May 31, 2022 3:30 a.m.

Sutherlin Downtown Development has been awarded just under $200,000 in grant funds to help with the Sutherlin Historic Bank Building Restoration.

A City of Sutherlin release said restoration will include the removal and replacement of old HVAC equipment, removal and reroofing of the building, sprinkler system installation and interior asbestos abatement, which will bring the building up to code and useable.

The funds are from Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Along with the state funds, $60,000 is being matched from Sutherlin Urban Renewal district funds.

City Manager Jerry Gillham told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that Sutherlin Downtown Development was created seven years ago in partnership with small business owners with the purpose of establishing the downtown area as “…an active and vibrant micro-economy and positive contributor to the quality of life of our city”.

Community Development Supervisor Kristi Gilbert said the building is on the corner of State Street and Central Avenue. Gilbert said the work will allow for three viable commercial spaces and two residential spaces to be occupied again.

Construction is scheduled to begin in July with an estimated completion date around the end of this year.