GTA ponders future of former car dealership site in Ephrata
"We are excited about the potential of this facility," the transit agency stated.
Editor’s note: the following article was updated on Thursday, March 5, 2026 to include additional information, comments and photos:
EPHRATA — Grant Transit Authority gathered public input and outlined possible future uses for the former Barry Automotive property on South Basin Street during an open house Tuesday afternoon, March 3.
“Community members have consistently highlighted the desire for dedicated spaces and programs, particularly for youth activities,” GTA general manager Eric Loomis told GCJ.news. “Ideas include potential collaborations with local schools, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and other community partners to create a multifaceted hub that goes beyond traditional transit services.”
The transit agency had encouraged area residents and public officials to visit the informal drop-in session and learn more about possible options for the facility.
Loomis said the property, acquired last summer for $2.55 million, is being repurposed as part of GTA's efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure and community amenities in the area.
No specific timeline has been developed, but scoping and design work will likely continue into April and May, Loomis said on Tuesday. He did not expect any construction start until sometime in 2027. Any development would be paid for with transit reserve funds; not a tax increase, bond measure or rider fares, said Loomis.
GTA’s board of directors — which includes Grant County commissioner Kevin Burgess, Ephrata mayor Steve Oliver, Soap Lake city councilman Andrew Arnold and other representatives — will continue discussions during a workshop at the site on Thursday, March 19 with consultant ALSC Architects of Spokane. The 10 a.m. workshop will be followed by a board meeting. Both are open to the public.
GTA has been providing bus and other public transit services across Grant County for three decades. It offers free fares and is available to all citizens. Although headquartered in Moses Lake, there is significant north-south vehicle traffic passing through Ephrata and the new location could significantly expand GTA’s exposure and become a community hub.
In a “visioning session” held in late January, several GTA officials met with community representatives that included the Ephrata Senior Center, Columbia Basin Hospital, Ephrata police, the City of Soap Lake, Soap Lake School District, and People for People transit services.
They outlined several draft concepts for the expansive property, which includes large lots on both sides of Basin Street and two large buildings that housed the former auto dealership’s showroom/offices and repair shop.
A wide range of possibilities were shared: a community center with a stage and commercial kitchen; an indoor market or space for swap meets; exercise/sports spaces for both youth and seniors; meeting spaces for youth organizations and after-school programs, vehicle park-and-ride site, and fleet storage and a small-scale maintenance/repair shop for buses and other transit vehicles.
Incorporating a historical perspective of the community is also considered “a big part of this,” said Loomis.
A visit to the Mason (County) Transit Authority’s community center in Shelton provided local officials with potential ideas for the Ephrata site, said Loomis, a Montana native and 22-year transit veteran who started as GTA’s general manager in September 2023.
In its consultant role, ALSC Architects has outlined some public perceptions of GTA services.
Topics of discussion have included: expanding communication about GTA’s free fares; availability to commuters and students attending Big Bend Community College; access to medical facilities; and a need for “intercity connectivity.”
Among stigmas that were expressed: some perceive bus riders as scary and/or criminals; there is a misconception that the project will raise taxes; and some hold a negative view of GTA’s purchase of the former auto dealership which previously brought revenue to the city.
To transition possible concepts into “concrete” proposals, GTA has said future decisions will focus on “partnerships, safety, accessibility, community benefit, and inclusive transportation solutions for Ephrata and Grant County.”
