Ackerman update: Potential tenants check spaces in CETC building

The former CETC building on Main Street in Colfax may soon have new tenants.

Scott Ackerman, along with partner Ken Hanson of Colfax-based N Hot Water, bought the former Elks Club building, later known as the Community Education and Training Center, at public auction Nov. 13.

Ackerman’s winning bid was $41,000 for the property, building and contents of the building, plus the buyer’s premium, which made the total $45,100.

Monday, Ackerman said tenants are looking at renting two-thirds of the building. Nothing firm has been settled and Ackerman said because they still are exploring options, he can’t divulge what kind of business might be occupying the building.

Ackerman and his partners also now own the Hunter’s Appliance building on Main Street across from the Whitman County Courthouse, but he said at present he does not have a potential occupant.

The CETC building was located on the site of the former Colfax Elks building which was destroyed by fire in January of 1972.

Along with the lodge that took the second floor, the building housed Sullivan’s Restaurant, also known as the 195 Cafe, Model Barber Shop and the state liquor store.

The lodge reopened a year later with the present building opening in January 1973.

When the lodge folded, the building was deeded to a community organization with the intention that it would become a satellite training center for community colleges in Spokane.

The Port of Whitman County purchased the building from the Elks in 2000. The port transferred ownership of the building to Whitman County in 2005.

In December of 2012 the county put the building up for bid but no bids were received. The county offered the building to the city again earlier last fall, but the city refused the offer.