Electric project begins at Richland Airport

Sierra Electric Inc. of Pasco began a $3.2 million project to replace electrical systems at the Richland Airport on July 18.

The Federal Aviation Administration-funded project is replacing all runway and taxiway lights. The project will disrupt operations at the airport, according to the Port of Benton, which owns and operates the facility. 

The project begins with Runway 8-26 and will switch over to Runway 1-19 in early September. The airport should be fully functioning by mid-November. 

Go to: bit.ly/RichlandAirportschedule.

Richland finalizes Badger Mountain South Park plan

The city of Richland expects to break ground this fall on a community park at Badger Mountain Park South following a lengthy process to ensure the park meets area interest. More than 300 people participated in the process.

West Village Community Park will be constructed between Trowbridge Boulevard and Bella Coola Lane and will offer a softball field, wheels track, three multiuse fields, dog park, pickleball court, basketball court and spray pads along with a network of sidewalks and parking.

A portion of the property on Trowbridge is reserved for a future fire station and community center.

SPVV Landscape Architects developed the site plan. The park will develop in phases.

Go to: bit.ly/WestVillagePark.

O’Brien Construction plans new home in Burbank

O’Brien Construction Co. in Kennewick will consolidate its operations with a $1.5 million investment in Burbank.

O’Brien secured approval from the Port of Walla Walla Commission to buy a 1.62-acre site for $211,701 at the Burbank Business Park. 

The land purchase will let O’Brien bring the business under a single roof in a park that is across the Snake River from Pasco, just off Highway 12. O’Brien leases a building in Kennewick.

It will construct a 6,000-square-foot building for a warehouse and office with 20 full-time employees.

O’Brien was founded in 1974 in Hermiston and is owned by Zak O’Brien. It is a second-generation, veteran-owned firm doing design-build general contractor work serving the agricultural, commercial, development and industrial markets.

Two other contractors also have plans to build at the Burbank Business Park.

McEachen Electric LLC of Burbank bought 2 acres from the port for $240,699, with plans for a $2 million investment that includes a 12,000-square-foot warehouse and office space, according to port documents. It will have 12 full-time employees.

McGee Plumbing Co. of Washougal bought 1.62 acres from the port for $211,701 with plans to build a $1.2 million, 4,000-square-foot building. It plans to employ 23 people.

Good Shepherd buys land for $10M urgent care center

Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) of Hermiston, Oregon, recently closed a deal to purchase the former Rogers Toyota of Hermiston property in June and plans to build a new state-of-the-art urgent care center.

The estimated $10 million project at 1550 N. First St. off Highway 395 was in the design phase in late June. A general contractor had not yet been named.

Good Shepherd plans to break ground at the site this fall after the existing building is demolished.

“This will be a fully-supported urgent care, with diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, right in the heart of Hermiston,” said Brian Sims, president and CEO, in a statement. “We intend this location to offer much more convenience, efficiency and space to better serve our patients.”

Construction planning is in the early development phase, but hospital administrators have set a goal to open the new clinic in October 2023 when the existing urgent care on Elm Street relocates to the new Highway 395 location. 

“We will have the same amazing providers and staff but a more robust facility to take care of you quickly and efficiently, so that you can get right back to your work and family,” Sims said.

Richland issues preliminary approval for Jadwin apartment complex

A 114-unit apartment proposed for Jadwin Avenue secured preliminary approval when the city of Richland determined it will have no environmental impacts.

The project is slated for a four-acre property at 1866 Jadwin Ave. and will include five three-story buildings as well as a clubhouse, pool, hot tub and parking.

The project is being proposed by Spokane-based Storhaug Engineering, according to documents filed under the Washington State Environmental Protection Act, or SEPA. The site is vacant except for a shed near McMurray Street, which will be demolished.

The project is expected to serve middle to low-income residents.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall or spring.

Washington Securities and Investment Corp. owns the property.

Float Euphoria expands, launches new services

Float Euphoria, a Tri-Cities wellness destination and health spa, expanded into a second building.

The 2,574-square-foot facility is at 3205 W. Kennewick Ave. and is next door to the original location.

The expansion adds five treatment rooms, with four more planned by the end of 2022, bringing the total to 14.

Owner Ryan Wright opened Float Euphoria in 2017. The business offers floatation therapy and massage therapy.

The expansion allows for more massage therapists and the launch of new services, including acupuncture, esthetics skincare treatments and an infrared sauna.

It added 10 staff, bringing the total to 20.

Summit Storage is now  a U-Haul franchisee

Summit Storage Kennewick at 9501 W. 10th Ave. has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer.

U-Haul teams with more than 20,000 local dealers in the U.S. and Canada to offer U-Haul rentals and packing supplies.

Matson Development Co. built the 642-unit storage business in 2021.

Kennewick produce store announces expansion plans

The SM Produce for Less store at 135 Vista Way in Kennewick has plans to expand.

The store will take over adjacent suites to add a food prep area and storage, according to building permits filed with the city.

The owner plans $80,000 in improvements.