Work begins on historic Tri-Cities building ravaged by fire. Can it be saved?
Work has begun on one of the oldest buildings in the Tri-Cities after it was gutted by a February fire.
The blaze at the Cascade Building in downtown Kennewick destroyed the roof and apartments on the second floor.
While firefighters from across the Tri-Cities were able to keep it from becoming a total loss, smoke and water damaged stores on the ground floor, as well as a neighboring restaurant and jewelry shop.
There also was concern that the second-story wall could collapse.
Bracing work on the wall was recently completed, and paperwork was filed to begin demolition work on the second floor.
Paperwork filed with the Kennewick permit request shows crews will need to clear debris from the apartments and from a previous renovation in order to make a full assessment of the structural integrity. Once that’s done and it passes inspection, a renovation plan can be submitted.
Dennis Schoeneberg, owner of Desert Gem & Appraisal, said his shop has some smoke damage that will need to be taken care of before he’s able to move back in. Since the fire, he’s been working by appointment out of JD’s Time Center, just down the street.
Schoeneberg told the Herald this week that he hopes to be back in his own space some time in early May.
Foodies Brick and Mortar restaurant also remains closed.
Cascade Building owner Gary Earp was not available this week for an update, but has previously told the Herald that he intends to rebuild if possible.
Downtown history
In 2007, Earp won the Downtowner Award for his first restoration of the building.
It is that previous renovation work that crews will be making their way through before they can get a full picture of the integrity of the building.
Originally called the King Building when it was new in 1907, it was home to the King Grocery Company. A new owner gutted it in the 1930s, converting the mercantile into a two-story professional/medical building.
After World War II, it was turned almost entirely into apartments. At the time of the fire, the second floor was comprised of apartments, and businesses, including a gift shop, massage therapist and others, were on the first floor.
