Oakesdale seeks support for J.C. Barron Mill

OAKESDALE –– On Monday, May 13, residents gathered at the Oakesdale Fire Department for an evening meeting discussing the future of the iconic J.C. Barron Flour Mill, commonly called the "Old Mill".

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Town of Oakesdale, the Innovia Foundation and the Port of Whitman County.

Constructed in 1908, the flour mill is the last of its 18 counterparts still standing in Whitman County. Since it was put up for sale in 2022 by previous owner MaryJane Butters, the future of the town's landmark has been up in the air.

Oakesdale native and business leader Larry Stanley saw the mill go up for sale, and noticed the opportunity for the town to retain its past, while reshaping its future. Stanley put his money where his mouth was and laid a $60,000 matching opportunity for the community to try and purchase the mill. This action was met with support from Avista, the Innovia Foundation and private citizens, bringing the fund to purchase the Old Mill up to over $120,000. As of May 2, the Innovia has officially purchased the Mill. Currently, there is a fundraising goal of $240,000.

Aaron McMurray and Shelly O'Quinn of the Innovia Foundation have been working with the Oakesdale Mill Community Advisory Committee, and in August of 2023, presented an update to the Port of Whitman County Commissioners outlining their efforts to fund and restore the Old Mill. The groups met again in April of 2024, after the completion of a feasibility study by Design West Architects, to suggest the possibility of the Port Commission taking long-term ownership of the landmark.

According to the Port, taking ownership of the Old Mill aligns with the organizations priorities of economic development, site acquisition, community engagement and property management. Upon taking ownership, if the Port chooses or is financially able to do so, the building would become part of the Port's property portfolio, and would prioritize economic development for the town. Securing funding for redevelopment would be a long-term process, taking several years.

According to the feasibility study, total renovation costs are estimated to be $6.294 million. Before the Port is able to consider taking ownership, the Commissioners must be confident that the acquisition is financially viable considering the long-term return on investment for the costs to renovate.

According to Port of Whitman Executive Director Kara Reibold, renovating the Old Mill could take 2-5 years before businesses are able to access the space. If the Port were to take ownership, there would likely be several contingencies needed to be met to clear any potential red tape, such as insurance on the building, which would require fencing to be placed around the property.

"Community involvement is important for a project like this. It will take a community," Reibold said during the meeting.

After the background of the building and its current standing was laid out for the public, the meeting was turned over to the community by Port Commissioner Tom Kammerzell, asking for the residents' ideas for the structure's future. "We can't do this work without you. We can't do it for you, but we can do it with you," he said.

Several locals were quick to supply some options for the future of the building including a coffee shop, event center, barber shop and Chamber of Commerce center. Two young girls in the audience had suggested a bakery, ice cream shop and pet shop. One person in the audience had cried out, "Nobody mentioned a beer hall yet!"

Oakesdale resident Pete Baljo gave a multitude of ideas he had been pondering over the last several years, including rebuilding the addition of the mill that had been removed, expanding it with a visitor center and more. "We are going to be a model for what can be done," Baljo had said.

The meeting adjourned with a buzz of excitement and enthusiasm for the project.

Several local government representatives were in attendance including Rep. Joe Schmick, Rep. Mary Dye and Sen. Mark Schoesler.

"It's great to involve the community in the ideas for the mill. I think they cast a great vision for its future," said Rep. Schmick after the meeting.

Sen. Mark Schoesler also commented on the meeting, saying, "The committees are alot farther along that I anticipated. There's alot of enthusiasm."

Currently, the Port of Whitman has not made a decision on aquisition of the historic landmark, but will monitor the progress of the fundraising while examining the situation in its entirety.

In a letter from Mayor Dennis Palmer on April 18, he said, "The Old Mill stands as a symbol of community spirit for the people of Oakesdale and for the entire region. As we preserve this iconic structure for the next generation, we want our community to flourish, honoring the past while embracing the opportunities of the future, including economic growth and community gathering space opportunities."

Donations are currently being accepted for the Old Mill, with those interested are able to call Mayor Dennis Palmer at (509) 285-4020; or Aaron McMurray with Innovia at (509) 624-2606 for more information. Innovia is a non-profit 501(c)3 and all gifts are tax deductible.