It was indeed a “grand” opening of the Chelan County PUD's new service center in Olds Station Saturday morning. Hundreds of people were in attendance for the dedication and ribbon cutting. PUD Commission President Randy Smith explained how it all began:
And it's a huge financial stake, the PUD has invested 165-million dollars in the new facility. Over the years in reporting this story, you've heard from PUD officials. But Saturday, the architect and the contractor told their stories. Randy Cook of TCF Architecture explained how his firm worked with the PUD:
Cook explained that the design of the new building reflects not only the area in which it sits, but the county itself:
Absher Construction was brought into the project in 2019; Absher Vice President Curt Gimmestad:
With that, the ribbon was cut and the building was opened for tours; around the property were stations that described the PUD's various operations, including parks, fiber, and salmon restoration. Visitors were given tickets for free food, and everyone who took the tour got a free cookie at the end from Gerald's Cafe.