By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald
The city of Enumclaw has a $2 million asset it's putting up for sale and is about to take ownership of another piece of property - this one valued at perhaps $3.6 million - also a prime piece of real estate it hopes to unload in a hurry.
Now on the market is the hulking building at 911 Battersby Ave., along with an adjoining commercial building.
The Battersby property has followed an interesting path on its way to landing on the city's “for sale” register. The building that once housed a food-service operation was converted into the home for Industrial Skills, a not-for-profit enterprise aimed at providing jobs, and a modest salary, for the Plateau's special-needs population.
For Industrial Skills to take possession of the large warehouse building, a governmental entity was needed to take a leadership role. The city stepped up and took ownership, acknowledging the building could only be used for specific purposes, and leased the building to Industrial Skills for the token annual payment.
When I.S. disbanded in 2003, the city found itself in possession of the entire parcel. The city has operated as a landlord since taking possession, but City Council members recently decided they would rather sell the property.
The city advertised, looking for an agent to handle the sale, and has heard from just one firm. City Administrator Mark Bauer is hoping to receive other offers and has made it clear he'd like to see a local company step forward.
Currently, the city has three tenants occupying the 42,000 square feet of space. A martial arts studio is using about 2,500 square feet of floor space, a food-service business fills about 7,000 square feet and a local furniture store is leasing the largest space, using 10,000 square feet for storage purposes.
An adjacent building and the land it sits on, formerly Del's Farm Supply and now home to Clearly Dynamics, may be sold separately. As part of the current lease, the present tenants have the right to buy the property before it goes on the open market.
The city also will soon be taking ownership of the Villa Vista Apartments, something that was never intended.
The city needed part of the land the apartments sit on for expansion of the municipal wastewater treatment plant. The owners argued that their operation would be compromised if the city took a portion of the land, so the city eventually agreed to buy the entire thing - the pair of two-story buildings, parking lots and land.
The deal is expected to close in the next few days.
Bauer was hesitant to disclose a purchase price last week, because the deal had not been finalized. Earlier reports, however, indicated the value would be in the neighborhood of $3.6 million.
Bauer said a property management firm will continue operating the apartment complex. Residents made their last payment to the city, having been told the purchase would be finalized prior to Sept. 1
Bauer said the city has been contacted by potential buyers. The hope is to sell the apartments and land, except for the portion needed for treatment plant expansion, as soon as possible.
Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.
