What is the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center?

 

The Center will be a 48,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility designed for mid-sized local and touring concerts, theatre, dance shows, film, and festivals. 

 

Where will it be located? 

 

In Columbia Park West, near the REACH Museum, overlooking the Columbia River. This Richland, Washington property is centrally located for easy access from the surrounding cities. The location was chosen after careful consideration of areas throughout the Tri-Cities. Columbia Park West's undeveloped space allows the facility to be strategically placed to maximize access and capitalize on both environmental and aesthetic benefits. Placing the Arts Center in proximity to the REACH Museum creates a cultural synergy and aligns with the City of Richland's master plan to develop that area into a vibrant cultural hub for the entire Tri-Cities community.

​

How much will it cost, and how will it be funded?

 

The project is currently estimated to cost $80 million. Funding sources include private donors, grants, and public funds. We expect to raise 18% of the total from individual and corporate donors, 6% from grants, and, if approved, 76% from public funding.

​

Large-scale, beneficial community projects like this are possible only with the assistance of Public Facilities Districts. Because the Center will be with-in Richland city limits, any future tax proposal would first require approval from the Richland Public Facilities District and Richland voters.

​

The Richland Public Facilities District has the authority to propose a ballot measure for a 0.2% sales tax increase on goods and services sold in Richland, which amounts to 2 cents on every $10 spent. If a tax proposal does pass, residents from Kennewick, Pasco, West Richland, and other cities will also contribute whenever they make purchases in Richland. Annual funding from this tax measure will go to secure municipal bonds the Richland PFD will need to fund the construction. The tax measure could be retired upon full re-payment of the bonds.

​

Following the official opening, the Performing Arts Center is projected to be financially self-sustaining by year 3 of operation, with any excess revenue going toward future operations and continuous facility improvements. This project is affordable and financially viable for the Richland PFD to successfully complete. It aligns with the needs and financial capabilities of our community and represents a beneficial "shovel-ready" project that can proceed quickly following a successful ballot measure.

​

Why can't the Center be funded completely through private donations?

 

A feasibility study by Netzel Grigsby Associates showed that our community could not support a project of this scope from private resources alone. That's why the funding plan includes corporate funding, grants, and public funding.

 

When can we expect it to open?

 

Our current forecast predicts groundbreaking to take place in late 2025, with the opening night in 2028.

 

Why do we need a dedicated Performing Arts Center? 

 

With more than 300,000 residents, the Tri-Cities is the third-largest regional area in the state of Washington. It is rare for a metropolitan area of this size to lack a dedicated performing arts center. As a result, Tri-Cities residents frequently travel to outside regions to enjoy arts and cultural performances.

​

The absence of a dedicated performing arts center does a great disservice to a community of our size because it limits access to diverse cultural experiences, limits the growth of local talent, and reduces opportunities for community engagement and economic development.

​

The Center will not only enrich the cultural fabric of the Tri-Cities but also attract tourism, support local businesses, and provide a venue for educational programs and community events, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents. 

​

A 2024 community-wide survey showed that 78% of the 1,400 respondents strongly support constructing a performing arts center. They want a dedicated space for plays, musical and cultural performances, dance, festival, film screenings, and comedy shows. They want affordable tickets, a comfortable environment, good acoustics, and sufficient parking. The Center will provide these attributes and more.

 

Who will be using the Center, and how?

​​​

We expect many of our local performing arts groups, as well as mid-size touring groups, to book the Center for performances, artists receptions, and educational events. The fully equipped, ~800-seat theater will be a unique, desirable venue. In addition, the Center's lobby, gallery, and community room can be rented for special events such as galas, weddings, receptions, and small conferences. We have already received dozens of expressions of interest in using the space. 

​

The Center will reach out to and welcome audiences of all ages and demographics, including families and youth.

 

Who is planning and designing the Center, and who will manage it?

 

The Richland Public Facilities District will develop and oversee the building project. Arts Center Task Force, a local nonprofit, is assisting in the design of the project and is uniquely qualified to operate the facility.

​

Arts Center Task Force hired LMN Architects to prepare an initial facility design and associated costs.  Other consultants and building professionals will be engaged through-out the project to ensure it proceeds in a timely and proficient manner.

​

The Task Force four initial partners --Mid-Columbia Ballet, Mid-Columbia Symphony, Mid-Columbia Mastersingers, and Mid-Columbia Musical theatre -have consulted in the Center's design and structure. This ensures that the Center will address the needs of these long-lived and enduring arts community stakeholders. 

​

What can we expect from the Center?

 

The conceptual design contains:

​

• An~800-seat theater with excellent acoustics, comfortable seating, orchestra pit, orchestra shell, fly space, off-stage space for people and storage, dressing and green rooms, professional-quality technical support, and a loading dock

• A flexible community room for smaller groups performances, events, and educational activities, accommodating up to 200 people

• Spacious lobby for pre- and post-show gatherings and private events

• food and beverage service area

• An art and exhibit display space. 

​

 

Don't we already have existing venues for concerts and shows like the Toyota Center and Three Rivers Convention Center? What about local schools and churches?

 

The larger facilities are typically used for major concert artists, Broadway shows, conferences, and trade shows. Such uses typically require larger audiences to break even. In contract, the Performing Arts Center, with its~800-seat theatre, is designated specifically for the dozens of well-established regional performing arts groups, mid-sized national touring groups, and educational arts events.

​

Schools and churches prioritize their own events, with arts groups allotted the remaining dates. This discourages mid-size touring groups that require booking at least a year in advance. In addition, these facilities don't always have the stage space, rehearsal area, and top-notch production equipment for the high-quality experiences that audiences prefer. 

 

How will the Center benefit families and youth?

 

The Center will provide a central venue for educational and cultural experiences, enhancing community engagement and accessibility to the arts. It will host a variety of performances and events, offering opportunities for local schools and youth organizations to showcase their talents and experience more diverse cultural offerings, as well as be introduced to possible career pathways.

​

The Center's support for local arts groups and professional amenities will enrich the cultural landscape, while strategic location and design ensure a pleasant and inclusive environment for family activities. 

​

By drawing visitors and boosting the local economy, the Center will improve the overall quality of life in the community. 

​

How will the Center benefit the business community?

 

With a wider array of entertainment options, the Center will draw more visitors to the Tri-Cities, who will spend money on food, lodging, and other amenities, thus bolstering the profitability of local business.

​

When recruiting candidates, employers can highlight this beautiful rivershore facility where workers and their families can enjoy a constant variety of entertainment and educational opportunities.

​​

Placing the Center near the REACH Museum, with a clear view of the magnificent Columbia River, will be an attractive hub for additional business such as restaurants and retail. The City of Richland's master plan is open to further development of the area, such as construction of the children's museum, tribal cultural centers, and more. 

​

What is Arts Center Task Force's role?

 

Arts Center Task Force's mission is to help build and then operate the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center. The Task Force has a small paid staff and offices at 704 Symons Street in Richland, WA.

​

The Task Force's Executive Director, Blake Smith, has extensive experience in performing arts organizations, arena facility management, and event production in Arizona, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, and now Washington. 

​

The Task Force is assisting the Richland PFD with building the project and will operate the facility once it is open to the public. The Task Force has formulated its comprehensive business plans based on thorough market research, fiscal analysis, best practices, and consultation with communities that have successfully built and operated similar facilities.

 

Who is endorsing and supporting the Center?

 

Dozens of local businesses, TRIDEC, the Chambers of Commerce, Visit Tri-Cities, and of course, performing arts organizations are excited to see the Center become a reality. See current donors and supporters for more information and details listed. 

​

When can people begin reserving the space?  

 

Performers and other groups can begin reserving the space closer to the completion of construction. We will provide more specific information and timelines as the project progresses.  

​

What can I do to support the center?

 

​There are several options:

• Make a tax-deductible donation for the building fund. Several options can be found on our website.

• Subscribe to the ACTF newsletter and weekly community arts calendar.

• Invite Arts Center Task Force staff to give a presentation to your business, civic group, or other organization.

• Share information about the Center with your family, friends, and colleagues.

• Let the Richland Public Facilities District board members know about your support.

• Volunteer with the Arts Center Task Force to spread the word.