Kennewick City Hall needs expansion, most parties involved agree, but disagree on how to do it.
Current City Hall Was Built in 1966, and Never Renovated
The City of Kennewick is eyeing plans to replace City Hall, having largely ruled out renovating the property. According to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, the city has directed the architects and designers to focus on a new site in the middle of what’s called the city center campus.
They were asked for focus on an area at City Hall, between Auburn and Dayton Streets. It appears Kennewick might be looking to build its new hall, possibly a two story building, on top of where City Hall is now.
What Would Happen to Historic Keewaydin Museum?
An online petition at Change.org has 1,032 signatures from supporters who want to see it stay. It’s not specifically known, but it appears the idea City Officials have would involve demolishing the Museum, which is very close to City Hall. The TCAJOB reports while a majority of the council is favoring the central plan, some members want to see cost analysis, others are strongly saying if the museum goes, it needs a special space in the new building.
Mayor Pro-Tem Chuck Toreilli and Councilman Jim Millbauer favor putting the new hall at the corner of 6th. and Auburn. Long time Kennewick residents may recall that was formerly a location for the Kennewick School District Admin, and from 1955 to 1994, it was also the admin office for the Benton PUD. But now that spot is open, the buildings having been removed. This image is of that location.
What Would Happen to the Civic Ballfield known as K-4?
Some are also wondering if one of the four Civic fields, K-4, would be removed along with the Museum as part of the new Hall. The Council continues to look over plans and proposals.
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Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa