Richland Holding Out for Developer to Create Awesome Market [PHOTOS]

Last time I visited Wenatchee I was absolutely charmed by the Pybus Public Market. It's in downtown by the river in an old steel works building and it's like a high-class mall drawing comparisons to Pike Street Market in Seattle. Now Richland wants one.

The Tri-City Herald interviewed Richland officials this week about plans for the old CREHST building (the museum moved to The REACH) and the gravel pit nearby (behind the Richland Jack-Sons sports bar).

The plan for the old CREHST building and gravel pit is a market place like Pybus or Pike Place. The fact the city is thinking about how to be cool, exciting, tourist-friendly, pedestrian and fun instead of just how to get the most money from the land is so commendable.

Apparently the city has had multiple offers to buy the space from businesses any city would welcome -- a gas station and medical clinic were mentioned as examples. But Richland wants to turn that area of downtown into a super cool pedestrian area. With the theater, the Parkway, Howard Amon Park, cool businesses on Lee Blvd. and exciting long-term plans for John Dam Plaza, this is an EXCELLENT idea.

I can't wait to see what happens!

Photos from Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee: