Developer sees some life in old Asotin building; Mark Heuett plans on turning a flour mill built in 1881 into an event center

By KERRI SANDAINE

Of the Tribune

ASOTIN — One of the oldest buildings left standing in Asotin County is about to get a major makeover by an Asotin contractor and developer.

Mark Heuett has purchased the Asotin Flour Mill on Asotin Creek Road with plans to invest more than $500,000 into renovations that will transform the historic structure into an event center.

At Monday night’s Asotin City Council meeting, Heuett said cleanup work is already in progress at the site near Asotin City Park, and the building could be ready for large gatherings, such as weddings, reunions and benefit auctions, by next summer.

“I’m a lifelong resident, and driving up Asotin Creek, I’ve always thought it was a pretty cool building,” Heuett told the council. “The flour mill was built in 1881 and has a lot of neat history. It will be a challenge to fix up, but I think the building is worthy of renovating. Old buildings like this are full of surprises. You just fall in love with them, dive in and go.”

Asotin officials welcomed the idea, saying it will be an asset to the community. Mayor Vikki Bonfield said the city’s building officials will work with Heuett to secure the proper permits and make lot-line adjustments as the project progresses.

“I’m very excited about this,” Bonfield said. “Thank you for taking an interest in our community and doing this.”

In its heyday, the flour mill was a prominent business and one of the county’s largest employers. In 1934, it was purchased by the Robeson family, and Larry Robeson, a third-generation family member, now lives next door and will be the foreman on the remodel, Heuett said.

After four decades, the Robesons sold the building, and the old mill became a mercantile for a few years before Gerald Halsey purchased it. Heuett recently bought the five-story structure from Halsey.

Similar restoration projects, such as the Pataha Flour Mill and Dahmen Barn, are good examples of how old buildings can have new lives, Heuett said. The flour mill will become a nice venue next to a park and creek with lots of picturesque settings, support rooms for brides and grooms to get ready, a kitchen for caterers and more than 100 paved parking spaces, he said.

Offices will occupy the top floors and an elevator will be installed. The main floor will be able to accomodate events that attract 200-300 people. There’s enough room for 162 people to sit down at large tables, Heuett said.

Before the interior work begins, the first thing on Heuett’s to-do list is fixing the foundation, followed by a new roof.

“A new foundation will square the building,” he said. “Ninety-eight percent of the framing is as good as it was the day it was built.”

New windows, siding and a wraparound porch are planned, along with hardwood floors, vintage wallpaper and lots of new windows. In addition to weddings and reunions, Heuett envisions the space used year-round for wine-tasting events, benefits and meetings.

“The whole building will be remodeled to fit that 1880s flavor,” Heuett said. “We will set up the kitchen for anything a caterer would need, but I’m not putting in a restaurant. I can lose money easy enough without running a restaurant.”

Heuett said the building has a septic tank, but he would like to get it connected to the city’s sewer system. In addition, his property encompasses most of road going into the city park, so a property line adjustment is needed.

Major floods, such as the one that occurred in 1996, likely shifted the park entrance, officials said. Making the necessary adjustments shouldn’t be a problem.

“I want to have a good working relationship with the city,” Heuett said. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.