Hunter Interests Inc., which has been working with the city forseveral months, released a report last week suggesting downtownKent should be developed as a "hip" South County hub for youngadult nightlife and entertainment. In its report, Hunter Interestsstresses that drawing people to the downtown core around the clockis key to revitalization and recommends that the city do this bymaking a 14-screen cineplex the major anchor attraction after 5p.m.

The consulting firm also suggests other entertainment such asdining that includes themed restaurants and a brewpub, an arcade orpool hall and retail outlets such as book and music stores thatprovide interactive entertainment. In addition, the firm stronglyrecommends office space and high density housing on the upperfloors of retail buildings – aimed at attracting adults in the18-35 age range who are interested in living within walkingdistance of such diverse entertainment.

City officials, which plan to install utilities and resell theland to a private developer who will build a mixed use developmentthat adheres to the city's design guidelines, figures anydevelopment is at least two to three years out depending on howlong Boren continues to operate its plant and how long it takes toclean up the contamination on the property.