Upgrades to Mattawa City Hall subject of feasibility study

MATTAWA — What kind of improvements could and should be made to Mattawa City Hall – or whether it would be better to replace it – will be the subject of a feasibility study by the city’s engineers. Jamin Ankney of Gray and Osborne, Yakima, said the idea is to produce information that city officials can use to look for funding for the project. 

“It’s harder to get city hall funding than other kinds (of projects),” Ankney said. “If you have a plan, though, it’s easier.” 

The existing city hall houses the city’s administrative offices and the Mattawa Police Department and was modified from an existing building. City officials did consider purchasing property for a new facility, but ultimately opted for the existing site. Ankney said it will be up to the Mattawa City Council and city officials to decide the direction of the study. 

“Your thoughts about a new building, or modifications. Some of this feasibility study is, how much space is there to fit things? If we still have the parking spots and everything, then within that space (available) how can you meet the city’s needs for the future?” he said. 

Public Works Director Juan Ledezma said city officials came to some conclusions during the discussion about relocating. 

“The limitations would be this lot size, (whether) reconfiguring the existing building or building something completely different. Is it one story? Is it two stories? Is it 5,000 square feet? Is it 3,000 square feet?” Ledezma said. “(The study would be) looking at the future needs for all departments.” 

Ankney said the feasibility study would set some parameters for a future project.  

“(The engineers will) do some preliminary layouts and cost estimates,” he said. 

In other business at the Feb. 5 council meeting, council members discussed potential development at the intersection of State Route 342 and Government Road. 

Rachelle Bradley of SCJ Alliance, Spokane, the city’s planner, said at least one developer is considering adding retail space on the east side of SR 243, south of the intersection. That would include a national fast food chain, she said. Catholic Charities, which has built apartments west of SR 243, has plans for additional housing, she said. 

“One of the things that needs to happen first is part of the Catholic Charities property has to be annexed in (to the city limits),” Bradley said.  

Catholic Charities will be submitting its annexation request later this year, she said.