Historic H.E. Gritman building restoration is underway

Ritzville residents who walk by the H.E. Gritman Building in the next couple of weeks may see crews working to restore the structure’s brickwork.

Building owner Brenda Owens said she contracted with Wolf Creek Contracting to rehabilitate the brickwork, which is scheduled to be finished before the end of October.

The H.E. Gritman Building is one of the structures in the Ritzville Historic District in the downtown area. The 116-year-old building houses the H.E. Gritman Senior Center, as well as local businesses like Ritzville Chiropractic.

Owens said redoing the building’s brickwork is the first project in an effort to restore the building.

Her desire to restore the building started in June when she and other local business owners met commercial real estate developer Rory Turner, who was brought to Ritzville by Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden.

Turner, who has revitalized historical buildings in Ellensburg and Wenatchee, conducted a walkthrough of the structures in Ritzville, and provided insight and ideas to restore the buildings. He explained that restoring the buildings would be a way to entice travelers on Interstate 90 to drive into downtown Ritzville.

Owens was also inspired to restore the building after seeing the effort of local businessman Dennis Chamberlain on fixing the building next to the Gritman Building.

She received project ideas from Karen Allen, who is restoring the The Electric Hotel building located in Harrington. Allen created a website where she posts updates on the hotel’s restoration, potential fundraiser ideas and goals.

Once the brickwork is completed, Owens said the next goal would be to replace the windows.

She is also collaborating with Flying Arts Ranch Owner John Rankin to restore the building’s turret. Owens is not sure what colors will be used for the turret, but they will match the building’s historical palette.

She would eventually like to restore the upstairs portion of the building, which would include installing new electricity, heating and plumbing.

Owens said she is using her own funds for the restoration, and is seeking donations for the project. She recently created an account at Umpqua Bank called the H.E. Gritman Restoration Project where people can donate. All of the proceeds will go directly to fund the project.

She plans on creating a website in the future where people can also send donations.

Owens is looking at potentially awarding bronze or varnished wood plaques for the building with their name on it. In addition to monetary donations, she is looking for volunteers and organizing work parties to help with the restoration.

Owens also wants to hold a street dance event next summer in Ritzville. For the event, she would bring in individuals and organizations from around eastern Washington who are restoring historical buildings.

In the meantime, Owens said she will update the H.E. Gritman Building Facebook and Instagram pages with posts and pictures related to the restoration progress.