Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Funding for floor repairs sought, then a roof fix
Remodeling work is progressing in phases.
COLFAX - St. Ignatius Hospital's transformation to an events center and hotel is underway.
Owner Austin Storm plans to include a restaurant, artist studios, and classrooms.
Storm is starting by raising money to repair room-size sections of floors damaged by a leak in the roof. The damage extends through four floors.
"To stabilize it so it's not getting worse, that is the first quest," said Storm. "There's a column of damage in the building. It really is a rescue mission at this point."
Water effects in the 1893 structure have been ongoing for 10 to 20 years. St. Ignatius ceased operations as a hospital in 1968.
An anonymous donor pledged up to $50,000 in matching funds for an IndieGoGo online campaign. Storm aims to raise another $50,000.
"We know this can get us a good bit of the way there," he said. "Early reception (to the campaign) has been strong."
The intention is to complete the work before another winter of water damage.
St. Ignatius Hospital has drawn the attention of preservationists from around the country through the notoriety of the ghost tours in recent years.
After the floor repairs are done, replacement of the roof would follow.
"This is a long-term project," said Storm. "But hopefully something we can do in stages, over many years ... at least a decade."
Storm also owns The Leif and the store Bully For You Vintage in Colfax.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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