Spokane real estate firm makes acquisition

The Spokane-based Legacy Group Real Estate has acquired Top Agent Team, expanding its footprint across Tri-Cities, Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, the company said.

“We are incredibly thrilled to partner with Top Agent Team,” said John Graham, chief executive officer and owner of Legacy Group Real Estate, in a statement. “Our shared vision and combined resources will enable us to offer exceptional real estate services to an even broader audience. Together, we are well-positioned to help more families find their dream homes and invest in properties that best suit their needs.”

Legacy has been ranked the largest team in volume and transactions in Spokane, and seventh in transactions and 11th in volume in the state by Real Trends Top Thousand, the statement said. 

Meanwhile, Top Agent Team brings experience and local market knowledge, with nearly $500 million in sales volume over the past decade, it said.

“The merger promises to deliver enhanced benefits to clients, including a broader range of listings, improved market insights, and a seamless real estate experience,” it said.

Contact: 509-922-7355, info@thelegacygrouprealestate.com

Go to: thelegacygrouprealestate.com.

Pasco airport awarded $6M for pavement work

The Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco will use a nearly $6 million federal grant to rebuild more than 4,000 square yards of the east general aviation apron and 8,000 feet of existing taxilane pavement that’s been around since World War II. 

The improvements will help maintain safety and efficiency.

The Federal Aviation Administration grant will go toward funding one of the multiple airport improvement projects that are either currently in progress or recently completed. 

In 2023, Taxiway G was built to improve the experience of the airport’s general aviation users. That same year, work began on the Airport Business Park, Landside and Airside improvement project, which includes new taxiway and edge lights and adds an extension to Rickenbacker Drive that will bring in new sidewalks.

Kennewick seeks input on ‘Missing Middle Housing’

The city of Kennewick seeks input on how best to implement the requirements of the “Missing Middle Class Housing” bill. 

It requires the city to allow up to four dwelling units on every residentially zoned lot. 

Up to six units are allowed if at least two units are designated as affordable units for a period of 50 years.

Go to: bit.ly/KennMiddleHousing.

Senske Services acquires Texas location

Kennewick-based Senske Services expanded into the Dallas-Ft. Worth market with the opening of a new location in Euless, Texas. This new branch is part of the Emerald Lawns division, one of the 10 brands within the Senske family of companies.

The Euless branch, which opened its doors in early February, marks Senske’s fifth branch in Texas and its 39th across North America. 

The Euless location will offer a range of services including lawn care, pest control services and Christmas light installation.

Since securing investments from the private equity firm GTCR, Senske Services has added 11 brands to its portfolio. Senske serves customers in 14 states and Canada, and remains committed to its international expansion strategy by actively seeking partnerships with distinguished home services companies.

Nationwide construction backlog decreases

The construction backlog dropped month-to-month in May across multiple categories, Associated Builders and Contractors reported. 

The group’s construction backlog indicator was at 8.3 months in May, which was down 0.1 months over April and 0.6 months over the same time last year. The backlog declined monthly for almost every company size except those with $100-plus million in annual revenue, the group reported.

“Over a year has passed since the Federal Reserve raised the target range of the federal funds rate above 5%,” said ABC’s Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Despite widespread expectations that rates will remain elevated through at least the end of the year, contractors remain confident about the future, with a majority of contractors expecting their sales and staffing levels to expand over the next six months.”

Fruit grower fined after Othello trench collapse

A Wenatchee fruit grower is facing $353,000 in fines after a trench collapse in Othello that left a worker buried alive. 

The worker, who was injured but survived, was part of a crew  at Stemilt Ag Services LLC repairing an irrigation pipe when part of the trench caved in.

The state Department of Labor and Industries cited Stemilt in March with five willful serious violations in connection with the cave-in.

Willful violations are among the most serious and mean the employer knew or should have known the safety requirements but chose to ignore them. 

The company is appealing the new citation.

The company was cited and fined nearly $17,000 in Quincy in 2021 for violating the same trenching safety rules.

Across the U.S., excavation incidents killed 39 workers in 2022— the highest number since 2017.

Infrastructure improvements planned in Broadmoor area

Pasco says a “transformative partnership” with the Pasco Public Facilities District and Broadmoor Properties will “enhance infrastructure and foster economic growth in the Broadmoor area.” 

The collaboration will use tax increment financing for roadway and infrastructure improvements. 

The public facilities district also announced the Broadmoor area as the future site of its aquatics center.

Road work kicks off in Kennewick 

 Kennewick has started asphalt overlay work, affecting several streets. 

The work will require some lane closures and detours; it’s expected to continue to October.

Check out our road construction roundup for more information on projects in the Tri-Cities at tcjournal.biz/articles/road-projects-2024

Spokane-area casino hotel to open on July 12 

The Spokane Tribal Casino is planning a soft opening of its new, 175-guestroom hotel on July 12. 

The casino, located along Highway 2 west of Airway Heights outside Spokane, is currently hiring more workers to staff the expansion, the Spokane Journal of Business reported.

Newhouse announces airport investments

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, announced federal grants for airport improvements, including at the Port of Benton’s Richland Airport. 

The port will receive $765,959 for the second phase of its project to reseal 8,010 feet of existing runways.

New state law helps consumers left with poor construction 

 A new state law aims to help consumers who are left with poor or unfinished construction projects. The law raises the total bond amount required for general contractors to register or renew with the state Department of Labor & Industries.

Bonds for specialty contractors (registered in one specialty like concrete or painting) are rising to $15,000 from the previous $6,000.

Electrical and plumbing contractors, who are licensed under different sets of laws, are not affected by the new bond requirements.

It’s the first time general and specialty contractor bond amounts have been raised since 2001.

Benton County farm awarded state grant

The state Department of Agriculture has awarded $1.5 million in grants to support local food system infrastructure, supply chains and market access, and a Benton County farm is among the recipients. 

Moon Family Farm will use $37,539 to make granary loadout bin and facility alterations to improve truck access and loading clearance. 

Forty projects were chosen for funding.

WaFd sells $2.8B in multifamily loans 

 The Seattle-based Washington Federal Bank, which has a new location in Kennewick, announced that it has sold $2.8 billion in multifamily commercial real estate loans to Bank of America, which will then sell those loans to funds managed by Pacific Investment Company LLC. 

The sale was made at no loss to WaFd and provides immediate liquidity going forward, the bank reported.