The Creston Valley skyline will change dramatically following the deconstruction of one of the two iconic grain elevators.
Built in the 30s, the two grain elevators became an important part of the town’s history.
They were purchased in 2018 by the Columbia Basin Trust in order to help preserve their history.
Recently, the red grain elevator was restored and is currently hosting an art gallery.
Unfortunately, the white grain elevator will never receive the same treatment.
In a press release, the Columbia Basin Trust says it came to the “difficult” decision after deeming the elevator “beyond feasible conservation efforts.”
“This was an incredibly difficult decision as the grain elevators are an iconic part of Creston’s history and skyline,” said President and CEO Johnny Strilaeff.
“When we acquired the elevators, we immediately assessed their condition and moved quickly to prevent the red elevator from deteriorating like the white one.”
“While the red elevator could be restored, unfortunately, the white elevator’s condition is beyond the stage of feasible reclamation. We will be commencing careful deconstruction to address the immediate safety risks and will focus on retaining as much of the building materials as possible to be used for other community purposes in honour of the history of the white elevator.”
The Trust will be salvaging whatever materials can be, while carefully deconstructing the elevator.
Mayor Arnold DeBoon says it was a hard decision to make.
“As we celebrate 100 years of incorporation, we also recognize that the years bring changes. This decision is part of that change and although it has a visual effect on our Town, it’s being done for the right reasons. It’s our hope the elevator lives on in many creative and innovative projects as we find ways to repurpose the well-seasoned timber as it is deconstructed,” said DeBoon.
“Thank you, Columbia Basin Trust, for all the work you have done to conserve the red elevator, and for all you have done to ensure the best decision has been made for the badly deteriorated white elevator.”
In an interview, DeBoon added they hope to preserve the history and memory of the elevator.
“The Columbia Basin Trust made the difficult decision to deconstruct it. When we say deconstruct, we mean to take it apart rather than demolish it. We hope that we can preserve the wood, at least the best parts of the wood. and see it appear in different ways in different projects. We’re hoping that there’s a way to use the wood from the elevator and benefit our community and preserve what’s left of the elevator so we remember it.”
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