Tribe well-served by land purchase

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• Published May 20, 2008

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Hawks Prairie, once covered by scrub trees and Scotch broom, is quickly emerging as a thriving economic center for Thurston County.

It started with the construction of Cabela's, a giant outdoors store, which will anchor the new Lacey Gateway retail center. South Puget Sound Community College officials have announced plans to build a satellite campus off Marvin Road, and the Nisqually tribe has purchased 40 acres that could be used for a convention center, a family entertainment business or more retail stores.

The tribe paid $17.2 million for 30 acres of commercial property, adding to the 9.6 acres of adjacent property purchased by the tribe for $6.8 million last month. The commercially zoned property is north of Interstate 5 and west of Marvin Road.

Tribal officials say they have no plans to develop a casino on the property but said after spending more than $20 million to buy the land, the tribe likely will develop the property rather than sell it. Chairwoman Cynthia Iyall said, "We would like to become more of a player economically and blend in more with the surrounding communities."

It's terrific to see the tribe on sound financial footing. That's a quick turnaround from just a few years ago, when the tribe struggled financially.

And a convention center certainly would be a welcome addition to Hawks Prairie.