COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho. – Locals are pushing back against the possible demolition of the Roosevelt Inn, originally built in 1905 as the Roosevelt School, after news spread of a development company putting an offer on the table for the property.
“People see it as an icon of this community, for us here in Coeur d’Alene it’s like tearing down the Statue of Liberty or the Golden Gate Bridge,” Jeffrey Ward, creator of the “Halt the Demolition of the Historic Roosevelt School” petition, said.
History that has stood for over 100 years in north Idaho could soon be torn down. The Roosevelt Inn property is up for sale, and according to locals, a potential buyer from western Washington plans to demolish the historic building and replace it with town homes.
Originally built in 1905 as the Roosevelt School, the brick building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but this title does not protect it from being wiped from the earth.
“The problem is history in North Idaho is being destroyed all over the place,” Ward said.
The Roosevelt property has touched the lives of countless people across Idaho, especially in Coeur d’Alene, for decades. To see it go would be heartbreaking for many.
“It was the first desegregated school in the state of North Idaho, so there is huge history with this building,” Ward said.
Character, culture, it’s all there on First Street and Wallace Avenue. But after years of trying to sell, ready for retirement, the Hough family (related to celebrities Julianne and Derek Hough) have an offer on the table from a development company in Redmond, WA, Blue Fern Homes.
Ward said the property is worth around $3,000,000, and Blue Fern Homes allegedly plans to replace this history with multiple townhomes – in locals’ eyes, this is just another development not needed in Coeur d’Alene.
Not even 24 hours after it went live, the petition Ward started Sunday night gained a lot of support; inching very close to its goal of 500 signatures.
But mere signatures are not enough to keep a buyer at bay. Coeur d’Alene Mayor Jim Hammond knows that.
“I don’t want to see the building taken down either, but I also recognize that as a city government official, we cannot control that at this point,” Mayor Hammond said. “Even just the appearance of the building is certainly something that is attractive and is worth saving if we can figure out a way to do it.”
The mayor said there are two options: either those opposing the demolition can come up with the funds to match what Blue Fern Homes is offering. Or, if the property is sold, a deal can be worked out with the new owners to preserve the historic building.
“We want Blue Fern to understand the people of Coeur d’Alene don’t want this building destroyed, it’s part of this community and it’s vital to be maintained,” Ward said. “We will do anything we have to, to help them change their plans and include retaining the building.”
NonStop Local did reach out to Blue Fern Homes for comment but did not hear back. The sale of the Roosevelt Inn is pending, and the business remains open in the meantime. If you would like to support Ward’s petition to halt the possible demolition of this historic, beloved property – click here.
When we learn of any new developments, you will be the first to know.
