POST FALLS — The city of Post Falls is accepting requests for proposals for use of the Chapin Building at 101 E. Fourth St.

City Administrator Shelly Enderud said that in recent years, the Post Falls Historical Society has asked the city to take on more maintenance, especially following mold issues due to a leak that city staff and contractors have so far been unable to locate. 

“We have had some challenges with the building,” Enderud said.  

The building is on the City Hall campus and has been home to the Post Falls Historical Society since 2008. It has housed the city’s Parks and Recreation department from 2003 to 2008 and the Post Falls Police Department from 1979 to 2003.  

Post Falls Historical Society began the process a few years ago to have the Chapin Building listed on historic registers, but nothing has come of it yet. 

“They don’t really have the financial resources to maintain that building in the manner which was agreed to in 2008,” Enderud said.     

City officials extended rent forgiveness to the historical society due to difficulties fundraising to support ongoing building needs.  

The building is about 100 years old and valued at about $400,000.

Catherine McClintick said the society’s board is meeting to brainstorm ideas and solutions in hopes of sharing space.  

“That's such a charming building. I think they want to do what’s best for the property,” McClintick said. “It sounded like they wanted to preserve the building, but they also want to generate some revenue.”  

McClintick is the historical society's secretary, having ended her term as president last month.    

Council Chairman Joe Malloy said the need for an area to learn about history is important, but Post Falls wants to ensure finances remain stable. 

“I think the building is certainly worth preserving and the best, perhaps only way to sustain it is to find ways for it to generate revenue,” Malloy said, adding he supports a request for proposals.

Letters of interest are due to city officials in six weeks. Site proposals are due in 12 weeks.  

City Councilor Jack Mosby said the point is to encourage new ideas without a deadline that could lead to rushed submissions.

“I like the idea of seeking letters of interest, so we’re not wasting anyone’s time with putting together a comprehensive proposal,” Mosby said. 

The city is seeking proposals that provide meaningful community value while preserving the integrity and historic character of the structure.    

City Councilor Samantha Steigleder said whatever happens, a partnership with the Post Falls Historical Society is key. 

“I would like to make sure that we work closely with the historical society to find a plan that either relocates them or allows them to work with whoever we choose,” Steigleder said. 

There are ongoing issues with the building, but city staff will continue to do their best to preserve it.

“That underneath crawl space area is not usable and there continues to be some leaking that goes on down there,” Enderud noted. 

No matter what proposals come in, McClintick said the historical society is made up completely of volunteers. She hopes the Chapin Building will attract more support as a result of the proposal process. 

"Maybe people will take a bigger interest in preserving our history," McClintick said.

Info: postfalls.gov/bids.aspx?bidID=12

    The Post Falls Museum is in the Chapin Building at 101 E. Fourth St., Post Falls.