Proposed Vista Field arts center passes first hurtle

The first organization set to be located at the Vista Field redevelopment signed a letter of intent with the Port of Kennewick Tuesday night to build an 800-seat theater.

Arts Center Task Force proposed a letter of intent at the commissioner meeting Tuesday night, asking the city to sell 2.2 acres on Vista Field  so it can build a performance art center.

Commissioner Skip Novakovich says it is a needed addition in the Tri-Cities after a similar proposal has been put up for a vote, but taxpayers did not pass it. However, what is different about this project is that the group will raise the millions of dollar needed through donations.

"It is really exciting because its finally somethings moving forward on a performing arts center. One of the gentleman at our meeting yesterday said, 'It's about time, it's way overdue,' and I guess it really is, there is no place, arts people, the preforming arts people really have no home," says Novakovich.

The letter states if the Arts Center Task Force can raise 75% of the funds they need through donations and meet all the requirements, the port will sell just over 2 acres for the building at around $10,000. The agreement is also not binding until the completion of a purchase and sale agreement.

The Vista Field redevelopment has been years in the making and could be another 20-year development. A proposal for the project has been placed in front of the city of Kennewick but has not yet been approved. The old airfield is set to be turned into an urban village or an 'city within a city' as Novakovich puts it, complete with dining, shopping and the arts center.