Clark County commission approves Washougal Grange for county Heritage Register

The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 6, 2025, to place the Washougal Grange No. 69 on the Clark County Heritage Register, approving staff’s recommendation with two added findings and instructions for staff to prepare final documentation.

Commission staff summarized the nomination during a hybrid public hearing. “It is my pleasure tonight to summarize my staff report and recommendation for the nomination of the Washougal Grange number 69 for the County Heritage Register,” said Bart Catching, Clark County Community Planning, who presented photographs, background research and the staff recommendation. Catching told commissioners the two-story brick building at the Washougal River Road site meets the county’s age and integrity thresholds and is tied to the statewide Grange movement.

Applicants Don and Victoria (Vicky) Lovellfeld, who purchased the building in April, said they plan to live in the lower level and keep the upper floor available for community events. “Our intent is to live in the bottom portion of it and use the top as a community space still,” Don Lovellfeld said. He and his wife described the upstairs as retaining original flooring and a stage and said they hope to maintain as much of the building’s character as possible.

Why it matters: the commission’s action recognizes the building’s role in local agricultural and community life and intends to make county resources available to the owners for preservation work. Catching told the commission the building is notable both for its association with the Grange movement and for the integrity of its exterior — including brickwork in Flemish bond and original window openings — even if the interior has been altered by later uses.

Commission discussion and amendments: commissioners asked about the building’s history, condition and future uses. They discussed a discrepancy in published addresses; staff agreed to verify whether the property’s address should be recorded as 621 Washougal River Road (as used in county records) or another number that appears in older sources. Commissioners also raised the likelihood that future exterior changes — such as replacing single‑pane windows — would require a certificate of appropriateness from the commission.

Following discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the nomination with two additions to the statement of significance: that the property “exemplifies or reflects special elements of the county’s history” and that it “is associated with the lives of persons significant in state or local history,” specifying David Russell in the latter finding. Commissioners voted by roll call; Jan Bader, Morgan Frazier, Madison Gabig, Andy Gregg, Elaine Thatcher and John Zingali all voted yes.

Outcome and next steps: the motion passed 6–0. Staff said it will prepare a final findings document and a certificate that memorializes the amended findings and the property’s listing; staff will also confirm the street address before issuing the certificate and will record the listing with the county auditor. Catching and commission members reminded the owners that any proposed exterior alterations to character‑defining features will require follow‑up review and a certificate of appropriateness before work begins. Staff offered to provide no‑cost resources and referrals for window preservation and other treatments.

The commission closed the public hearing after receiving no public testimony beyond the applicants and then moved to other agenda items.