Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
On February 11, Waitsburg City Council will consider bids for two properties, including 147 Main Street, which until recently housed City Hall.
The building is one of two properties the City has decided to surplus. The bidding process is described in the legal notice by the city. The council will consider the bid amount and the proposed use for the property.
Most of the wooden structures on Main Street were destroyed in a fire in September 1880. Using locally sourced brick, new buildings replaced the lost structures to rebuild the town's commercial district. The First National Bank was established, and the building was built in 1889.
In 1974, the bank decided to relocate, and the Waitsburg City Council offered $4,000 for the building. The city hall was moved from the Weller Public Library building to the former bank's ground floor and mezzanine levels. Some upgrades were made over the years, including uncovering the keystone windows, painting the interior and exterior, and replacing some flooring. Once used as office space, the upstairs has not been upgraded and is unoccupied.
With the recent sales of commercial buildings left vacant for many years, there are no longer any historically significant buildings left for sale. This beautiful brick building, with arched windows, stunning light, and a built-in vault, offers a unique opportunity for someone who is not afraid of a challenge.
Contact City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe at 509-337-6371 during business hours for more information and to arrange a viewing. The appraisal and other information about the building is available at the city's website, http://www.cityofwaitsburg.org.
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