The Times-Journal building in Condon. The building was originally built as the Bank Saloon in 1903. Owners Stephen and Renee Allen plan to reopen and work out of the building full-time in late October.
The Times-Journal building in Condon is in the midst of a large renovation project, and a significant amount of work was done over the Labor Day weekend.
Demolition on the building's front façade began last Friday, and framing commenced over the holiday weekend.
Builder Ken Carpenter, owner of Shellback Interiors, LLC and local jack of all trades Mike Durfey worked on the historic building, which was constructed by Fred Wilson in 1903.
The front façade has been remodeled several times over the years, most recently in 1984 by Mac Stinchfield, the previous publisher and editor of The Times-Journal.
With grant funding from the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, the Times-Journal building will be brought to its original design, or as close to it as possible.
Architect Mark Seder designed the new front façade, using historic photos from the Oregon Historical Society that had been unearthed by Debbie Pappas, a local sleuth who has a home in Lonerock.
Built as the Bank Saloon in 1903, the building served as a bar until prohibition forced its closure in 1916. The building would have been very modern and ornate for the time. The floor to ceiling windows were popular in saloons across the West. The building also has the original steel ceiling tiles, which were in vogue during this era.
The demolition of the front façade exposed two large cast iron columns, which came from Portland. At one time, Portland was known as the cast-iron city. Large eye beams, with cast iron steel plates were transported throughout the state in the early 1900s.
Windows and doors will be installed in the coming weeks by Perfection Glass, out of The Tri-Cities.
Owners Stephen and Renee Allen hope to reopen by Halloween and will host a reopening party. More to come!
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