KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick City Council has taken a significant step forward on a project to expand the Three Rivers Convention Center.
City council members voted for a resolution approving the total cost of the project to not exceed $71.3 million.
During Tuesday night’s council meeting, Councilmember John Trumbo expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
“This has been interesting to watch, to see Kennewick become a player in the competitive environment of convention centers in Eastern Washington,” Trumbo said. “Kennewick is now standing pretty tall and I think it’s going to stand a little taller.”
The project will be a public-private partnership, including a hotel and mixed-use facilities. The Kennewick Public Facilities District received authorization to use an alternative contracting procedure for the expansion.
Total cost includes $8,063,950 in previously approved funding and up to $12,936,050 for construction and equipment. The Kennewick Public Facilities District will issue project bonds up to $50.3 million, according to the resolution.
The expansion is slated for completion by summer 2026. It’s expected to add 115,000 square feet of space for various events and will cater to large conferences, sporting events, art exhibitions, and music festivals.
According to the Johnson Consulting Study, the expansion is projected to attract nearly 200,000 attendees and generate 70,600 room nights annually. This increased activity is anticipated to bring $130.8 million in total spending and $26.4 million in increased earnings. Additionally, it is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs and generate $6.9 million in sales and hotel/motel tax revenues.
The “true” impact of the expansion, compared to pre-expansion levels, is estimated at $82 million in total spending, $16.5 million in increased earnings, about 620 jobs, and $4.3 million in tax revenues.
With the city council decision to approve the total cost of the project, construction contracts can move forward.
Site demolition and utility work is expected to start in March 2025 followed by construction with an estimated completion date of June 2026.
For a detailed look at the project, we’ve provided a link.
