RiverCom begins $7 million renovation of future Wenatchee 911 center

WENATCHEE — Construction began this week on RiverCom’s future 911 dispatch center, a $7 million renovation that will expand capacity and strengthen the facility’s ability to operate during disasters.

RiverCom purchased the 11,000-square-foot commercial building at 2525 Euclid Ave. in November 2025 for $3.8 million, replacing earlier plans to build a new facility in East Wenatchee. Renovations are scheduled for completion in late 2027.

“Purchasing an existing building and renovating it to meet our needs is the fiscally sound choice—saving an estimated ten to fifteen million dollars compared to new construction,” RiverCom Executive Director Doug Jones said.

The project will expand the center from 11 telecommunicator workstations to 16, providing room for future staffing and additional capacity during major regional emergencies.

RiverCom handles 911 calls throughout Chelan and Douglas counties and dispatches regional law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. Its telecommunicators handle an average of 140 emergency calls and 275 nonemergency calls each day.

Renovations will include reinforcing the building’s walls, footings and roof to meet Risk Category IV building standards, which require 911 centers to withstand natural disasters and continue emergency operations. The work also includes security improvements and backup systems for critical operations.

An elevator and radio tower will be added, and the building’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems will be upgraded to support dispatch operations and enhanced Next Generation 911 technology.

According to RiverCom, the project is fully funded through an additional 0.1% sales tax approved earlier this year by voters in both counties. The measure received 70% support.

“We are extremely grateful and honored by our community’s overwhelming support for the funding measure,” Jones said.

“As we move forward with this project—and those planned for the future—we remain committed to the responsible use of their hard‑earned dollars by investing wisely, operating efficiently, and ensuring every improvement directly strengthens public safety,” he said.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media