Historic preservation presentation will focus on local projects

In the fall of 2011, Leonard Felix took a giant leap of faith when he purchased the American Legion Hall, an 80-year-old building originally designed in 1933 by the well-known local architect Walter Day Hillborn.

The building’s unique characteristics, like the large timber trusses, iron hardware and original wood floors, inspired Felix to want to take a chance on the building, and plunge into efforts to remodel and restore it so that it could be used as offices for his business, CID Bio-Science. The company designs and manufactures portable instruments for agricultural and environmental research.

According to the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, the building was originally designed for use as a multi-purpose facility with areas for meeting and event space as well as offices for the local American Legion Hall.

Past uses have also included a roller skating rink and a neon sign company.

Felix’s five-month renovation project was completed in November 2012, and that same year the 10,000 square foot, two-story building located at 1554 N.E. Third Ave. was placed on the Clark County Heritage Register.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, Felix will be one of the speakers during a presentation hosted by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and Downtown Camas Association. The event will begin at 6 p.m., at the Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave.

Jacqui Kamp, the county’s historic preservation officer, will talk about the program, including how residents can register their property, advantages to registering, and an overview of the registered historical sites in the Camas-Washougal area.

Felix will speak about his experience with the program and using the special valuation tax incentives for rehabilitating the building.

Local historian and lifelong Camas resident Virginia Warren will also be in attendance.

The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission raises awareness of cultural resources and services as the county’s primary resource on historic preservation. The commission maintains the county’s Heritage Register and reviews proposed design changes to registered historical properties.

In addition to the American Legion Hall Post No. 27, other sites that are part of the Clark County Heritage Register include the Camas Main Post Office, Charlie and Rose Farrell Building, Farrell House, John Roffler House and the Leadbetter House.

For additional information about the Historic Preservation program, visit www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/historic-preservation.