Opinions will be sought for Christian Science building

By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 18th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Christian Science building at South Main Street and Southwest Byers Avenue continues to be a topic of conversation for the Pendleton City Council. The city now owns the iconic building, which it received as a gift from the Bisnett family.

Several opinions of what the city should do with the building have been expressed. Mayor John Turner said it is not the city’s plan to do anything with the building except determine the best individual plan from developers who want to improve it.

“The city does not intend to retain the Christian Science building,” he said. “This is a very unique architectural structure. We want to make sure that the highest and best use is made of it.”

Turner said that the city plans to seek opinions from the public. A survey is in the works and there will be time for people to talk about their visions for it. He added that the city will have a booth at the Farmers Market during May to hand out flyers about it and there will be an open house at the building for people to look inside on May 11 and 22. Times for that event will be announced closer to the dates.

“We want ideas from our citizens so we can put out a request for proposals for developers to come in and do something meaningful for this structure,” he said. “The city is not going to spend $3 million or $4 million building some sort of performing arts or wedding venue or anything like that.”