By John Shaw
After demolition of the building was halted, the Mill building, located at the intersection of NW 105th Ave and St. Helens Rd., has garnered a working board, nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service, and gone through the removal of the old paneling by volunteers. We have multiple bids gathered for many restoration projects and an architect waiting in the wings. We are remedying fire inspection issues as funding allows and negotiating a lease agreement with RestorCap, the owners of the building. We have prospective occupants of the building making plans for moving in when we have completed the accommodations they need.
The building, itself, constructed in 1913, is constructed of number one full-size timbers, 2 by 6 walls, and 2 by 16-floor joists. The building is sound, however, the roof needs replacing and insulation would be a plus. The sash windows were removed in the sixties and replaced with aluminum-framed “view” windows. In the same time frame, the beveled siding was covered with “T-11 siding”, to cover the window improvements. During restoration, the sash windows will be reinstalled in the original locations.
The new ventilation system will provide an environment in the building similar to a health care facility. This means that the building will have primarily cleaned and conditioned outside air entering the building and keeping it under slight pressure. This slight pressure assures that air quality and noise level controls will be the highest.
Thus far, the working board members have been literally doing just that, working very hard on this project. We are looking forward to completion and reconnecting the Linnton Mill Office Education and Research Center with the community.