Articles by Elsie Puig
Residential growth: Home values rise as affordable housing options languish
As Tri-City home prices climb, so does their value. In the last three years, Vicki Monteagudo, broker-owner at Century 21 Tri-Cities and NAI Tri-Cities, said she’s observed a 10.4 percent home appreciation rate. “Some areas have hit double-digit appreciation in the last 12 months alone, especially in those more lower-end prices,” she said. The Tri-Cities ranks No. 8…
City of Kennewick: The reigning retail capital of the Tri-Cities
The city of Kennewick continues to grow at a steady clip, ushering in new commercial and residential growth anchored by recent developments along Columbia Center Boulevard and in the Southridge, Vista Field and downtown areas. There’s plenty of commercial development along Columbia Center Boulevard, including the opening of three popular new stores. Goodwill Industries of…
Lessons on leadership: Tri-City business podcasts offer advice, wisdom
Need inspiration and guidance on how to be a better performing leader? Look no further than Tri-City business podcasts. Business and leadership coach Paul Casey has produced “Tri-Cities Influencer” for more than a year and a half now. In his podcasts, he interviews chief executive officers, nonprofit executives and entrepreneurs to hear how they lead…
Tri-City study reveals discrepancy with Zillow estimates
Data on 532 local homes shows online real estate company’s numbers run too high Do you have money signs whirling around your head after seeing your home’s latest value on Zillow? Think again. A new study by Cari and Matt McGee of Keller Williams Realty Tri-Cities reveals discrepancies in Zillow’s Zestimates and properties’ actual values.…
United Way launches annual campaign, census outreach
United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties is kickstarting its annual fundraising campaign in September. And it is armed with hard data showing where the two counties it serves are falling behind. Last year, United Way recruited a group of volunteer analysts to identify key data points in hopes of measuring the overall health and…
Revamped Tri-Fun program offers food, venue deals
Get a digital pass to experience some of the Tri-Cities’ best locally-owned dining and entertainment options for a fraction of the cost. Tri-Fun, a membership-based program providing deals at local eateries and venues, is growing under new ownership. Jane Winslow, owner of WinSome Design in Richland, bought Tri-Fun from Preston House, owner of the Tri-City…
Innovative Mortgage continues late owner’s legacy
The team who worked with a Kennewick businessman known for his commitment to his family, his employees and his faith plan to honor their boss by continuing to run the business the same way he would. Dan Melior, 55, owner and mortgage broker at Innovative Mortgage, died May 12 from cancer. It blindsided everyone, as…
High-end living near Vista Field on the way
Developers planning luxury apartments with an ‘edge’ Longtime Tri-City commercial developers are planning their most ambitious project to date: a luxury apartment complex on 8.25 acres adjacent to Vista Field, across from Lawrence Scott Park in Kennewick. Although the project is in its very early stages — the Chavallo family currently is looking for an…
Boutique builds beyond the bridal basics
Blueberry Bridal owner opens Kennewick shop as chain store alternative Blueberry Bridal Boutique — a concierge bridal store — opened eight months ago in Kennewick, but the path to its opening has been in the works for nearly eight years. Sitting on a teal tufted sofa inside the brightly lit interior of the carefully designed…
El Asadero adds second restaurant in Richland
El Asadero — which serves up Mexican cuisine with a focus on homemade freshness — opened a new restaurant on 127 Gage Blvd. in Richland. The restaurant is owned and operated by father and son duo Rafael Arriaga Sr. and Rafael Arriaga Jr. Their first restaurant opened in 2004 on Fourth Avenue in Pasco, where…
