Plans still in works for downtown parking lot

The Thunder Dome Car Museum is looking at building a commercial building on the site.

No decisions have been reached but all indications are that the now-vacant parcel north of the Enumclaw library will be turned into a parking lot with a commercial building on one corner.

Negotiations continue between the city and the owner of Thunder Dome Car Museum with regard to the development of the grassy field. The property in question sits between Railroad and First streets, bordered by Washington Avenue on the north and the public library.

The land, owned by the city, currently is used on a seasonal basis for the community “pea patch.” That offering has been put on hold this year as the city works out development details.

Nothing was on the agenda during this week’s meeting of the Enumclaw City Council, but expectations are that an agreement could be on a July agenda.

The property, which has sat vacant for years, has become a topic of conversation since the Thunder Dome owner proposed a joint agreement with the city. As discussed, Thunder Dome would pay for paving the lot, the city would retain ownership of the land and the public would have access to the additional parking – unless Thunder Dome was hosting an event.

An early addition to the plan was the proposed development of a commercial building at the intersection of Washington and Railroad. Discussions broke down with the proponent, however.

Now, Thunder Dome is proposing a commercial building of its own. The plans remain the same; namely, the city would not collect rent on the land during a three-year start-up period and the contract would call for a 50-year lease, with a pair of 10-year options.

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