American Legion building for sale

The downtown Bonners Ferry building constructed more than 60 years ago for the American Legion Post No. 55 is for sale.

“The legion has been there since it was built,” Commander J.T. “Ozzy” Osborn said about the historic two-story building on Kootenai Street.

The Legion in January voted to sell because of its aging, less active membership and the cost of maintaining the 9,000-square-foot building. It cost $1,000 a month just to heat the building.

The veterans’ organization is asking $395,750 for the building, which rents space to Last Chance Saloon, Linda’s Hair Salon and the law office for Tim Wilson.

“We have an aging population that’s having trouble getting up and down the stairs,” Osborn said. “And we have expenses that are exceeding our revenue.”

The Legion has 200 members, he said. About 100 to 120 live in Boundary County. A core group of 10, ranging from 45 to 75 years old, attend meetings regularly.

“We’ve got a couple young fellows in there, but we’ve got more older than younger,” Osborn said.

In addition to the commercial rental units downstairs, the building’s upstairs includes a kitchen and hall.

So far there have been no inquiries, he said. When the building is sold, the Legion would like to find another location.

Osborn said in the interim, the group could meet at Memorial Hall at Boundary County Fairgrounds.

“I’m not positive on this, but the hall kind of belongs to the veterans,” he said. “If somebody came in tomorrow and met our price and we sold it, we would be able to hold meetings there until we figure out something.”

The Legion would like to move to a one-story building, where it can hold functions like weddings and anniversary parties, Osborn said.

He remains optimistic about selling the building.

“In this economy right now, I wouldn’t give  you a plugged nickel, but things happen,” Osborn said.