El Katif Shrine Center, the Spokane-based chapter of the international fraternal organization that supports Shriner's Hospitals for Children, is constructing a $2.1 million event center at the former Worden's Washington Winery property on the West Plains.

Baker Construction & Development Inc., of Spokane, is the contractor on the project, which will include a 19,000-square-foot community convention center and parking-area improvements at 7217 W. Westbow Blvd., says Reed Caudle, Baker's vice president.

El Katif's executives could not be reached for comment.

Infrastructure and foundation work is nearly complete, and walls will go up as early as this week, Caudle says.

"The intent is to construct a building not only for El Katif's own use, but for other groups," he says.

The building will be constructed with a combination of masonry blocks and pre-engineered steel, Caudle says. Whipple Consulting Engineers Inc., of Spokane Valley, is the civil engineer on the project.

The building will have an event-center area with a maximum occupancy of 495 people. The structure also will have dividing walls to allow the center to hold up to three events simultaneously.

Other amenities will include a warming kitchen for prepared food and beverages.

A second phase of construction will include a roughly 5,000-square-foot office addition, as well as additional parking, Caudle says. Construction of the second phase, which is expected to cost about $500,000, could begin as early as February.

El Katif acquired the property, which includes 6 acres of land, in early 2010.

Other structures there include a 4,000-square-foot storage building and a 700-square-foot multipurpose building that was at one time the winery's office. Worden's Washington Winery was founded in 1980 and renamed Wyvern Cellars under new owners in 2000. It closed in 2003.