Former Kent Mayor Jim White and current Mayor Dana Ralph next to the star placed for White on the Kent Station plaza. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

Former Kent Mayor Jim White and current Mayor Dana Ralph next to the star placed for White on the Kent Station plaza. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

Former Mayor White gets a star

For role in bringing Kent Station shopping center to downtown

Former Kent Mayor Jim White received a star Thursday on the Kent Station plaza outside of the AMC theatre for his role to bring the shopping center to downtown 14 years ago.

White served as mayor from 1994 through 2005. The City Council voted 4-3 in 2004 to sell the city-owned property to Tarragon. A few council members were opposed because the city sold the property to the developer for a lower price than what the city had paid for it a few years earlier. White helped lead negotiations to buy the property from Borden Chemical.

“The star is a celebration of Mayor Jim White’s tireless work in bringing Kent Station to our downtown,” Kent Mayor Dana Ralph said in her weekly newsletter. “He was instrumental in making this happen. His vision to create a wonderful gathering place for the community to enjoy for generations to come has been recognized.”

Kent Station opened in late 2005 and has become a popular gathering spot for shopping, dining, entertainment and personal and professional services.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

More in Business

t
Bezos’ Kent-based Blue Origin enters presidential endorsement controversy

Company leaders met with Trump shortly after Bezos’ Washington Post decided against any endorsement

Best of Kent 2024 winners announced!
Best of Kent 2024 winners: See the list here

Check out the Kent Reporter’s special section.

Paul Raftis (right) of Paolo’s Italian learned how to cook from his mother, Darlene Risse Raftis (left). Courtesy photo.
Vittoria! Paolo’s Italian wins big

It’s been a good month for Paolo’s Italian Restaurant in Kent —… Continue reading

The Hardys also were able to visit Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland while escorting a client’s European trip, summer 2024. Courtesy photo.
From Alaska to the Rhine, Jennifer Hardy has your travel needs in mind

When it comes to planning a cruise trip with the family, fewer… Continue reading

Darren, Ryan and Launice Malmassari and Becca Pimentel all work at Kent East Hill Nursery as a family. Courtesy photo
Kent East Hill Nursery continues to grow

When the Malmassari family took over the Kent East Hill Nursery in… Continue reading

t
Maggie’s on Meeker owner receives state Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Honor given to Raman Arora at statewide conference in Walla Walla for bringing Main Streets to life

t
Kent-based Blue Origin completes 27th mission to space

Company debuts second vehicle in efforts to meet growing customer demand to board flights

(Photo from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library)
Health insurance premiums to rise for WA small businesses

This marks the highest increase for small employers in the last decade.

t
Top Pot Doughnuts opens new production facility in Kent

Company plans to open cafe at site in early 2025

Voting is underway for the Best of Kent 2024!
Best of Kent 2024: Vote for your local favorites

Vote today for your favorite Kent businesses, restaurants, people and more!

Dick’s Drive-In is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with parties at its locations, including 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, Dick’s Drive-In
Dick’s Drive-In plans special anniversary celebration in Kent

Restaurant started 70 years ago in Seattle; party in Kent from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16