City of Wenatchee Hires Contractor to Demolish Old WSDOT Building on North Wenatchee Avenue

The Wenatchee City Council voted to approve the demolition of the old Washington State Department of Transportation building on North Wenatchee Avenue, as well as a nearby service building, as the next step in the development of Columbia Avenue.

Mayor Frank Kuntz said the city will hire contractor Ascendent, LLC out of Puyallup. Ascendent submitted the only bid, for just over $1 million after tax.

"It seems like this is the right time to get it done." stated Kuntz, "We had developers sort of kicking tires out there, but I don't think they see the true vision yet until those buildings are down and you can see the expanse of the property that is there."

The city found no takers last year when it offered the property 'as is.'

Kuntz estimated that once the work is done the property should be worth around $5 million. When the demolition and sale process is complete, it is likely the city will be slightly in the red on the project. However, officials appear comfortable with the prospect if it leads to a development of a McKittrick Street underpass, Columbia Avenue and business in the area.

Ascendent has already done work for the city recently. A year ago, the contractor removed some buildings formerly owned by Northwest Wholesale.

The demolition project includes asbestos removal and should take around 45 days, starting next month.