By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – We learned on Friday that the nuisance building at 204 E. Front Street in downtown Port Angeles, the one that City officials were about to take possession of, has been purchased by an outside developer who has indicated that he intends to renovate it.
The new owner of the property is listed in the Treasurer’s Office as SIG Holdings, Inc. The company President is listed as Patrick Sheehan. The building sold for $50,000.
City Attorney Bill Bloor has spoken with the new owner daily since the deal closed on Monday.
“He was actually interested in purchasing the building several years ago and talked to people at the City at that time, but the owner wasn’t interested in selling. Now, suddenly, the owner became interested in selling. And he knows that we had issued an order to the prior owner about securing the building, and he has volunteered to take that on. He’s done some work. He’s secured the building. He’s been in touch with the Fire Marshal, police department. And so, yes, he has come in and seems to be very responsive. “
The high-profile brick building has been the site of persistent nuisance, fire, and maintenance code violations since 2011, and was most recently the scene of a fire started by people squatting inside.
On April 5, the City Council ordered staff to file a petition in Superior Court to initiate condemnation proceedings and take possession of the property at fair market value, which was last appraised at over $118,000.
Bloor says the new owner has already taken the steps necessary to seal off the building and keep squatters out.