High-end bridal boutique aims to be 1st to build at Kennewick’s Vista Field
Blueberry Bridal Boutique marked a historic milestone this week when it became the first private business to stake a claim at Vista Field.
Owner Amber Keller aims to move her high-end bridal boutique to Vista Field, the Port of Kennewick’s ambitious makeover of a municipal air field that closed to planes nearly 10 years ago.
Keller, who told the Tri-City Herald she won’t elaborate on her plans until she lines up a construction loan, tearfully shared her story during the port commission’s regular business meeting July 11.
Their vision of a walkable neighborhood is a perfect match for her boutique, she told the port’s elected leaders.
“The vision you guys have put together for Vista Field is the same vision I have,” she said, citing the fountains, tree-lined streets, curved roads and even the blue streetlights that echo the name of her business, Blueberry.
The Tri-City native opened Blueberry nearly five years ago after discovering a passion for helping brides find their dream wedding dresses while working at a boutique in Seattle. Blueberry is currently at 8901 W. Tucannon Ave., near Columbia Center mall.
The commissioners agreed to enter a 90-day negotiation period to sell a lot at the center of the property to Keller.
“You’re making history. Your building is beautiful. I hope we have other people join you in your passion for Vista Field,” said commission chairman Skip Novakovich. “Let’s make this happen.”
Low land offer
Her initial offer of $74,340 is nearly $24,000 less than the $98,000 the port hoped to command for lots in the area.
The port also hoped businesses in that area would have live-work space. Keller planned to live above her shop, but rising interest rates forced her to reconsider. It will not be a live-work space.
She will pursue a loan backed by the Small Business Administration to construct a 4,128-square-foot boutique with soaring windows and a mezzanine. Most importantly, it will have ample windows to admit the northern light, which Keller said is the most complimentary to brides.
Keller said the building will be feminine, with rounded windows, light colors and landscaping.
Keller selected the lot at Crosswind Boulevard and Azure Drive for its access to sunlight and its proximity to Vista Field’s linear water feature, which connects various fountains along the length of the project.
She said she can envision families gathering along the water, enjoying coffee and ice cream.
Keller first signaled her interest in Vista Field in June 2022, when she handed a letter of interest to Amber Hanchette, the port’s director of real estate, during a June 2022 grand opening celebration.
In the interim, she’s worked with an architect to design a one and a half story building with a mezzanine and a soaring staircase where brides can model wedding dresses.
Port officials say their designs meet the vision for Vista Field.
Vista Field vision
The Port of Kennewick closed the former municipal airfield to planes at the end of 2013 and has worked to prepare the 103-acre property into an urban mixed-use zone with retail, restaurants, offices, residences and other amenities.
It listed the first 21 parcels on 20 acres in the heart of the site for sale more than a year ago. A Richland sushi restaurant indicated interest in moving to Vista Field, but Blueberry is the first proposal to reach the formal negotiation stage.
The port itself is pursuing a project to convert former airplane hangars into a pavilion that will serve as a shaded gathering spot on the east side.
If the port and Keller can agree on terms, they will enter a purchase sale agreement leading to the actual sale.
Vista Field will develop in eight phases. The port anticipates up to $500 million in private development leading to 740,000 square feet of office, retail and other space and more than 1,000 homes, apartments and condos.
Go to vistafield.com
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