Salvage = Sustainable in Historic Rehabilitation

As the rehabilitation team prepares for the massive renovation of the Wilson Hotel in recent weeks we have been cataloging the ‘salvageable’ components to the building.  In our ‘green building’ methodology and commitment to sustainable building practices we are making every effort to preserve as many of the original building materials used in the construction of the hotel as possible. 

Unfortunately, due to many years of neglect there is considerable interior deterioration in addition to almost 100 years of wear and tear on the building.  Salvage for the Wilson in essence means to remove any part of the building that can be used again before any deconstruction of the building takes place to make improvements.

Wilson Hotel Scheduled to be the First Green Energy Customer in Centralia

Green Energy will soon be available in Centralia and the Wilson Hotel is signed up to be the very first Green Customer!  Rich Baine, Operations Manager of Centralia City Light Department shared with us that the current goal is to be offering ‘green energy’ in 2008. 

The City Light Department is going through the paperwork process in order to have the current hydroelectric energy plant that provides power to the city designated as a green energy source.  In the meantime, the City will begin buying green power through the 9 Mile Canyon wind power source to meet the demand for green energy.

To join the growing list of businesses and homeowners interested in purchasing green for your energy consumption, call the City of Centralia Utility Department (360) 330-7512 and put your name on the list.  Visit http://www.centralia.com

Green is on the GROW in Centralia - - become a part of the Green Movement to Buy Local & Be Green!

National Main Street Program Four Points Overview

It is an exciting time to be involved in the overall rehabilitation of the Centralia Historic District.  This past spring several of the downtown business folks attended the introduction to the National Main Street Program sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation at the Main Street Convention in Seattle with the new Economic Development Director, Polo Enriquez.  We attended representing the Wilson Hotel rehabilitation project.  

 It was a day full of education and enlightenment.  Hearing about the success stories of other historic towns that were economically and physically run down in serious blight conditions making a comeback to become thriving commerce districts was truly inspiring. Described below are the four points of the Main Street approach as described on the Main Street web site.  These points work together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort. 

www.MeetMeInCentralia.com ~ New Web Site Successfully Launched!

Centralia’s location almost exactly half way between Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington has created an ideal meeting destination since the early 19^th century.  Centralia has long been named “Hub City” for this reason. With convenient Amtrak train service daily – Centralia is truly an ideal ‘meet in the middle’ location.

Recently the City of Centralia hired on a full time Convention & Meeting Recruitment Specialist, Julie Noice.  As a key member of the Centralia Economic Development Department, Julie will be offering free assistance to help groups plan their visit to Centralia.  Julie acts as a liaison between planners and suppliers to provide compatible and unique packages to meet conferencing needs.  Additional services include: responding to inquires regarding area lodging facilities, meeting space, attractions, amenities and recreation and coordinating community/facility tours for meeting planners, providing welcome packets and transportation assistance to meeting planners and attendees.

Heritage Tourism ~ A Building Block for Success

The National Trust defines cultural “heritage tourism” as traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes cultural, historic and natural resources.  

City of Centralia Creates Positive Environment for Economic Growth

 

Many people have inquired why Monteleone & Company selected the Wilson Hotel located in Centralia, Washington for a hotel rehabilitation project - - - the answer is trifold.

Amour Fou Gift Boutique, Creperie & Tea Haus to Open in the Wilson Hotel

Plans are underway for the build out for the newest retail treasure opening on Tower Avenue ~ Amour Fou.

Amour Fou will be as distinctive as the name which means Crazy Love in French.  The renovation of the space will make a unique combination of retail gift boutique and second story balcony dining for the creperie & tea haus.  The balcony dining will  overlook the main floor and create a historically french flavor to the space.  Amour Fou will fully occupy the former gallery in the Wilson next to the hotel lobby. 

Product focus will include home décor, body & bath care items, occasional cards & gifts, candles, lighting, wall décor, bedding & blankets, collectibles and one of a kind creations from indigenous peoples from around the world.  Priority will be given to items that are sustainable, organic and vintage.

Amour Fou will be another fantastic addition to the growing number of upscale businesses relocating to the Centralia Downtown Historic District.  Stay tuned for more information!

Fun Fashion Comes to Tower Avenue ~ Inspire Clothing & Gift

Who says Tower Avenue doesn’t have fun fashion?  Looking for darling clothes & accessories… check out the new boutique that has opened on Tower Avenue ~ Inspire Clothing & Gift.  Owner Brigitte, (Bra-jeet as in the French pronunciation) has done an amazing job selecting fun contemporary fashion & upscale personal accessories with flare.  If you like boutique shopping in places like Seattle or Portland and prefer an atmosphere with exceptional personalized service – you are going to love Inspire. 

 Inspire is located in the newly renovated Stahl Building just south of McMenamins Olympic Club Pub.  Building owner, Dan Henderson and partners have done a fantastic job with the rehabilitation of the building.  During the reconstruction process, the original tin type ceiling was discovered and it adds a unique sense of history to the Inspire retail space.  The boutique is decorated in a sort of ‘shabby chic’ motif complete with mini chandeliers!  Inspire is located at 123 N. Tower Avenue.  For more information visit http://www.inspireclothing.net

Preservationists Unite ~ National Preservation Conference

This October 2-6, 2007 Saint Paul, Minnesota will be hosting the National Preservation Conference and we will be attending on behalf of the Wilson Hotel rehabilitation project.  The conference theme this year is “Preservation Matters!”  This conference is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The conference is the premier preservation conference in the United States for professionals in preservation and allied fields – including historic building owners like us.  According to the conference agenda, this conference brings together experts and practitioners in the diverse specialties that contribute to preservation – architecture & cultural landscapes, historic sites & heritage tourism (which Centralia is promoting with vigor), heritage education, downtown revitalization (kudos to the new Centralia Downtown Association), neighborhood revitalization (think Edison District), real estate development and more! 

National Register of Historic Places ~ Application in Process!

This week we are beginning the process of applying to have the Wilson Hotel receive individual registration on the National Register of Historic Places.  The hotel is already a part of the Historic Downtown area that is listed on the National Register.  Having the building individually designated as a historic landmark will allow use of the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive program.