential homes for a market.
We are intrigued by the concept of a public market, as are many in the community. We also see that Brault and company are a commercial enterprise looking for a return on an investment on a prime piece of property. They have an option to develop the site already on the books with the city and a key deadline was just extended four months to allow both sides further consideration.
Supporters have gotten the city council’s attention. Mayor Bob Thompson said recently, “Your ideas are at the forefront” as the council considers downtown redevelopment.
Brault says he is not seeking city funding to build the project but needs a show of support to attract donations and private financing. Traditional financing methods would drive rents for vendors far too high for the types of local, small producers he’d want to feature at the market.
The current idea being floated would be for Brault and Crown to develop commercial areas above the market with a $15 million investment in office space and up to 100 apartments. The concept includes the city retaining ownership of the land and developing the proposed market, as well as a 240-stall underground parking garage at a cost of another $18 million.
The selling point for Brault to the city may just be the underground parking garage. Parking is tighter in Richland than in other areas of our community as evidenced when looking for a spot at The Parkway to frequent the great stores and restaurants there.
With the new stage at John Dam Plaza nearing completion, we expect more events will draw more folks downtown. Parking there is already at a premium during the Live at 5 summer concert series, as well as for the popular Art in the Park event and Renaissance festival.
The parking garage would be an easy walk to those locations, as well as to nearby parks and trails. The city also might gain some revenue from the parking fees.
Although $60,000 is a sizable investment, cities often spend that kind of money on consultants. Richland should fully explore what a public-private partnership might look like. It just might like what it sees.
This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Our Voice: Public market project warrants city participation."