MOSES LAKE - After more than a year of work and waiting, the Moses Lake Civic Center opens today with public tours and events from 1 to 9 p.m.

The $7.9 million building, started last June, includes office space for city staff, larger council chambers, a 3,800 square foot auditorium and a 10,500 square foot home for the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center (MAC).

"We've been planning this for quite awhile," said Moses Lake Mayor Jon Lane. "We hope it will last for the next 50 to 100 years and be a place with community focus for people to hold events."

The grand opening coincides with the MAC's annual holiday show, which features about 70 works from artists Jan Cook Mack, Nik Penny and Lance Dooley.

Guitarist Steven King plays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., followed by swing band Hot Club, which plays from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Attendees can browse a silent auction and the MAC Holiday Store from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30, and children's arts, crafts and entertainment are offered from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission is free and holiday food and drinks are available.

MAC Manager Freya Hart said the museum's move to the new building at 401 S. Balsam Street is more than an address change, it is a testament to the spirit of Moses Lake residents.

"I foresee many opportunities for the museum to pay forward that same spirit," she said. "On behalf of all of the members of the MAC family, I'd like to say thank you for your support which has enabled us to serve our community for over a half century."

Hart said she's not yet certain exactly when the MAC will be permanently open to the public at the new location, but hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MAC admission will continue to be free.

The city will secure a temporary certificate of occupancy for Friday's events and Moses Lake City Engineer Shawn O'Brien said he expects to wrap up any remaining projects in and around the Civic Center over the next few weeks.

"It's all coming together," he said. "It's been an interesting project and the building will be something the community can be real proud of."

Parking lots and the road in front of the center will be paved the week of Thanksgiving, O'Brien said, with landscaping and a roundabout scheduled for completion by Nov. 30.

"This is a building that should stand and provide service to the community for decades into the future," City Manager Joe Gavinski stated in an open letter to Moses Lake residents. "This should be a proud moment for the citizens of the city of Moses Lake."

For more information, visit www.ci.moses-lake.wa.us or call 764-3701.