By Jason Miller

   Town of Concrete councilmembers are considering a proposal to sell a piece of its history to an entrepreneur who wants to restore it to its former glory for his brewery’s administrative offices, a brewpub/restaurant, and other uses.

   Witold “Vito” Szczepaniak presented his ideas to the council during its Aug. 25 meeting via a PowerPoint slideshow and supporting comments. He wants to restore and remodel the historic Superior Portland Cement Company administrative building, transforming it into the new headquarters for his business, Browar Polska Inc., currently operating out of Issaquah. The company has been a wholesale distributor of beer, wine, and spirits for 22 years.

   Szczepaniak lives in Seattle and is building a home in Cape Horn. He believes selling the Superior Building to him would create jobs, increase tax revenue, and bolster the town’s economy.

   Councilmembers’ reactions were mostly positive, with Councilmember Stephanie Semro calling it “a great idea,” Councilmember Jon Gunnarsson agreeing, and Councilmember Drew Jenkins saying, “It’s a phenomenal idea. We have someone here who understands the monumental effort it’s going to take. We don’t know if the town can do it. We can’t even put a roof on it.”

   Szczepaniak’s timeline is optimistic. He wants to start evaluating the structure’s condition this month, plus pull estimates for roof work, walls, windows, and exterior doors. He wants his permits in hand by mid-October.

   “My goal is to fix the exterior of the building first so it will look nice and clean for the town,” said Szczepaniak, adding that he wants to put a roof on the building by winter. “The current condition is a liability for the Town of Concrete.”

   Interior work should begin by the end of September, according to Szczepaniak’s timeline, with completion by end of November. Plumbing and electricity would then begin, with completion by Jan. 30, 2026. Interior finishes would be done by March 30, 2026, followed by an April 1 festival and launch party.

   Councilmember Rob Thomas called the proposed timeline “incredibly optimistic” and said he was “conflicted” about the proposal.

   “In one sense I’m thrilled with the idea of business being brought to town. I also realize the struggle we’ve had and the town’s hesitation to spend additional money just even having an evaluation of the building. I also recognize it’s a historic building—once we let go, we never get it back,” said Thomas, who reminded everyone of the old middle school.

   “I wasn’t here dealing with the purchase of the old school building that turned into a half-completed castle that turned into an eyesore for years until it burned down,” he said. “I know that building had a special place in the hearts of a lot of people.”

A history of neglect and failures

   The Superior Building already is on a similar path. Neglected for decades after the cement industry ceased operations in the early 1970s, it saw a ray of hope during a three-year effort to restore and revitalize the building from 2010 to 2013. That push ended when the council at the time rejected a feasibility study and killed the project, which aimed to move town hall into the main-floor office spaces, and locate the Concrete Heritage Museum and/or the town library in the basement.

   Szczepaniak said during the council meeting he would use the building for offices. His PowerPoint presentation said the building also would include “a world-class brew pub and restaurant.” He also said that he’s working with PJ Parsons—who owns the old high school building—to set up brewery production operations in the basement of that building.

   Szczepaniak would make a cash offer and buy the building as is, forgoing a feasibility study. He said during the council meeting that the cost to renovate the building would run into the hundreds of thousands. In 2010, the town’s consulting architect for the project put the tab at $1.7 million. That architect also urged the town to seal the building’s roof  by the end of 2013, or the cost to renovate would be greater than the cost to demolish. The roof remains unsealed.

   During the Aug. 25 meeting, council decided to have the building appraised and develop a draft letter of intent. The property’s precise lot lines may have to be determined. If the property is sold, its land use designation will have to be changed from park use to commercial, then it will have to be rezoned, then permitted for construction.

   Szczepaniak said he is open to additional uses for the building, but he wants to restore it to its original glory.

    “I like this building a lot,” he said.

The Superior Portland Cement Company Building, photographed on Aug. 28.