Story Published: Aug 12, 2008 at 9:24 PM PST
Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:23 PM PST
"With it's four white columns and ornate detail, the Hurlbut Mansion is one of Lewiston's oldest buildings," said Executive Director of the LC Early Childhood Program Dorlan Hergesheimer. "It towers over the Lewis Clark Early Childhood campus. It has more value than most people recognize, just driving by and looking at it."
The Hurlbut Mansion was built in 1906 by Kirkland Cutter, a famous western architect who Hergesheimer said designed the Davenport Hotel in Spokane.
"Initially people understand that our intention was to tear it down because that was the most expeditious route to solving the issue of what to do with it," said Hergesheimer. "Since that time however, we have done more research into the value of the building, it's history, the architect who designed it, built it and have concluded that there really is value in the building itself."
The plan now is to renovate the structure, which would cost $2.5 million. LCECP hopes to use a combination of federal, state and private donations to make it happen.
The Head Start-based program would like to use the mansion as an art, science and education center, while still maintaining the original integrity of the building that served as an orphanage for many years.
"Imagine a use for the building that benefits our program and benefits the community. It really becomes a resource to the community in many different ways." said Hergesheimer.
LCECP will be holding an informational meeting for the public. To learn more, you can call the Lewis Clark Early Childhood Office at (208) 743-6573 or send an email to Dorlan@LCECP.org
