At their meeting on September 28, the Troutdale City Council passed a resolution declaring old City Hall “Excess Property”. By doing so, the Council took the first legal step in selling the property.
The City constructed the building in 1923 for its City Hall, which was located on the first floor. The second floor was used as a dance hall. Although the dancing in the building stopped years ago, the City continued to occupy it as a City Hall and Council Chambers until 2012.
Based on structural engineering assessments, the City’s Building official determined the building was unsafe due to identified foundation and structural failings. Internal scaffolding was erected to prevent the failure of a main structural beam in the Council Chambers. City Hall staff and services have since been dispersed to multiple locations around the City.
Over the past 10 years, during more than 25 public meetings, including regular Council meetings, work sessions, town halls and open houses, the Council and public have considered various potential solutions for Old City Hall. During that time, the City Council has reviewed various assessments, studies, reports and plans received from structural engineers, developers and architectural firms, regarding the building.
The building has sat vacant for almost 10 years and every viable option for the City to make good use of the property has been exhausted. Efforts have begun to find a new owner who can utilize the property in a way that will benefit historic downtown Troutdale. As a first option, City staff will be looking for a new owner who will preserve the building. Once a buyer comes forward it will be up to the City Council, at a public meeting, to approve the sale.