Commissioners consider next steps for former PUD headquarters building and the surrounding 2.7 acres

information released, artist renderings courtesy of Chelan PUD and YMCA

Chelan PUD’s former Fifth Street campus is on the cusp of transformation as progress continues to redevelop the 7.5 acre property:

  • The YMCA finished demolition work and anticipates breaking ground on its new facility next spring, if fundraising goals are met.
  • Chelan PUD is gathering bids on Electric Avenue, a new road connecting Fifth and Columbia streets. Construction is scheduled for spring.
  • The PUD applied for permits to modify the former PUD Fish & Wildlife building. When finished, the building will be sold to Music Theatre of Wenatchee.

On Monday, Chelan PUD commissioners considered next steps for the former PUD headquarters building and the surrounding 2.7 acres. (Starts at 00:58 of the board audio recording).

Staff proposed setting aside $3.5 million in the 2025 budget for potential removal of the 70-year old office building. The idea is to create a construction-ready building site that could attract the broadest range of potential uses. Commissioners will decide whether to surplus the Wenatchee Avenue parcels and remove the building in 2025.

“We’re setting the stage for a potential developer to build something great,” said Project Manager David Lodge. “It also gives Chelan PUD the flexibility to be patient until the right opportunity comes along.”

Staff anchored back to the community vision developed years ago by a community advisory group and leaders from the City of Wenatchee, Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority, Downtown Wenatchee Association and Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce. The vision encouraged mixed-use development that would complement the downtown core and serve the broader community.

In other news, commissioners:

  • Heard a report on Chelan PUD’s wildfire mitigation plan, which is on track to meet the state requirement for submittal by the end of October.
  • Further discussed a two-year extension of the annual rate increases that started with the 2020-2024 strategic plan.

For more information about PUD services and projects, visit their website.