When discussing the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center project, you may encounter questions or concerns from community members. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve compiled thoughtful responses to the most common objections. Use these insights to spark productive conversations and share the many benefits this project will bring to our region. Together, we can build understanding, inspire support, and turn this vision into reality!
Performing arts centers are uniquely designed buildings. Unlike less specialized venues, the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center will be professionally equipped with an ~800-seat theater, rehearsal space, advanced acoustics, and amenities that attract regional and national performances.
Our project cost is in line with similar venues completed in the past 5 years in similar areas of the Pacific Northwest.
It’s not just about the building—it’s about boosting our local economy, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of local talent and organizations.
This Center will position the Tri-Cities as a cultural destination, reducing the need to travel to Seattle or Spokane for high-quality arts and entertainment.
The site in Columbia Park West is in the City of Richland. The Richland Public Facilities District has authority for a tax measure only within Richland.
Also: If a tax proposal does pass, residents from Kennewick, Pasco, West Richland, and other cities, including visitors, will also contribute whenever they make purchases in Richland.
Larger facilities are typically used for major concert artists, conferences, and trade shows. Such uses typically require larger audiences to break even.
In contrast, 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.
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 public funding, corporate funding, private funding, and grants.
Large-scale, beneficial community projects like this are possible only with the assistance of Public Facilities Districts.
The Center was designed with mid-size performances in mind, and with the input of our major local performing arts partners.
Many national and international touring performers prefer to perform in medium-sized venues. That way they are playing to a more intimate audience where all the seats are full.
The higher operating costs of larger venues require higher attendance to make them financially viable. Larger venues like Toyota Center will still host big events like rock concerts, conferences, and trade shows. We are not competing with them.
A regional public facilities district (Richland, Pasco, Kennewick) was formed previously. Richland representatives requested a performing arts center. However, representatives from each city could not agree on one project that they would all support.
We do not believe this has changed, and the Regional Public Facilities District is no longer active.
The Center will be an economic booster.
It will add to weekend and date-night opportunities, where people will spend more in restaurants and other businesses.
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
The tax will sunset after 30 years.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
The Performing Arts Center is more than just a building—it’s a vision for a thriving, connected community where arts and culture bring us together. We understand there are many questions, concerns, and opinions surrounding this project, and we welcome them as an opportunity to create a stronger, more unified vision.
If you’d like to learn more, our FAQs and About Pages provide detailed information about the project’s scope, funding, and benefits. Dive into the details, explore the inspiration behind the plan, and discover how this center will enrich our community.
We encourage you to explore these resources, share your thoughts, and join us in shaping the future of the Tri-Cities. Together, we can make this vision a reality!
