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Old Heat CERB Feasibility Study | 49 <br />309 N Pearl Street in Ellensburg, WA <br />$935,000 <br />The “Boss Bakery” building within Ellensburg’s Historic District in Central <br />Commercial (CC) city zoning presents a potential opportunity for the project. <br />Constructed in 1889, this two-story, 6,079 square foot property is a significant <br />part of Ellensburg’s original downtown fabric. Its prime location offers excellent <br />walkability, situated approximately 0.3 miles from Central Washington University <br />and less than 0.2 miles from the nearest public transit stop, enhancing its <br />accessibility. Furthermore, environmental assessments have reported no <br />significant issues. <br />However, a comprehensive evaluation reveals substantial <br />challenges that diminish its feasibility as a community building. Given its <br />designation within a historic district, any renovations or alterations, particularly to <br />the exterior, would be subject to rigorous review and approval by the Ellensburg <br />Landmarks and Design Commission. This often necessitates the preservation of <br />original elements, which can significantly increase renovation costs and extend <br />project timelines compared to non-historic properties. <br />The building’s second floor currently comprises four residential loft-style <br />apartments, requiring complete redevelopment to align with community building <br />objectives. This conversion would not only involve extensive interior demolition <br />and reconstruction but also potentially displace existing tenants, including <br />Mariposa Health and Wellness, a local business occupying the first floor, which <br />could lead to public relations and logistical complications. Moreover, the building’s <br />fixed footprint on a 0.08-acre lot offers no opportunity for expansion, limiting <br />its capacity to host large-scale community events or accommodate diverse <br />programming. <br />A critical impediment is the severe parking constraint in the immediate vicinity of <br />Pearl Street. Downtown Ellensburg consistently faces parking shortages, and this <br />property offers no dedicated on-site parking or the opportunity to create such an <br />area, a significant drawback for a facility intended to draw community members, <br />especially those traveling by vehicle. The cumulative effect of these drawbacks <br />renders this property a highly unfeasible option for a public community center.6 <br />Exhibit 8: Pear St <br />Exhibit 8: Pear St