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Builder outlines plans for old water office; council OKs continued talks
Summary
A residential builder identified as Ted pitched converting the former Highway 367 water office into a mixed workshop, retail and food‑court space and discussed using local trade‑school labor; council authorized the mayor to continue negotiations with Ted on potential purchase, lease or other arrangements.
A residential builder who identified himself as Ted presented ideas to the Ward City Council on April 21 for reusing the former water office building on Highway 367 as a combined workshop, retail lumber outlet and possible food‑court space. Ted said his company currently staffs about five people and expects to grow, described work in historic window restoration and expressed interest in training partnerships with trade schools to bring skilled workers to the area.
Ted said the building’s mix of office and workshop space and the lot’s outdoor area make it attractive for a mixed use operation that could support woodworking, historic restoration, small‑scale retail and food vendors. He told the council he has been in contact with city staff (including Gary Meadows and economic development staff) and would like the mayor’s office to continue exploring options for acquisition or lease; the mayor said any proposed transaction would return to council for final approval.
Council voted to allow the mayor to continue discussions with Ted about possible purchase, lease or other actions; the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposing votes. Council members asked questions about community benefits, expected job creation and compatibility with mixed‑use development goals; participants noted interest in attracting young trade apprentices and leveraging local timber resources.
What’s next: Mayor and staff will continue negotiations and report back to council; any formal purchase or lease would require council approval.
Representative quote: "I'm a residential builder... having somewhere centrally located for my crew would be wonderful," Ted said during his presentation.
