Trades District evolves into growing East Wenatchee destination

EAST WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority is moving forward with early design work for Phase Two of the Trades District in East Wenatchee, with commissioners saying the next phase will build on the unexpected success of the first while also trying to create more space for trades and light industrial businesses.

Commissioners approved a professional services agreement Tuesday with ALSC Architects for initial Phase Two design work at the Trades District, authorizing up to $201,286 for early planning, site evaluation and conceptual alternatives.

The discussion made clear that commissioners view the existing Trades District as a success story, even if it evolved differently than originally expected.

“We had a home-run success with the existing facility,” Commissioner Richard DeRock said during the discussion.

The Trades District, located near Pangborn Memorial Airport, was initially envisioned as a space for makers, trades businesses, workshops and small-scale industrial tenants.

Instead, several retail-oriented businesses became some of the development’s most visible successes, helping turn the area into a growing commercial pocket that now draws regular foot traffic and community activity.

Commissioners said Tuesday they want to preserve the energy and momentum that emerged organically in the first phase while also creating more flexibility for trades-focused tenants in the next stage of development.

“We still think that need is out there,” DeRock said while discussing future tenant recruitment and building design.

Port CEO Jim Kuntz said the Phase Two planning process will focus heavily on flexibility, tenant needs and long-term usability.

“We know that Phase Two has to look similar to Phase 1,” Kuntz said, while discussing ways to create more cost-effective and adaptable spaces.

Commissioners also discussed the realities of startup businesses and the importance of designing spaces that can evolve as tenants change over time.

“We have fragile businesses,” DeRock said, referring to the challenges many small startups and retailers face.

Under the approved agreement, ALSC will evaluate multiple development concepts, including different layouts, construction approaches and tenant configurations before returning to the board with recommendations later this year.

Commissioners also discussed gathering feedback from existing Trades District tenants and regional partners as planning continues.

While Phase Two discussions focused heavily on building design and tenant flexibility, the broader conversation hinted at something larger taking shape around the airport corridor.

What began as an effort to create affordable space for small businesses is increasingly evolving into a recognizable neighborhood of shops, makers, trades businesses and gathering spaces, with commissioners openly discussing how future phases could continue expanding the area’s identity and activity.

Rather than treating the Trades District as a single standalone project, commissioners repeatedly framed it as something that will continue growing and adapting over time.

“This is going to come back to you,” Kuntz told commissioners while describing the next phase of the planning process.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media