Real Estate News

May 2008

05.08.08 Vineyards Resort Poised to Start Construction

The Yakima Valley’s wine-themed destination resort is ready to go as resort management finalizes negotiations with key contractors. Site grading and infrastructure development (utilities, wastewater treatment plant, roads, ponds and reservoir, site lighting) will start within the next two to three months. Once this groundwork is complete the Vineyards will start developing residential home sites and its championship golf course.

The Vineyards is moving forward fast thanks to a $36 million commitment from a new lender. Resort management was thrown a bit off track earlier this year by sour national financial markets which precipitated one of their original funders to back away from the project.

The Vineyards is the first premier resort community in the heart of Washington Wine Country, where residents will enjoy a sunny climate, Tuscan landscape and relaxed wine-country lifestyle. The Resort will be located just off of Highway 24, approximately 20 minutes east of Yakima and two hours southeast of Seattle. It will consist of a mix of 582 single-family homes, golf cottages, patio homes, villas and condos, surrounded by stunning vineyards, views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier and 300 days of sunshine a year. For more information about the Vineyards call 509.225.7200 or send your email inquiry to info@vineyardsresort.com.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

April 2008

4-25-2008 Union Gap Shopping Center Gets A Date For Its Hearing: Rezone Could Clear The Way For Development Of Retail Center By Costco

A new retail development for Union Gap is moving a step closer to reality.

The city will hold a public hearing before its hearing examiner on Wednesday, May 28, about White-Leasure Development Co.’s request for a rezone on 40-plus acres of land near the new Costco store on Valley Mall Boulevard.
That land, owned by the Hackett family and Min-Tie Marina Inc., is zoned for light industrial use now. The developer and current owners want that changed to permit regional retail development.

The city has received an environmental checklist along with the request for a change-of-use approval.

The land sits around Longfibre Road and Valley Mall Boulevard next to where Carey Toyota of Yakima is building its new dealership.

White-Leasure, a regional development company with headquarters in Boise, Idaho, has announced plans to create a shopping center including two major anchor tenants along with other smaller retail businesses.

The project would be done in two phases, the first featuring 140,000 square feet of building space with 1,433 parking spaces and the second phase including 180,000 square feet of buildings with another 725 parking spots.
The developer has announced its intention to put a traffic signal at Goodlander and Valley Mall Boulevard. Work would also include extension of an access road from the east side of the property to Longfibre Road.

There is a two-week comment period on the environmental checklist, ending May 7, after which the city will determine what if any environmental impact the project might have.

“We’re still fairly close to the beginning of this whole process,” said Bill Rathbone, the city’s development manager.

The developers will be holding their own meeting with affected nearby property owners soon.

White-Leasure officials could not be reached for comment.
The corporation has an extensive resume of projects throughout eight Western states, including The Colonnade shopping center in the Tri-Cities. Besides shopping centers White-Leasure also has developed hotels, office complexes and industrial parks.

Meanwhile, there is still no word from another group that announced plans for a large mall in that same neighborhood.

Yakima Towne Center LLC of Bellevue announced its plans for a 50-acre mall two years ago, expecting to have its first stores open by 2007. But so far nothing has happened there. There have been delays including an environmental cleanup by Burlington Railroad of contaminated railroad property on the site.

Then last year the city of Union Gap filed an appeal of the plans, saying they didn’t adequately cover things like transportation and traffic, air quality and environment issues. Since then the project has been on hold.

The developers have not commented on the status of their project, other than to say that it is still pending.

Spokesmen have not returned numerous calls from the Business Times over recent months. Rathbone said Union Gap hasn’t heard anything from the developers about their response to the city’s earlier appeal.

The Yakima Square project originally was projected to include 13 buildings covering 500,000 square feet with parking for 2,500 cars.

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

4-25-08 Commercial And Housing Growth Expected For Selah

Selah is poised to see a spurt of both commercial and residential construction, with several businesses planning new buildings and some good-sized housing subdivisions on the drawing board.

On the commercial side, the city has all but three of 19 lots sold at its business park on North Wenas, said City Superintendent Frank Sweet. Several projects are starting into the permit process now with more anticipated soon.
City Council recently approved a purchase offer through Heritage Moultray Real Estate in Yakima for a client who intends to build a medical clinic on the 37-acre city property, Sweet said, although the deal hasn’t been formally concluded.

“That would leave us with only three lots,” he said. “The front section is all sold.”

Right now the city is working on street and utility work to improve access to portions of its property. The city bought that land about five years ago, originally considering it as a site for a new City Hall, then decided to use the property to boost the community’s commercial inventory.

Banner Bank already has opened its new branch there. Les Schwab Tire Center also owns a lot where it plans an outlet. “They’re in the middle of their environmental review before submitting building plans,” said Dennis Davison, community planner for Selah.

Meanwhile, Helms Hardware of Selah has its plans for a new store being studied by the city now, he said. “Their permit could come any time. So they’re probably pretty close to construction,” Davison said.

Valley Construction has announced plans for building a strip mall at the site and Garner Construction intends to erect a hotel there, but Davison said he hasn’t seen specific plans for those projects yet.

Downtown along First Street, Starbucks plans to build a coffee shop across from McDonald’s. Davison said he has reviewed those plans and the developer could be getting a permit soon.

Some public works projects will provide the city with improved streets, including a county job widening a section of Selah Loop Road to four lanes.
The parking lot at the Carlon Park softball complex also is being paved.

Residential Growth

The city also could see its housing stock increase dramatically thanks to several residential developments now in the planning stages.

The biggest is Cherry Blossom Ridge, an upscale, gated community set on about 95 acres atop Lookout Point. There could be up to 190 homes built, Sweet said.

Right now the developers have completed their environmental review and is awaiting approval from Selah City Council, according to managing partner Jeff Hakala of Cherry Blossom Ridge LLC.

“Then we’ll be into engineering and construction. We’re hoping to break ground on utilities and streets by midsummer. If all goes well by Thanksgiving we’ll get the paving done and have lots ready for builders to purchase.”
The development promises sweeping views, several miles of open-space trails throughout the home sites and a community center with clubhouse facilities, pool and sports courts, he said.

“They’ll be fairly large lots in the 13,000-square-foot range, and with the space around the trail system and extra landscaped areas around the streets the lots will look even larger. It won’t have the feel of a crowded subdivision,” he said.

Selah also is anticipating several other housing developments, including a 24-unit apartment complex that recently was approved by the city’s hearing examiner, who ruled against a neighborhood group’s appeal.

Some neighbors along Southern Avenue complained that the Southern Estates development would create a dangerous increase in traffic and other problems. They have opposed developer Carl Torkelson’s for more than two years, and haven’t ruled out an appeal to Superior Court.

A 12-unit complex also is planned in that same neighborhood, Davison said.
The 39-lot Valhalla subdivision at the west end of Goodlander Road above the reservoir “should be getting close to filing their final plat and getting ready to start selling lots and building homes,” he said.

Also a 28-lot single-family housing project is proposed around 16th and Cedar.
All this home-building activity is part of a regular pattern, Davison figures.

“These things run in cycles. About 10 years ago there was a big rush to get a bunch of projects approved, but over those 10 years all the lots have been consumed. Now it’s time to start the cycle again.”

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

04.18.08 Canadian RV manufacturer moving to Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. – A British Columbia recreational vehicle manufacturer announced plans today to move its operations to Yakima, Wash. Adventurer Manufacturing LP of Abbotsford, B.C. plans to begin production on its 2009 product line in Yakima by mid August, according to CEO James EPP.

The family-owned company has manufactured its Adventurer, Slumber Queen, and Diplomat truck campers, motor homes, travel trailers and fifth-wheel lines since 1969. “Adventure Manufacturing is attracted to Yakima Valley business advantages that drive costs down and promote company growth,” said David McFadden, president of the Yakima County Development Association. “The company will be a welcome addition to our manufacturing industry.”

Adventurer Manufacturing is known for building quality recreational vehicles using its TRU-COMPOSITE© technology. Its products are distributed throughout North America and in Mexico and Australia.

Rising costs associated with the high-value Canadian dollar and the continual inflationary pressure in the greater Vancouver area have overwhelmed cost cutting initiatives and made it increasingly difficult to operate a manufacturing company, according to the company. Relocation to Yakima will allow Adventurer Manufacturing to reduce costs and creating an opportunity for future growth.
“Yakima has an entrepreneurial style that companies find very inviting,” McFadden said. “That kind of supportive environment and the realization of business efficiency keeps them here to grow.”

Adventurer Manufacturing is expected to begin the relocation process in late June when production of current products is completed and the company’s Abbotsford plant is closed. Adventurer Manufacturing’s 2009 line will be available to dealers by late August.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

4.11.08 Plaza Socievole Winery Opens in Downtown Yakima

It’s definitely not a jewelry store any more. But the owners of Plaza Socievole Winery in downtown Yakima think they have created something of a gem.

Rita Jorgensen and Bryan Eglet are about to open their new establishment on the ground floor of the Larson Building at Second Street and Yakima Avenue. They took the space vacated by longtime tenant Dunbar Jewelers and created a wine-and-bistro setting along a Tuscan theme.

With seating for about 80 indoors, 55 more in a separate rental banquet/meeting area and another 20 at outdoor tables, they’re hoping to become part of downtown’s growing dining and entertainment scene.

Several wineries have opened tasting rooms in the neighborhood over the past couple of years, with others still exploring the possibility. Jorgensen said the switch of emphasis from retail to wine-oriented food and entertainment prompted them to look at downtown in the first place.

“We see it as a vital, growing area,” she said. “We want to be able to partner with the restaurants in the area and promote downtown.”

Plaza Socievole (the latter means “sociable” in Italian) took over the 4,000-square-foot space and completely remodeled it, leaving few traces of its years as a jewelry store. Removing the carpeting, they discovered the distinctive marble flooring found in much of the historic Larson Building. New woodwork and paint, improved entrances and other cosmetic touches completed the change.

The bistro restaurant area will feature local fresh items when possible, she said, offering tapas (Spanish appetizers) with some fairly exotic items like smoked salmon, vegetables and fancy cheeses. They’ll also have sandwiches and salads.

“We’re doing small-plate appetizers to go with our wines,” she said. “We’ll also have foods for before and after events at the Seasons and the Capitol Theatre.”

Bistro hours are 11 to 11, seven days a week. The wine tasting room will close at 6 p.m.

They’re featuring six of their own local wines to start, a mixture of reds, whites and a rose. A red wine is named Renaissance Red “in honor of the renaissance happening downtown,” she noted.

The bistro also carries microbrewery beers by the bottle.

The full kitchen is available for catered dinners, and the separate dining area can be rented for special events or meetings.

You can reach the establishment at 454-9463.

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

4.11.08 - Toyota of Yakima is finally getting in gear on its long-anticipated new dealership in Union Gap.

Construction has begun on the 38,000-square-foot facility on Valley Mall Boulevard, which will sit on 6 acres of land near the new Costco store there.

The Bud Clary dealership never expected to be spinning its wheels this long on the project.

“I’ve been working on this for about three years now,” said Scott Anglin, manager of fixed operations for the local Toyota business. “It has been a long, long time coming.”

Severely cramped at its current site at 914 S. First St. in Yakima, the Clary dealership was finally able to purchase the property it needed around the new extension Valley Mall Boulevard around Longfibre Road a couple of years ago. But a series of complications kept pushing back construction.

Although Clary bought its land long before Costco purchased the site for its new outlet, Costco was up and running before the Toyota operation ever got the chance to break ground recently.

Now Anglin hopes to open the new place by September. Counting the land, construction and equipment the project is estimated at about $8 million.

Although land along Valley Mall Boulevard thereabouts is prime for commercial development, access and permit issues like those that stalled Toyota await several other projects.

“It’s a limited-access street there,” Anglin said. “That will create some problems.
“Back when we bought our property we had no idea Costco would be going in there, so that’s a real plus for us. It worked out great. Some people thought we were a little odd to be building something out there when we first planned it. But we just felt like it was a nice new road and things might start happening there.

“We expected the area to flourish and we’re pleased at the way it has already. It sounds like there’s some movement on properties to the west of us, and hopefully that happens.”

More Stuff Planned

There are other major projects in the works nearby, including one by White-Leasure Development Co. of Boise, Idaho. White-Leasure has about 40 acres of land under contract next to the Toyota site, planning a retail development.

But first the city of Union Gap must change its comprehensive plan to allow regional commercial use there, which could allow easier zoning changes to make the project work. Developers need those changes to permit the large retail tenants they envision.

Bill Rathbone, the city’s development coordinator, said he was expecting a complete application from the developers “probably later today” and would set a public hearing as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, plans for the Yakima Square shopping center nearby remain up in the air.

Developers announced the 50-acre retail site a couple of years ago, but have been delayed by a series of events. For one, the city of Union Gap filed an appeal citing concerns about transportation and street access.

Rathbone said the city has not heard a word from the developers recently about that appeal.

Jason Bontrager, spokesman for the development group, was reached by phone while traveling and would say only that the project is still alive.

The original plans said the new mall would have 500,000 square feet of buildings and create around 500 jobs.

Bigger Dealership

The move to Union Gap will make life easier for customers and employees at the Toyota dealership, Anglin said.

“More room is the main thing. We’ll have 6 acres and about 38,000 square feet of building, compared to 1.7 acres and 12,000 square feet now. We’re about tripling in size.”

Parking has been a big problem at the Yakima location, he said. The new spot will also have room for a larger vehicle inventory and some added features.

“This will be state-of-the-art in every way. We’re not moving anything, so all the equipment will be brand new with all the latest advances for our shop.

“And we’ll be able to do a true quick-lube facility for fast oil changes, tires and quick maintenance. That will be available on weekends and without an appointment. With the small space we have now appointments are needed.”

The old site won’t be sold off, he said.

“We’ll have something there. It’s actually a pretty nice facility, it’s just that we outgrew it with the volume we’re doing.”

There will be extra staff hired in most departments at the new location, he noted.
The delays have been costly as well as frustrating, he said, considering the price increases for construction materials.

“The community, our customers and the employees have been extremely patient. Considering the volume of business we’re handling now with our limited space and staff, it’s just phenomenal.”

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

March 2008

3-28-08 Local Winery Ventures Into Biodynamic Farm Approach
Unusual Method Uses Organic Techniques With A More Spiritual Twist

"Some people probably think it sounds like voodoo, but it’s really a lot of common sense. … A lot of wineries are getting seriously good acclaim with this.”
— Phil Cline, Naches Heights Winery owner

The setting of the new Wilridge Winery vineyards on Naches Heights isn’t the only thing that sets it apart. The owner is also trying a “new” farming method alien to most local growers.

Paul Beveridge’s 8-acre experimental grape plot is the first area vineyard — and one of just a handful in the state — to use biodynamic farming.

Biodynamics isn’t as new as it might sound. The concept was pioneered in 1924 by German visionary Rudolf Steiner, to whom Germany’s farmers turned for an alternative approach to agriculture’s increasing use of chemicals. It’s similar to organic farming, but with a spiritual twist.

“It’s a philosophy of trying to heal the Earth,” says Phil Cline of Naches Heights Winery, who has been hired to manage Beveridge’s new Wilridge vineyard.

“Biodynamics entails trying to utilizing everything within the farm area for the good. You have to change your whole mentality. For instance the usual definition of weed is a plant you don’t like. Instead of spraying and killing weeds, we try to hoe them out and mulch them. If there’s farm animals around you use the manure.

“You can’t use any commercially-made fertilizers or pesticides. It’s a little more lenient than organic farming in some ways but more stringent in others,” he said.
There are seven “preparations” used in biodynamics instead of chemical sprays, he noted. And some of those definitely sound like voodoo to the layman.

“One is a fertilizer compost made from the inside of a cow’s horn that is buried in the ground over winter, then dug up. You take out the inside and make a solution for fertilizing. Another uses bovine intestines with nettles or hawthorn sewed inside. That is suspended out in the vineyard to ward off things you don’t want, like weeds.”

It may sound strange, but Cline says the basics make sense.

“It’s really a mixture of organic farming with the Farmer’s Almanac,” he said. “With biodynamics you do a lot of things with cycles of the zodiac and astrological things. Some people probably think it sounds like voodoo, but it’s really a lot of common sense.

“It’s really things you might find in the Farmer’s Almanac — like on a full moon in the spring you don’t normally want to plant a surface crop, because there’s a good chance you’ll have a frost. You can look at the historical weather data and see that.”

It’s all new to Cline, who can’t vouch for biodynamics personally but sees potential.

“Unfortunately there has never been a lot of scientific data to back it up, but (Washington State University) does have somebody on staff trying to quantify things.”

The key to biodynamics, he said, is “really to be more in tune with what’s going on with your land and nature. For instance I’ll be seeding grass in the vineyard as a cover crop, and the next lunar root-planting cycle is around April 6 or 7. So we’ll do it around then.”

If it works at the Wilridge vineyard, Cline said he might try it on his own grapes.

“A lot of wine producers in Europe and some in the United States are getting good acclaim for doing this,” he said. “Hedges out of Red Mountain and Pacific Rim use it, and a few others are going that direction.”

Being certified as a biodynamic winery could open some marketing doors, he figures.

“I think consumers are more educated about wanting to do more for the environment,” he said. “So this might appeal to some people. After all we in America are the world’s biggest consumers and also the biggest creators of garbage. I think there is trend toward being more responsible. We’ve been raping and pillaging the planet for so long, maybe it’s time to look at alternatives.”

The idea of avoiding farm chemicals definitely appeals to him.

“I went through pesticide poisoning back in the ‘80s and damn near died,” Cline said. “So I have a real respect for what goes into conventional farming and how dangerous it can be.”

Some winemakers who try biodynamic farming report better crop nutrition and less weed and pest problems. Just as importantly for them, they also claim to have better-tasting wines.

“I’m new at it so I don’t know the results yet,” said Cline. “But a lot of wineries are getting seriously good acclaim with this. If nothing else, I can see benefits from somebody farming biodynamically just because they’re more in tune with their farming.

“You have to really watch what’s going on. A lot of this is pretty fascinating to me, but it all goes back to the fact that these guys spend a lot of time in their vineyards — and if you do that, your vineyard is probably going to be in good shape.”

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

03-28-08 Creekside West Sage Restaurant opens

It’s hard to tell who’s more excited about the new Sage Restaurant and Wine Bar — the restaurant owners or the developers of Creekside Business Park.

Jeff and Michelle Euteneier plan to break ground April 9 for a 6,500-square-foot building to house their upscale restaurant. So naturally they’re excited.

And the Marquis family, developer of Creekside Business Park at 40th and Washington in Yakima, is gung-ho about getting the first tenant at their new Creekside West development.

The restaurant will sit at western corner of 40th and Washington, one of many lots awaiting development in the 24-acre parcel across 40th from the existing Creekside office complex. The Marquis’ Wide Hollow Development group has worked for several years preparing the site, getting permit and zoning issues settled and setting the stage with infrastructure work.

All that time they have tried to work a deal to land a restaurant among the first tenants there.

“We’re very excited about this,” said spokesman Trent Marquis. “It’s going to be the same class as Creekside Business Park and will continue to have that same feel. This will be a home run.”

Both Marquis and the Euteneiers sense the need for a high-quality restaurant to serve the growing west Yakima area. The developers have tried to work a deal with another local restaurateur for several years, but that didn’t pan out.

“People on the west side need a nice place where they can go have a good dinner and relax,” Marquis said. “This is in the right place.

“With the Congdons doing what they’re doing for commercial development (the planned Wal-Mart store and other retail projects) and all the housing developments in that area, there’s just a real need there. Apple Tree has done an excellent job out there, and this is really a continuation of that growth. It’s just offering more choices for the westside community.”

Michelle Euteneier is saving most details about the new place for the upcoming groundbreaking event, but said Sage will seat about 160 patrons with a meeting room/overflow area to handle another 50.

“It will be upscale casual dining,” she said. “We’re focusing on local foods, things from the Pacific Northwest, things that belong here.”

Their wine bar will emphasize local wines, she said.

The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, serving a brunch on Saturday and closed Sunday.

Wide Hollow Development is handling the design and construction on the building, which she hopes to have open by later summer or early fall.

“We’re very excited about this location,” she said. “That part of the Valley has been growing, and it’s well connected with two main arterials there. And the Marquis are great to work with.”

With any new development, getting that first tenant is a key to jump-starting the building process. Marquis thinks the restaurant will generate a lot of interest.
“We have all the permit stuff done, infrastructure lined up, we’re ready to go. All we need to do is the asphalt (on Creekside West’s streets). Having the restaurant there will supply Creekside’s business owners and employees a nice place for lunch and dinner, as well as people living in that area.”

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

3.28.08 Many Local Orchards Are Being Replaced By Hops To Meet Heavy Demand

Here’s a switch: Hop farmers have something to smile about.

After many years of a depressed market, last year’s severe hop shortage has created a buzz in the industry.

This year brewers are contracting more acreage at higher prices, and there will likely be still more acreage needed.

So local hop growers are stepping up to fill the growing demand. Many Valley orchards are being torn out and replaced by hop fields.

Ann George, with the Washington Hop Commission and Hop Growers of America, both based in the Yakima Valley, said this is one of the busiest springs she has seen.

“Farmers are busy putting in considerable new acreage. The (U.S. Department of Agriculture) reports won’t come in until June, but I’ve heard estimates that about 5,000 more acres will be planted,” she said.

That means growers are looking for new land or clearing existing land, searching for new or used equipment, and trying to obtain all the hop poles they can.

Hop acreage was reduced considerably in the late 1990s, George said, dropping by about one third. Farmers were having trouble making ends meet, and what usually falls by the wayside in that situation is maintenance and equipment upgrades.
That resulted in hop supply companies looking for other ways to survive during the lull.

Now that the new acreage is popping up all of a sudden, farmers are scrambling to find needed items to grow the specialized crop.

“This has created a lot of challenges,” she explained. “Farmers haven’t been able to replace older equipment and now they can with the higher prices. Over time pole sales were low, but now all of a sudden we need a lot. It has been a scramble.

“If you need new equipment, it isn’t as easy as ordering a grain combine. Everything we have is built by local fabrication companies or other specialized fabricators.”
The 5,000-acre increase estimate sounds like a lot, George added, but it’s not quite to the level it was at in the 1990s.

While the higher prices are good for growers, George said the recent shortage hurt others in the industry, including brewers without contracts for hops that couldn’t get enough hops to make their beer.

“The craft brewers were not able to source enough hops.”

Brewers have realized that contracts are important, she added, and she hopes the trend to contract for needed acreage will help stabilize the volatile hop market — which typically cycles through years of extreme lows and highs.

“It really helps when a grower knows exactly how much he needs to plant to fill demand.”

Another thing that could help stabilize the market is new research that is creating other avenues for hops not related to the brewing industry.

“It would be great for us to not be so dependent on the big brewers,” said George. “Over the years there was an interest in lighter brew, so hop ratios decreased. Now craft brewing has become a phenomenon, so ratios are rising again. All of a sudden different varieties are popular.

“If we could even get 5 percent of hops use from somewhere other than brewing, that would help stabilize things somewhat.”

Clearing Local Land

One local construction company, Cobra Construction, has been busy since January clearing land and pulling up orchards in preparation for farmers to plant hops.

“They’ve got us really hopping,” said Cheryl Gimlin. “It’s been wonderful. We’ve been working hard to keep up. I love to see the Yakima area thriving.”

The company uses grinders to chop up trees — a process she says the Regional Clean Air Authority appreciates as an alternative to burning.

“We can also use the leftover wood chips,” added Gimlin.

The Yakima Valley is one of the few places hops are able to thrive, sitting between the 45th and 50th parallels with an arid climate with irrigation access.

Aside from Yakima, some parts of Oregon and Idaho are ideal for growing hops. The only other big growing regions throughout the world are in Germany and Australia.
Even with the ups and downs of the hop market, many local growers have stuck with it, but have diversified to other crops as well, according to Mike Smith of Loftus Ranches of Yakima.

Due to a low hop market for several years, many have not been harvesting to full capacity, so it makes sense for those growers to rev up hop acreage now, he explained.

“Probably every grower has some expansion, either a few acres or thousands,” said Smith.

While prices are great now, Smith said production costs overall are also up.
About 50 percent of those expenses are wrapped up in labor costs due to the decreased availability of workers and the higher minimum wage. Fertilizer and gas make up the other high production costs for hop growers, he said.

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

3-28-08 Naches Heights Area Lures Vineyards And A New Tasting Facility

Some wineries in the Yakima Valley are headed in a different direction — north … and up.

While most of the wine-producing action locally continues to be to the south of Yakima, a few pioneer-spirited winemakers are testing new territory around the Naches Heights area.

“It’s kind of nice not to be completely alone up here,” said Phil Cline, owner of Naches Heights Winery at 1857 Weikel Road northwest of Yakima.

“A lot of people thought I was crazy trying to grow grapes up here. Maybe they won’t call it ‘Phil’s Folly’ any more.”

Cline’s winery has a nearby neighbor now, Wilridge Winery. The Seattle-based winery has converted a century-old farmhouse into a tasting room where visitors can sample wines from Wilridge, Naches Heights Winery and Harlequin Wine Cellars, a Renton producer.

Another new winery, Fontaine Estates, is opening at 141 Rowe Hill Drive between Naches and Gleed off the Old Naches Highway — also off the usual wine-tour path.

All these places have one thing in common: They’re at a higher elevation than the Lower Valley areas where most local wineries have sprung up. That bucks the conventional Valley wine-growing wisdom.

Cline’s early experience — his first wines were a 2005 vintage —convinced him that the upper elevations work, at least for some varieties.

“I’ve had some good successes up here. The fruit quality has been very good and we have won enough awards to make me think we’ve really got something here.”

He started with 4 acres about six years ago, sold out all the wine he made the first couple of years, and is up to 5 1/2 acres now with plans to keep increasing production. New wines will be coming out this spring.

With no tasting room of his own, Cline is happy to join forces with Wilridge owner Paul Beveridge, who has been in the business 20 years.

“I’ve known him since I started in this business in 2001,” Cline said. “He told me if I ever found a good spot for a vineyard he’d like to grow some grapes, and I kept that in the back of my mind. I knew of this property in Naches Heights and showed it to him. It had been an apple orchard but was fallow for 10 years and the trees were taken out.”

With Cline’s success as a marker, Beveridge decided to take the plunge, purchasing about 80 acres at the end of Ehler Road, off Naches Heights Road about three miles up from Powerhouse Road. There are 8 acres planted now, which Cline is managing for Wilridge.

“It’s a big experimental block with a lot of varieties,” said tasting room manager Damian Legle. “Phil proved that you can grow things like Riesling and pinot gris and syrah, and we have the standbys like sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet.”

The first wines from the new planting will come in about three years. For now, the winery is sampling and selling about 20 wines from Wilridge, Naches Heights and Harlequin.

Cline noted that Harlequin also purchased about 8 acres near the Wilridge land. “He’s planning to take out the orchards and put in grapes, and I think he plans a winery there,” he said.

Cline himself is planting another acre of grapes this year.

“When I started I didn’t know we would get such good-quality fruit. A lot of people thought it would be too cold. But people are excited about the quality of things up here. I’m helping one client plant a vineyard in Cowiche and another on Summitview Extension. So it speaks well for this whole area.”

The Wilridge tasting room opened quietly last fall, and word got out in the wine-fancier community. New highway signs are bringing in more visitors.
“Even without much publicity people have been finding us,” Legle said. “We’re really the only thing of this caliber on this side of town.”
The winery has an expansive view overlooking Cowiche Canyon. It’s even connected to the hiking trail below, and sometimes canyon users climb or bike up the hill to check out the wines.

“We encourage people to bring a picnic lunch. There are all kinds of little spots and vantage points to enjoy,” he said.

Called Wines of Washington — The Tasting Room, the local outlet is an extension of the popular cooperative tasting area Beveridge started in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. It’s open from 11 to 7 Thursday through Monday or by appointment at other times. The phone number is 966-0686.

There’s also a small conference room that can be rented for special events.

“When people come out they realize it’s totally different than anything else around here,” Legle said. “This is really three tasting rooms in one. It makes sense — if people are going to drive out there, we want to make it worth their while.”

Fontaine Estates

On another ridge across the Naches River, Marcus and Amy Robert’s Fontaine Estates will start production this spring.

“We have about 26 acres and we’re growing grapes on about 5 now,” he said. “It will take another season until those are in full production.”

Like Cline, they both grew up locally with orchard backgrounds. “My family has been in agriculture for numerous generations. This is just another way of branching out,” Robert said.

They too have quite a few varieties planted, including some Italian and French grapes not often found hereabouts along with the standards. Robert, who has been an amateur winemaker for 10 years, decided to try it commercially.

“We have made small amounts of syrah just to see how it grows out here, using grapes from a couple of Naches vineyards,” he said.
“The challenges in this area? You’re a little higher, about 1,600 feet elevation compared to under 1,000 for most places in the Valley. That gives typically shorter degree-days and a shorter growing season.

“You have to look hard at the varieties to be compatible with that. And the soils are a little different. From place to place in the Upper Valleys the soils can change quite a bit.”

Once they get their state liquor license they plan to start offering wines at their tasting room, probably around May.

“We also have a large landscaped area for events. We’ve already been scheduling things like class reunions for this summer,” Robert said.

“We’re also thinking about doing custom crushing for other people to help them get started, either for people doing it as a hobby or for small wineries getting started.”
Fontaine Estates can be reached at 972-8123.

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

03.14.08 Gateway to Yakima Changing: Plans for old sawmill site taking shape

The City of Yakima is working on the first phase of redevelopment of the former Boise Cascade sawmill site located at the edge of Interstate 82. The City is working cooperatively with the owners of the 200+ acre site to evaluate the location and identify costs of key public infrastructure needed to support redevelopment.

The first phase will be to identify initial costs and the location of public roads and utilities and complete a market analysis and economic impact assessment. In turn, the developers will conduct a traffic study and complete preliminary designs for a new interchange off of Interstate 82.

Completing the initial feasibility study is an essential first step towards redeveloping this area. The site is one of the few large undeveloped tracts of land on an interstate freeway in Washington State. “This is a major step forward; the mill owners and the city are quickly pushing forward the type of analysis needed to redevelop that site,” said David McFadden, New Vision President. “The mill has been such a fixture for Yakima that this is an enormous opportunity to redevelop the land that is such an important and visual entrance to the entire region”.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

February 2008 - Yakima Real Estate News

02.29.08 The glass is half full – economic trends indicate strong growth

The latest Yakima County economic indicators point to solid growth fundamentals in the regional economy:

• The rate of population growth is 23.3%, exceeding the national average of 20.3%
• The region has experienced strong employment growth over the past six years, growing at a rate (6.5%) more than double the national average (3.1%)
• Record low unemployment rates (6.3% average for 2007) and a rapidly growing labor force indicate the area’s growing economic strength and momentum.

Key demographics are also encouraging:

• Yakima County has a low median age (31.7 vs. 36.5 national).
• The low median age has increased very modestly since 1990.
• The low age and low rate of growth is a strong and unique asset for companies looking to locate or expand in a region with a young workforce.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

2-26-08 New Vocational Technical School Slated for Yakima

The Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-Tech) has recently announced plans to expand into a new location in Yakima. Groundbreaking on the facility will take place in 2008 with plans to accept students in the fall of 2009. YV-Tech offers a variety of technical training programs designed to support key companies and industries within the region. The skills center offers programs and customized training in several areas including health care, computer technology, carpentry, aviation technology and more. According to David McFadden, New Vision President, “YV-Tech works closely with local industries to design and deliver programs that are tailored to meet their specific requirements. Their expansion will help us respond to new industry demands and complement other existing vocational programs within the region.” As a result of the expansion, YV-Tech plans to add new programs in the culinary arts, wine industry, and computer-engineering and also allows more capacity to expand other programs such as nursing and computer programming.

Demand is so great for the nursing program that YV-Tech is expanding in Sunnyside this fall as well. According to YV-Tech Director Craig Dwight, “We just can’t produce enough (graduates in nursing). We had 100-percent placement for our graduates.” Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center works closely with Yakima Valley Community College, Perry Technical Institute and other technical and community colleges to provide advanced placement and credits for high schools students that complete the programs. Currently, over 50 percent of the YV-TECH programs are connected to post secondary training. This significantly reduces student-training time and costs beyond the high school level and allows students to enter the work force sooner and with applicable industry training.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

2-26-08 Favorable Economy Spurs Wheatland Bank's Expansion to Yakima Region

Wheatland Bank recently announced expansion plans to open a branch in the newly renovated Park Square in downtown Yakima. Formed in 1979, Wheatland is an independent, locally owned bank that specializes in the agricultural and small business sectors. The Spokane-based bank is a full-service bank that has branches spread throughout Eastern Washington with plans for even more branches. “We are very excited to be locating a branch in downtown Yakima,” comments Susan Horton, Wheatland Bank CEO. “We’re seeing a lot of positive trends in the region. The downtown renaissance, commercial growth, residential developments and low unemployment rates make this area a perfect fit for us.”

Horton explained that there were two major factors that contributed to the decision to expand to Yakima; high depository levels in existing financial institutions and the excellent quality of people that they were able to attract. “There are 41 banks, credit unions, and/or federal savings & loans operations in the greater Yakima area; as of June 30, 2007, all of those and the branches have a grand total of $1.9 billion in deposits.” Horton continues, “That equates into $46.6 million in deposits, on average, for each branch of a bank, credit union or savings & loan. What’s significant about that is that generally you want about $20 million in deposits in order for a branch to be profitable.”

Higher than average depository levels are strong economic indicators that the local economy is doing well. “Deposit levels were down in 2004-05 for the region.” Horton adds, “Trends are positive now, unemployment rates are more in line with state averages and deposit levels continue to rise. 2006 to 2007 saw about a 5% increase, or over $100 million increase in deposit levels in one year.”

Horton also noted that they were impressed with the years of banking experience and high caliber of the Yakima staff. “Our early success and acceptance is directly associated with the depth of expertise and quality service that our employees provide,” she said. “The Yakima team has over 150 combined years of service; as a community-based, independent bank, we truly appreciate this commitment to agricultural and small business banking.”

“Growing bank deposits reinforce what we already know about our regional economy”, says New Vision President David McFadden. “We are continuing to diversify and improve. Yakima County is seeing across the board growth in retail, services, construction, manufacturing and more.”

In addition to the success from the new Wheatland team, Horton commented that they were impressed with the support they received from city and county leaders. “Yakima is very lucky to have a strong, passionate group of leaders that are driving economic change, encouraging local investment and are committed to forward progress."

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

2-26-08 Yakima Valley Featured in Seattle Business Monthly Magazine

The Yakima region’s economy is on a roll. November’s issue of Seattle Business Monthly Magazine provides an in-depth feature on Yakima County’s improving economy.

According to the magazine’s report, manufacturing, real estate, health care and a rejuvenated downtown are just a few factors lending to the upswing in momentum. Unemployment rates are at historically low levels and the number of jobs created is on the rise. The Yakima Valley has enjoyed the “best job growth in decades”, notes Don Meseck, labor analyst for Washington State Employment Security.

Agriculture remains strong; Yakima County ranks 14th in the nation in the dollar value of agricultural crops produced. At the same time though, new jobs have been added in many different sectors so the region is more diverse than ever before.

“Word is getting out that we have a lot to offer as a community.” said New Vision’s Tammy Everts. “Our strategic location, pro-business attitude and a great, yet affordable, quality of life are combining to make the Yakima Valley very attractive.”

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

2-26-08 Magic Metals Expands Again with New Building Addition

By Randy Luvaas, Yakima Valley Business Times

Magic Metals, one of the Valley’s brightest manufacturing stars in recent years, is adding to its production facility again. And bigger things might be in the works. The Union Gap company is already building a 20,000 square foot addition to the 12,500 square foot facility it completed this summer. “We’re expanding some of our areas to serve one customer. I’m not at liberty to say who that is”, said President Garry Griggs.

The metal working company is now up to 175 employees – a far cry from the six people who worked there when Griggs founded the business in 1985. That’s the most workers ever at the plant, he noted, and a few more are likely to be added for the new expansion. “A lot of that addition is more about increased efficiency, but we’ll probably add a few people.”

Magic Metals has continued to add to its sales and customer base, reporting a 42% increase from 2005 to early 2006. That growth has continued, Griggs said. “We have been adding customers and expanding our work in semiconductors,” he said. Magic Metals does the bulk of its work in fields like semiconductors, construction and telecommunications. Among its many products, the company builds grease applicators that attach to wheels on railroad locomotives, he said. “We’re also doing more work in the railroad industry. We have one customer in Seattle that we ship 6,000 to 7,000 parts a day to.”

With the new addition the company will have 124,000 square feet of building space on its campus. The campus itself has grown as well, with the recent purchase of 3.5 acres to the rear of the facility. “We have something pending now that could really make our sales explode,” said Griggs. “I can’t talk about it yet, but it’s a whole different industry than what we’re into right now.”

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

2-26-08 Valley Economy Perks Along

The Yakima Region’s economy is continuing to proceed at a steady pace, and equally important is the diversity of growth: manufacturing, retail, housing developments, wine industry and tourism are just a few sectors experiencing an upswing in momentum.

Low housing costs continue to be attractive to out of town buyers. Recent groundbreaking took place at the Zillah Lakes project to kick off construction of the first two houses in the new golf course residential community. Phase one begins the construction of 75 houses with completion in the spring of 2008. The project will eventually feature a nine-hole golf course, man made lake, marina type village, shops and 600 houses. Homes are starting at $180,000 for 1,300-2,500 square feet. Listing agent Connie McCarver notes that, “So far, 20 homes have been sold, while 100 people have paid $500 deposits, she said. More than 75 percent of those people are from the Puget Sound area and consider prices in the area a ‘huge bargain’.” (Yakima-Herald)

The owners of Masset Winery are another business investing in downtown Yakima. The Downtown Cellars, located on the ground floor of the Grand Hotel, is an extension of their winery in Wapato. The winery will be open late (11 p.m. weeknights, 2 a.m. weekends) and offer ‘modern tapas’ and desserts. They are banking on the idea that the extended hours will appeal to both tourists and citizens. The tasting room will cater during the day to visitors in town for conventions or events and that by staying open late they will be able to attract local residents who want to unwind after work or enjoy an evening out.

Other developments that are contributing to the sunny outlook are:

• Can-Am Steel’s Sunnyside plant is adding new employees as the company responds to favorable market conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
• Jeld-Wen (window manufacturing) is in the midst of renovating one of its buildings in Yakima to accommodate a new plastic extrusion operation. The modernized plant will support the company’s window manufacturing facility next door and will hire 40-60+ new workers as a result.
• Preliminary plans were approved for a proposed 800,000 square feet regional shopping center and wine cooperative at US Highway 12 and 16 Avenue in Yakima.
• Wines of Washington, a Seattle wine establishment located at Pike Place Market, is partnering with a valley winemaker to start an organic winery, tasting room and nature recreation facility in Naches. The Tasting Room will be located in a converted farmhouse and will open in time for Thanksgiving in Wine Country.
• Costco opened a new 155,000 square feet store in Union Gap this week.

“We are encouraged by the well rounded growth that we are seeing throughout the County”, comments McFadden. “Word is getting out that we have a lot to offer as a community – low housing costs, a great work force and an exceptional quality of life.”

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

2-26-08 Yakima County is a Natural Distribution Center: Coca Cola Expands into Larger Building

Coca-Cola bottling company recently announced plans to expand operations in Yakima. The company outgrew the current warehouse space of 20,000 square feet and will gain an additional 50,000 square feet by taking over the former Trailwagons building. According to Coca-Cola President Bill Dolsen, “This is almost turnkey for us; this was the best facility available.” Coca-Cola employees about 140 employees and has already begun operating out of the new location.

Distribution centers are a logical fit for Yakima County with easy access to Interstate 82 and close proximity to any of the major Northwest markets. Ace Hardware recently built a new distribution center in Moxee, and Grandview is home to a Wal-Mart Distribution Center. “We have a number of industrial sites that are prime candidates for potential distribution centers or companies that rely on easy interstate access,” adds New Vision President David McFadden.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

2-26-08 Medical University Swamped with Interest

The Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences has received so much interest from potential students that they are already considering expanding enrollment in the inaugural class next fall. The school received its preliminary accreditation last month which opened the gates to begin accepting students. The first class will host 70 students – over 800 potential students have already sent in test scores and other materials – prompting officials to explore expanding the class to 100 students.

The school is the first new medical school in 60 years to be opened in the Pacific Northwest and the 25th college of osteopathic medicine in the nation. It is anticipated that the school will draw students from the Northwest – Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Alaska.
“The leadership, vision and commitment of founding physicians, health care professionals and community leaders have made this university possible,” Dr. Butler said. “PNWU works very well here because Yakima is centrally located in the region and is familiar with the health care access challenges rural communities face.”

Adds David McFadden, president of New Vision, the Yakima County Development Association, “This project offers exceptional benefits for the entire region. Undoubtedly this university will present tremendous economic impact in Yakima, but more significantly, communities and people throughout the five-state region will benefit with improved access to medical care by having more physicians in historically underserved areas.”

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

2-26-08 CubCrafters’ 3rd Annual Open House Showcases Launch of New Light Airplane

CubCrafters, is proud to announce their 3rd Annual Open house to be held September 22, 2007. The local manufacturer offers two all new, FAA-certified, ready to fly, aircraft: the second generation SPORT CUB S2, the follow on airplane to the original SPORT CUB: the long awaited redesign of the classic airplane that inspired the light sport category; and TOP CUB, the most capable two-place personal and utility aircraft. In early 2007, CubCrafters was issued only the second FAA ‘production certificate’ in the state of Washington, and is now the only U.S. aircraft manufacturer producing and delivering both standard and LSA category aircraft under an FAA-approved quality assurance program.

Steady demand for the light planes has shown an increase from 20 employees a few years ago, to around 100 currently, and shows no signs of slowing down. CubCrafters’ President and CEO Todd Simmons comments, “With such a special group of employees, products and customers, we will not only maintain that high standard as we go forward, but we are going to accelerate the development of both evolutionary and revolutionary new aircraft, new aircraft products and enhanced aircraft support services.” In 2007, CubCrafters will produce a combined-model total of nearly 100 new aircraft.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

2-26-08 Columbia Winery moving operations from Woodinville to Sunnyside area facility

By John Fannin, Daily Sun News December 19, 2007

Columbia Winery is going where the grapes are, moving all of its winemaking and bottling operations from Woodinville to a spot about 10 miles north of Sunnyside. Columbia isn't a stranger to the Sunnyside area, according to Mia Malm, a spokesperson for California-based Icon Estates, the winery's parent company. Malm says Columbia's white wines are already produced at a facility on Holmason Road near Sunnyside. Covey Run, part of the same ownership conglomerate as Columbia, also has wines produced at the site. It's a location that, appropriately, is surrounded by vineyards and a short drive to the growers that provide Columbia's grapes.

The move announced recently now means that all of Columbia's reds will be based here, as well. Lorenzo Robledo is a cellar supervisor at the Holmason Road plant, and he says the move just makes good sense. "It's not good for the grapes to have to travel three hours from here to Woodinville," he said. "This will improve the quality of the grapes." Robledo, a Mabton resident, said he understands some of Columbia's winemaking may also be done in Prosser.

Either way, it's still a lot closer than Seattle for Columbia employees, who routinely have to travel back and forth between here and the westside, between the crop in Sunnyside and the winemaking process in Woodinville. Malm said the decision was also impacted by a lease on the Woodinville location Columbia has called home for 20 of its 45 years. "Our current lease expires April 30, 2008, so the transition will be sometime before that," she said. Malm also confirmed that the cost of renting the Woodinville site was factored into the decision.

That's not to say Columbia is leaving Woodinville lock, stock and wine barrel. Malm said the winery is looking for a retail location and "hospitality site" in Woodinville. "We're not abandoning Woodinville," she pledged. Columbia has 54 employees and Malm said it's too soon to say how many will be employed at the new Woodinville storefront and how many will move over to Sunnyside. Columbia will not have a retail outlet in Sunnyside, according to Malm. The focus here in Sunnyside is producing the wines. After all, this is where the grapes are. As Malm observed, "For the first time in 45 years we'll have all our winemaking close to the source."

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

2-26-08 Vineyard and Winery Technology Center Opens to Support Growing Wine Industry

The Yakima Valley Community College recently celebrated the opening of the Workforce Education Center on the Grandview Campus. The Center will house an Allied Health Technology program and the Vineyard and Winery Technology program. The viticulture center includes a teaching winery, as well as a laboratory, classroom, tasting room, barrel and case storage, and two start-up winery spaces. "Having the two incubator spaces is unique to any other wine program in the nation; combining the academic and business environment in one setting," notes Trent Ball, Viticulture and Enology Instructor.

The wine industry has exploded in the Yakima Valley and the state. Washington State now hosts over 500 wineries and is second in the nation for premium wine production. As Washington’s favorable reputation for producing world class wines continues to grow, the Yakima Valley’s climate, soil and weather have become even more attractive to the industry. Yakima County is the state’s leader in wine grape production and the region is particularly well positioned for new vineyards and wineries.

“We are really excited to see the development of viticulture training and winery incubator programs,” comments Tammy Everts, Marketing & Development Coordinator for New Vision. “They will accelerate the development of this industry in our area and give us an edge in attracting new wineries and related businesses.”

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

02.15.08 Sign Manufacturer’s Move to New Building Allows for Expansion

Reprinted in part with permission – Yakima Valley Business Times

Dwinell’s Visual Systems, Yakima’s biggest and oldest sign company, is preparing to move into the old Greenway Bingo building on Terrace Heights Drive.

Owner Chuck Colmenero is planning to lease the entire 39,000 square foot facility with hopes of expanding his business. Colmenero bought Dwinell’s in 2003; the company has been in business since 1940.

The current Yakima location houses about 45 employees; the new location has more building and yard space – nearly doubling the manufacturing space – and another plus is the close proximity to Interstate 82. “It has great access and it’s in absolutely great location,” notes Colmenero. “We needed the extra capacity to continue to grow by landing new national accounts; this will allow us to do that.”
“Manufacturing continues to thrive in Yakima County,” comments New Vision’s Mark Mochel, Business and Development Manager. “We have worked with a number of local companies lately that are expanding to meet industry demands.”

Dwinell’s makes a variety of internal and external signs and has regional customers throughout Eastern Washington and Northern Oregon, as well as its base of national customers.

Article contributed by Yakima Valley Business Times

02.08.08 Italstone Custom stone fabricator expanding to Yakima: Hood River, Ore.-based Italstone to open production, retail facility

YAKIMA, Wash. – Italstone, an importer and precision fabricator of custom stone finish materials, plans to open a production, service and sales facility in Yakima, New Vision announced Friday. Italstone-U.S. identified Yakima for its second production facility because of the city’s central location to customers and shipping routes, according to the company’s president and founder, Gjino Ilias. Italstone plans to build an 8,000-square-foot state of the art facility that will include production space customized for precise fabrication of stone used in finish construction. “Yakima offers a supportive business environment that entrepreneurs appreciate and the critical resources their companies need to succeed,” said Dave McFadden, New Vision president. “Italstone has found working with the city of Yakima to be a very positive experience.”

Italstone employs approximately 25 people at its Hood River, Ore. headquarters. The company anticipates it will hire at least that many full-time employees for its Yakima facility. The company will offer apprenticeships, competitive wages and benefits for employees, Gjino said. “We are looking for employees who want a career, not just a job,” Gjino said. “We will train and invest in people who really want to learn and become a true craftsman.” Italstone purchased land on Ahtanum Road and plans to break ground on the new facility in March. Construction is expected to be complete in late summer.

Yakima’s proximity to deep sea ports in Seattle and Tacoma and its quick rail access to those shipping hubs made the city particularly attractive to Italstone. The company imports raw slabs of granite, marble, travertine, limestone, and other stone from quarries around the world in 25-ton cargo containers. It has an online showroom viewable at www.italstone-us.com.

Italstone is the only Northwest Company to import, fabricate, and install stone materials, Gjino said. The company has an established base of central Washington contractors and homeowners it has done marble and granite countertops for over the past several years. Italstone is a member of the Central Washington Homebuilders Association. Its work has been featured in previous Parade of Home houses, HGTV and numerous magazines throughout the Northwest. “The community has been encouraging us to open a facility for some time,” Gjino said. “They have really given Italstone a warm welcome.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

02.01.08 InfoTek Research Relocates Headquarters to Yakima County, Washington

Portland-based research firm InfoTek Research recently relocated its main office to Yakima, Washington after seven years of planning. “This move was made in order to provide a greater quality of service while making research costs for our client more manageable,” according to Tregg Farmer, President. “Most importantly, the Yakima Valley offers our employees a higher quality of life as the access to family activities and recreation are phenomenal.” In addition, the move allowed InfoTek to upgrade its entire technology structure which contributes to increased efficiencies and improved customer services.

InfoTek’s new offices are located about five minutes from the Yakima Regional Airport, a commercial airport that is served by Delta and Alaska Airlines. “Commuting five minutes to our office or only having to drive 20 minutes to some of the best snow skiing in the Northwest is a benefit our employees can enjoy. They don’t have to spend an hour a day commuting in bumper-to-bumper traffic,” notes Farmer. David McFadden, New Vision President, adds, “We are thrilled to have InfoTek join our business community. In addition to cost savings, companies realize that the quality of life here can be a tremendous selling point in keeping their employees happy and productive.”

InfoTek Research was formed in 1993 to provide customized research services to meet specific business needs such as market research, statistical analysis, Internet based data collection, report development, consulting, training and more

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

January 2008 - Yakima Real Estate News

01.25.08 Blueline Manufacturing Expanding Operations in Sunnyside Business Park

Blueline Manufacturing, manufacturer of custom and specialty agriculture machinery, is growing its retail and manufacturing operations with a new facility in the East Edison Industrial/Business Park in Sunnyside. Blueline currently manufactures equipment in Moxee and has a retail center in Sunnyside. Blueline plans to invest $1 million in the new fabrication plant and retail store, adding 25 full-time jobs.

Company President Gregg Marrs says in a recent Yakima Herald Republic article, “For our company to continue growing, we need bigger and better facilities; we like the Lower Valley.” The additional facility will allow the company to nearly double its workforce. “Blueline’s a great company who has benefited from the growth of our agriculture industry,” adds New Vision President David McFadden. “Ag related manufacturing is just a natural fit for our area.”

Blueline produces and distributes specialty orchard and vineyard equipment and tractors throughout the western states, reaching as far as Texas and Michigan. Recent designs include new sprayer technology to keep up with environmental trends.

The company is purchasing six acres in the Port of Sunnyside’s East Edison Industrial/Business Park. “It’s an excellent addition to our Business Park,” comments Amber Hansen, Manager, Sunnyside Port District. “It will be very beneficial to the community to have new jobs and products that support local industry”. Almost 100 acres remain available for expanding or new business on the Edison property.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

01.18.08 Yakima Region Housing Market Bucks National Trends

The housing market in Yakima County remains strong despite nationwide sales declines. Trends in Yakima County remain strong for both residential and commercial growth. According to CNNMoney.com, the average median home price for Yakima is $163,000, compared to $394,700 for the Puget Sound region; prices were positive with a 13.6% increase from the previous year (November 21, 2007). There are over 400 houses on the Yakima MLS ranging from $150,000 to $300,000.

In addition to affordable housing for the average home buyer, sales have picked up for buyers looking for investment properties – both commercial and residential. “I just talked to someone last week from Western Washington who was investing in a rental property in Yakima County”, comments Tammy Everts, New Vision Marketing & Development Coordinator. “She couldn’t believe what a bargain real estate is in the area”.

As the Yakima region’s economy continues to expand at a healthy clip, the region’s residential, commercial, and industrial real estate markets present good opportunities for investors whether they are first time homebuyers or seasoned commercial developers.

Article contributed by Yakima County Development Association

01.11.08 Costco Purchases Plug & Play Site for Call Center Expansion

Reprinted in part with permission. Leah Beth Ward, Yakima Herald Republic.

According to an article in the Yakima Herald Republic, Costco Corp. has purchased the recently vacated HouseValues’ building for a future call center site.

Costco recently expanded retail operations in the area, building a new 155,000 square foot store that opened in October. Chief executive officer Jim Sinegal said that the company has been outgrowing its Issaquah call center, which will remain open and has about 260 employees. Online sales have grown rapidly and Costco also added 31 new stores last year. “We kind of stumbled upon the building while we were over visiting the new place,” said Sinegal. “Yakima and Union gap has been very good to us. We could get a good work force.”
Costco has earned an excellent reputation as a good corporate citizen and for being an employer of choice with loyal employees and customers.