Port of Sunnyside Continues Downtown Revitalization Efforts: New HopTown Pizza Coming Soon
Sunnyside, Washington – The Port of Sunnyside has worked with the Washington State Department of Ecology and Department of Commerce to secure grant funding for the cleanup and renovation of a property that will soon be home to a new HopTown Wood Fired Pizza. The property, located at 400 South 6th Street in the heart of downtown Sunnyside, was formerly the location of the historic Planter’s Hotel, followed by a fast-food restaurant, and was left contaminated with heating oil from an old underground storage tank. This contamination presented complex barriers to redevelopment and led to the brownfield property being left underutilized for decades. With the successful cleanup process now complete, construction is now well underway on the restaurant, with a grand opening celebration planned for June. HopTown reports the restaurant will bring over 20 new jobs to Sunnyside.
This project is the latest in the Port’s portfolio of brownfield redevelopment properties, demonstrating the local agency’s commitment to economic revitalization through infill development. The Port recognizes that brownfield sites present unique challenges, but also offer great potential for the transformation of underutilized properties in prime locations. By working with state agencies over several years to secure over $1 million in funding, the Port has again demonstrated its ability to successfully navigate the complexities of cleanup and redevelopment of problematic properties to the benefit of the environment and economy of Sunnyside.
"We are thrilled to have such a fruitful partnership with Ecology and Commerce and are grateful to see this property being transformed into a vibrant new restaurant. This is another great example of the Port's ongoing commitment to economic revitalization through investment in projects that bring new opportunities and jobs to our community. The Port of Sunnyside is proud to have played a key role in making this project a reality." – Jay Hester, Executive Director of the Port of Sunnyside.
Posted November 13, 2023
