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Historic preservation is more than just a labor of love. It's a life changing experience.
There's a new effort launching to preserve and celebrate a historic Ritzville, Washington building that's unfolding as one determined owner is crafting a plan to breathe a new life into their property. The H.E. Gritman Building is a flagship example of the architecturally impressive brick buildings that line Ritzville's Main Avenue. Constructed in 1902 by Harry Emmet Gritman, the 50x90 two-story behemoth stands at the corner of Main Avenue and Washington Street, its turret and flagstaff serving as sentinels from a different era.
Brenda Owens is embarking on an ambitious effort to preserve a 120-year-old building, to ensure this rural wheat country marvel thrives for another 100 years. Her desire to restore the building started when she and other local business owners met commercial real estate developer Rory Turner, who was brought to Ritzville by Adams County Economic Development Director, Stephen McFadden. Turner, who has revitalized historical building in Ellensburg and Wenatchee, conducted a walkthrough of the structures in Ritzville, and provided insight and ideas to restore the buildings. he explained that restoring the buildings would be a way to entice travelers on Interstate 90 to drive into downtown Ritzville.
Much work lies ahead. From masonry restoration and repair work, to the removal and replacement of the second-story windows. The exterior task list will present plenty of challenges. In the summer of 2019, plywood was removed from 27 windows for the first time in 40 years. Interestingly, pieces of remaining Mt. St. Helen's ash were still present behind the plywood. The first of these 27 windows are currently in a shop being restored to their original glory. Much brickwork has been started and replaced as have several pieces of painting and art restoration including the lettering and H.E. Gritman Building moniker.
The original address for the Gritman building is "2d ne cor D" which translates to "Second St. northeast corner of D St."
In 1908 the building housed;
Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co., Harriet A Norman, manager.
William J Bennington, Real Estate
Physician Clyde W Bice, pharmacist
William F. Carper, pharmacist
Adams County Abstract Co. whose manager and treasurer was George F. Christensen
Florence B. Donohue, pharmacist
Oscar R. Holcomb, lawyer and mayor
William O Lewis, real estate and insurance
Walter Staser, Lawyer and Abstracts
William Wolters, billiards and bowling alley in the basement
A plan is being formulated and a path forward will soon be shared. Until then, if you want to ask questions, offer assistance, volunteer or donate to the building, you can contact Brenda at [email protected]
There's a new effort launching to preserve and celebrate a historic Ritzville, Washington building that's unfolding as one determined owner is crafting a plan to breathe a new life into their property. The H.E. Gritman Building is a flagship example of the architecturally impressive brick buildings that line Ritzville's Main Avenue. Constructed in 1902 by Harry Emmet Gritman, the 50x90 two-story behemoth stands at the corner of Main Avenue and Washington Street, its turret and flagstaff serving as sentinels from a different era.
Brenda Owens is embarking on an ambitious effort to preserve a 120-year-old building, to ensure this rural wheat country marvel thrives for another 100 years. Her desire to restore the building started when she and other local business owners met commercial real estate developer Rory Turner, who was brought to Ritzville by Adams County Economic Development Director, Stephen McFadden. Turner, who has revitalized historical building in Ellensburg and Wenatchee, conducted a walkthrough of the structures in Ritzville, and provided insight and ideas to restore the buildings. he explained that restoring the buildings would be a way to entice travelers on Interstate 90 to drive into downtown Ritzville.
Much work lies ahead. From masonry restoration and repair work, to the removal and replacement of the second-story windows. The exterior task list will present plenty of challenges. In the summer of 2019, plywood was removed from 27 windows for the first time in 40 years. Interestingly, pieces of remaining Mt. St. Helen's ash were still present behind the plywood. The first of these 27 windows are currently in a shop being restored to their original glory. Much brickwork has been started and replaced as have several pieces of painting and art restoration including the lettering and H.E. Gritman Building moniker.
The original address for the Gritman building is "2d ne cor D" which translates to "Second St. northeast corner of D St."
In 1908 the building housed;
Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co., Harriet A Norman, manager.
William J Bennington, Real Estate
Physician Clyde W Bice, pharmacist
William F. Carper, pharmacist
Adams County Abstract Co. whose manager and treasurer was George F. Christensen
Florence B. Donohue, pharmacist
Oscar R. Holcomb, lawyer and mayor
William O Lewis, real estate and insurance
Walter Staser, Lawyer and Abstracts
William Wolters, billiards and bowling alley in the basement
A plan is being formulated and a path forward will soon be shared. Until then, if you want to ask questions, offer assistance, volunteer or donate to the building, you can contact Brenda at [email protected]
TO DONATE
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H.E. Gritman Restoration Project circa 1902
Efforts continue with restoration of the building. If you wish to donate to these efforts or even as a volunteer or attending workshops, please let us know, as we appreciate all donations. If you would like to donate please make checks payable to: H.E. Gritman Restoration Project or press the PayPal or Venmo buttons or scan the QR Codes to donate via debit/credit card. Payments can also made at: Umpqua Bank 201 W Main Ave. Ritzville, WA 99169 or call the bank to make a donation at 509-659-0223 |
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