Scott Cooney has purchased the houses on the South East side of HWY 200. Scott plans to move as many of the houses from the west side of HWY 200 as possible to the other side of the road, saving and preserving the historic structures and allowing for the log yard expansion. Scott is also working on registering the site as a historic district.
Scott plans on moving 15 of the 16 houses that were meant to be demolished to the other side of highway 200. Once we assess the maintenance needs of the houses, they will go through structural improvements and maintenance upgrades.
The area is under review by the National Parks Department for consideration for a National Historic District Nomination. The National Parks Department has informed us that moving the 15 houses will not endanger the National Historic District Nomination.
Scott would like to build a new postal service facility for the Bonner Community as well as see a more significant presence of the Gateway Credit Union with a new building and drive through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Stimson sell the housing area?
Stimson didn't want to be in the landlord business so they found the right person to take the responsibility to help the community.
Why is Stimson demolishing the houses on the log yard side of highway 200?
Stimson is in need of more log yard space for the stud mill.
Are they demolishing the houses?
Scott Cooney and his company Industrial Salvage were contracted to demolish the houses. Scott has chosen to save as many houses as possible and move them accross the street. 15 of the 16 houses have been deemed moveable and as long as everything goes as planned, these 15 houses will be moved.
What is planned for the houses?
Scott's plan is to fix up the houses and make them liveable once again. He wants to preserve the historic value as well as the community value of these houses. He understands the importance of this community and wants what is best for it.
What about the trees?
Scott will bring in some professionals to help save the trees and do what is neccesary to ensure their survival and healthyness.
Are the houses going to be sold or rented?
At this point Scott plans to rent the houses but he is a big believer in home ownership which is his overall goal for the properties. Scott is currently in the process of establishing the ability for home ownership of these houses which he is doing procedurally through the Missoula County.
Will the rent be raised?
We are currently assessing the rent situation.
Who will be able to purchase the houses?
The current residents (renters) will have priority to purchase the houses. If they decline, they will be open to the general public for purchase.
Is Washington Corporation involved?
Washington Corp is not involved with this.
Will moving the houses instead of demolishing them slow down the process of the log yard expansion?
Yes, but Stimson is well aware of the value of the houses to the Bonner Community and is doing everything possible to help save them.
Where are the houses going to be moved?
There are some pre-existing home sites that don't currently have houses on them. Others will go behind the current houses as there is plenty of space for this to happen.
Is the Bonner Post Office and Credit Union part of the sale?
Yes, the building and the lease were part of the sale.
What is going to happen to the post office and/or Credit Union?
They both plan to remain open. Scott would like to build a new postal service facility for the Bonner Community as well as see a more significant presence of the Gateway Credit Union with a new building and drive through.