- HIGHWAY 12 | HARBERT ROAD | MILL CREEK ROAD
The plan is for a walkable, community-oriented neighborhood on the east end of the City of Walla Walla.
Overview
The long-range vision for the MC Gateway Community is a cohesive and harmonious integration of neighborhoods, open spaces, streets, and places that create a unified identity. The inspiration for the community is from traditional neighborhoods found throughout the northwest that focus on walkable streetscapes, parks, trail systems, and timeless architecture woven together with a fabric of open spaces. The character and style should be authentic to the Walla Walla region in form, color, materials, and scale while allowing for forward thinking and modern use of materials and technology.
Master Plan Summary
The overall community is comprised of a series of smaller neighborhoods that are set within a connected network of open spaces, parks and trail systems. Each neighborhood may have its own identity, though it will be harmonious and integrated within the overall development. A primary amenity of the community is a feature lake with an adjacent linear park and trails system. A trail system connects to the Lake from various neighborhoods and places of the community.
Context & Connections
- Complement and blend within the City of Walla Walla and the surrounding area.
- Connect to existing trails and open space systems
- Complement and respect adjacent land uses
Character and Identity
- Architecture for residential, commercial, retail, and support buildings should be inspired from traditional forms, colors, materials and scale of buildings of the Pacific Northwest and Eastern Washington region.
- There should be a reasonable range of style types in response to the demands of the market, builder capabilities, and developer goals.
- The vernacular should allow for a blend of modern interpretation of traditional styles, materials, and forms.
- The landscape and architecture should present a unified theme and character.
OVERVIEW
TIMELINE
-SEPA (environmental) application filed with City
-Application for Phase 1 subdivision filed with City
-Public hearing before Hearing Examiner
-Hearing Examiner Report
-City Council Decision
Owners to submit for approval and proceed with development one Phase at a time, currently envisioned in 6 total phases
Shaping a sustainable rural landscape.
The idea was born. To create a stewardship-led design approach that blends modern amenities and a rural lifestyle to create a community that is functional, beautiful, and enjoyed for generations to come.
01
Innovative design
Creative design that meets the needs of modern living.
02
Sustainability focus
Prioritize eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact.
03
Efficient land use
Optimize layouts to balance residential, commercial, and recreational needs.
04
Local Jewel
Emphasize the beauty and resources available in the Walla Walla area.
A sustainable and people-centric approach to community neighborhood development.
A sustainable and people-centric approach to community neighborhood development. Phase 1 comprises approximately ~110 lots (128 units), designed around walkable streets, alley-loaded parking, and 30%+ preserved open space built under the existing City of Walla Walla’s Urban Planned Community code.
- 1/ Master Planning
- 2/ Transportation Planning
- 3/ Landscape Design
- 4/ Zoning and Land Use Analysis
- 5/ Resource Sustainability
- 6/ Economic Benefit Planning
Some of the positive comments we have received:
We're happy to answer.
There are a lot of concerns and we would like to address them. We understand the term “housing development” leaves some folks weary. Below are answers to frequently asked questions and concerns.
How big is this actually going to be? The article said 670 homes and a hotel.
Although our studies provide for various numbers of lots/homes, hospitality and commercial space, depending on each phase, we plan to respond to market demand by phasing the project and applying for approval phase by phase. The current application is for preliminary approval of Phase 1: approximately 110 lots, a mix of single-family and townhouses, built over the next 2 to 5 years. Each phase beyond Phase 1 will require new preliminary plat applications and have the detail that can be found in the existing Phase 1 application, based on market demand and community needs.
Is this a re-zone?
No. The property was designated as Urban Planned Community (UPC) by the City of Walla Walla through a public process that was completed before MC Gateway purchased the land. Mill Creek Gateway is an application to build under the zoning that already exists. The development is consistent with the Walla Walla City Comprehensive Plan.
Where is the water coming from? Walla Walla has a documented water shortage.
Every home in Mill Creek Gateway will be served by City of Walla Walla water, which already has the capacity for all contemplated development. We are working with the DOE on a deep basalt well for open space irrigation. If the well is not feasible, we intend to use City water. We are not drawing from any surface water source. We plan to use native and drought-resistant landscaping throughout the neighborhoods to reduce demand from day one.
This land has been farmed. What happens to that?
Since purchasing the property in 2016, the land has continued to be actively farmed under a contract agreement. We hope to maintain farming operations on undeveloped portions of the property for as long as possible.
The open spaces, trails, parks, and community gathering areas envisioned for MC Gateway are not mandated by regulations. They reflect a deliberate commitment by the ownership team to create a community that embraces the values and character of Walla Walla. A place where neighbors know one another, people still wave as they pass, and shared spaces help foster meaningful connections.
What about traffic?
Apex Companies completed a Traffic Impact Analysis (October 2025) studying 18 intersections under existing, Phase 1, full buildout, and 2045 forecast scenarios. Every intersection studied operates at acceptable levels of service in every scenario tested.
What housing options and price points will be available?
This project has been designed to offer a range of home styles, sizes, and lot types. Pricing will vary depending on the size of the home, the size and location of the lot, and the features included. Additional details will be provided as homes are released for sale.
What type of development will this be?
We plan to develop a community, with mixed development, families, and all ages of occupants. We hope the project will have broad appeal, with the exact mix market-driven. We are not planning on gating the community and hope the entire Walla Walla community will make use of the development and amenities.
Is this pedestrian and bike friendly?
Yes. The conceptual plan includes a conceptual trail plan. We are hoping for an easement from the city that will allow us to connect our trails to Rooks Park.
Someone tried to develop this land and it didn't happen. What's different now?
A different team, a different design, and a different infrastructure context. The City has made significant water and utility investments since that time.
Who's actually behind this?
It’s us! The group proposing Mill Creek Gateway includes the same group that developed the Abeja farmstead beginning in the 2000’s. They’ve been working and living in the Walla Walla Valley for more than thirty years. The development entity is MC Gateway, LLC. You can contact us through this website below. Link here for more information on the team.
We want to hear from you...
If you’re looking to support/endorse the project, have a question that isn’t answered, or want to join the list of contacts for when we start selling homes, send us a note.