The rundown, neglected over-the-water building on the Columbia River in Pasco desperately needed a new lease on life.

Corina Manzano and her business partner, Joey Jordan, signed that lease.

After an extensive remodeling, they reopened the unique building jutting out over an inlet in the Big Pasco Industrial Park as the Wheelhouse Event Center.

The building at 1350 SE Road 20 E., owned by the Port of Pasco, can accommodate up to 69 people for business meetings, parties of all stripes, celebrations of life, small weddings and more.

“I remember visiting (the Wheelhouse) in the ’90s when it was a marina/deli/restaurant,” Manzano recalled. That iteration of the Wheelhouse operated for about 10 years. Before that, it served as an office for the former marina that once existed in the inlet. Afterward, it served as office space for several businesses.

“Joey used to work out here and would always eye the building. We started talking about what we could do to it and how it would bring business out to the Port of Pasco ... It was the perfect opportunity, so we went for it,” she said.

Another selling point for the business partners was JMS Construction’s master planned multiuse development in the works down the road at Osprey Pointe that will create a new neighborhood and accompanying retail and entertainment options. The event center also is located along the 23-mile Sacagawea Heritage Trail.

“Personally, I have always wanted to have a wedding event venue. Obviously, that takes a lot of money, but I was like let’s start small, and if I’m liking what I’m doing then I can venture out and do a bigger venue. I have always liked doing events,” Manzano said.

Back to life

After Manzano and Jordan expressed interest in the building, the port allocated capital improvement funds and created a redevelopment plan. It established a budget of $150,000 to rehabilitate the building and put a call out for bids in November 2023.

In addition to owning Wheelhouse Events LLC, Manzano is a realtor for Realty One Group, and owns a general contracting business, Manzano Construction.

She and Jordan are business partners at CMR General Contractor. Jordan has worked in construction his entire life. CMR submitted a bid lower than the port’s proposed budget and was selected among the three others who bid on the project.

“We came in here and gutted it,” Manzano said. “There was no flooring when we came in. After the last tenant moved out, the building flooded so it was all down to concrete. We had to fix all the concrete, put in all new flooring and replace the walls which had all been pegboard.”

Wheelhouse Event Center in Pasco can accommodate up to 69 people for business meetings, parties of all stripes, celebrations of life, small weddings and more. 

| Courtesy Wheelhouse Events LLC

The two bathrooms also were remodeled, creating interior access to one that previously only had exterior access. They created a kitchenette prep space in what was formerly a walk-in freezer.

The building received fresh paint and new railings around the wraparound deck, which was upgraded with durable composite boards.

Work on the Wheelhouse wrapped up in June 2024 and Manzano began booking events on March 1, 2025.

Manzano and Jordan signed a five-year lease with the port. Rent is $800 a month.

Mayra Reyna, director of properties at the Port of Pasco, said the port is excited to partner in the reincarnation of the Wheelhouse. “This small event center has a unique setting right on the water where guests can enjoy the views and witness the barge terminal in operation,” she said. “With Corina’s vision, the Wheelhouse Event Center revives a community asset, and, it supports the port’s goal of attracting visitors, promoting economic development and supporting small minority-owned businesses.”

A unique space

The Wheelhouse offers 1,587 square feet of space with a covered patio overlooking the river. The facility comes ready to entertain with 14 tables and 70 chairs, as well as Wi-Fi.

The kitchenette is equipped with a refrigerator, sink, microwave, coffee maker, water dispenser, food and beverage warmers and more.

Parking is available adjacent to the building along the waterfront, as well as overflow parking just up the hill before the turn onto Road 20.

Manzano said customers can have their events catered or bring in their own food. Past event organizers have hosted food truck vendors.

Anet Medina rented t

he Wheelhouse for a quinceañera and highly recommends the venue.

“We were able to conveniently host 50 guests ... The Wheelhouse Event center was perfectly located in the Port of Pasco in a quiet and private area. The event center was perfect and equipped with everything needed for any type of gathering one would need,” she said.

The Wheelhouse rents Monday through Thursday for $650 plus tax for a 24-hour rental. Friday through Sunday is $900 plus tax for 24 hours.

After an extensive remodeling, Wheelhouse Event Center has reopened in the unique building in the Big Pasco Industrial Park.

| Courtesy Wheelhouse Events LLC

New dock

Manzano said that she and Jordan are discussing with the port the repair, replacement or removal of the adjacent dilapidated docks. The port plans to restore at least one dock for event center users to use and also to allow boaters renewed access.

The Wheelhouse owners also plan to host a public event soon. “Kind of like Live @ 5 with a live band and a couple of food and beverage vendors – a night out at the port at the Wheelhouse,” Manzano said.

She also envisions vendor events, music festivals and more.

“We’re on the lookout for public events in the near future, so if anyone is interested in holding something, we’re willing to hear the details and help out,” she said.

“Myself and Joey, we were born and raised here in Pasco, so Pasco’s home. If we can do anything we possibly can to help the community to grow, then that’s our vision.”

Wheelhouse Event Center: 1350 SE Road 20 E., Pasco, 509-845-5123.