Big changes to the main drag through Trail are slated to begin early next year.
The city’s officially closed its $125,000 purchase of the Union Hotel and three adjacent properties on Thursday.
Demolition of the old hotel and remediation of the three lots - two vacant and the third is the building at 1144 Cedar Avenue - is planned in early 2018.
The combined four properties will then be marketed to potential buyers for redevelopment.
“The city has already received considerable interest in the property,” said Trail Mayor Mike Martin in a Aug. 31 news release.
Council’s goal is to see construction of a new business on Victoria Street.
“Any development proposals received for the property will be carefully reviewed for consideration as we want to ensure the best use for its prime location,” Martin said.
“Our vision is to see construction of a new and modern business that will complement the existing downtown businesses and the recent improvements the city has made to downtown amenities, such as the Victoria Street Corridor, the Esplanade, the Trail Memorial Centre, the Columbia River Skywalk and the upcoming Trail Riverfront Centre.”
He added, “The development will also result in new property tax revenue for the city and will ideally create a number of new jobs for the area.”
The city worked closely with the local RE/MAX realty office and the previous owners (the Merlo family) of the Union Hotel on this acquisition.
“We appreciate the professional service of RE/MAX and the cooperation of the Merlos,” continued Martin. “Development and improvements that will provide long-term benefits to the City continue to be a main priority. We’re excited to see how this particular opportunity will result in a positive influence on our local economy.”
The City of Trail purchased the Union Hotel and three adjacent properties on Cedar Avenue, for a total cost of $125,000. The initial negotiations took place in later 2016 through to early 2017 with an official closing date of August 31.
The now-closed Union Hotel had an illustrious history. It originated as a union of two older hotels built in 1896 in the Browery area at Victoria and Farwell streets, the year after the smelter was built and five years before the town of Trail Creek was incorporated as a city. In 1908, the two hotels were consolidated and moved to the current location at 898 Victoria St.
According to the historical plaque, the original building was eventually moved in 1939 when construction began on the current building by plasterer S.G. Bagioni and baker Fred Merlo Sr.