RICHLAND, Wash. – The Richland Public Facility District is one step closer to bringing a performing arts center to the Tri-Cities. The proposed center, which has been in the works for over a decade, aims to revitalize the local creative community.
Steven Wiley, president of the Richland Public Facility District, emphasized the potential impact of the new center.
“The arts around here have just not been able to thrive like they would if they have a performing arts center,” Wiley said.
The proposed center is expected to cost around $80 million. It will feature an 800-seat theater, community space, a patio, a smaller 200-seat auditorium and more. The facility is planned to be built next to the Hanford Reach Museum.
“The vision of the Performing Arts Center is to provide a cultural hub that provides the resources for the local arts community, as well as a place where we can bring in shows, to showcase all the talent in the performing arts industry,” Wiley said.
Richland voters will decide the project’s fate on Tuesday, February 11, during the special election. Proposition One proposes a 0.2 percent sales tax increase in Richland.
The proposition would add two cents for every ten dollars spent. This tax would expire after 30 years.
Wiley is optimistic about the project’s potential.
“You’re getting a cultural center and something to see every weekend of the year,” Wiley said. “We anticipate every weekend there’ll be a show here, either a locally produced show or a touring show.”
If approved, the performing arts center could open as early as spring 2028.
Wiley said if the sales tax is not approved, the project could be set back years.
More information on the Richland Public Facility District and the proposed performing arts center can be found here.