Soda Springs weighs selling, gifting or converting historic Enders Building

Soda Springs — City leaders and residents on July 13 reviewed a feasibility study that lays out three main futures for the historic Enders Building: selling the property, gifting it to the state as a park, or converting it into municipal space such as a new city hall.

Chris Danley, the urban planner conducting the study, told the meeting the city currently spends about $50,000 a year to maintain the building and that it requires remediation for lead paint and asbestos. "The building costs around $50,000 annually to maintain," Danley said, and he estimated remediation and accessibility upgrades would add substantially to the city’s outlays.

The study presents selling the property as one option, which Danley said "could bring in around $1.2 million" and would relieve the city of maintenance expenses, but would transfer the building into taxable private ownership and could risk the loss of historic elements. Danley also described gifting the structure to the state as a park; that option would require a state-acceptable revenue plan — for example, a campground or other attractions — and could place the property under state control, potentially restricting free local access and complicating the disposition of the museum collection.

Retaining and converting the Enders Building for city use was presented as the third path. "The city would need to upgrade the fire suppression system and add ADA access, which could cost around $800,000," Danley said, and he warned that such work could alter the building’s historic character. He said mixed-use approaches, including retail or hospitality, might be feasible but would demand significant investment and careful planning to avoid adverse effects on downtown businesses.

Participants at the session were asked to rank priorities for the building’s future. The group placed the highest priority on reducing the financial burden to the city, followed by creating an anchor for downtown and preserving the building as a matter of civic pride. Several residents and participants emphasized the emotional and historic importance of the Enders Building and urged that any decision protect key artifacts; Danley noted the museum collection will need a home regardless of the ultimate ownership plan.

Councilman Daniel Larsen cautioned city leaders not to "tie the hands of a business" by imposing overly specific use restrictions that could reduce buyer interest. Council President Mitch Hart and Danley also flagged multiple existing use restrictions on a related parcel and discussed a cited asking price of $750,000 that could hinder sale prospects. Danley said staff will further analyze costs and options and aims to present final findings toward the end of the summer after soliciting additional community input.

The meeting ended with a procedural motion to adjourn. At 5:23 p.m., Mayor Paul Gritton called for adjournment; Council President Mitch Hart and Councilman Daniel Larsen voted in favor and the motion passed. The meeting minutes were recorded as passed and approved by the mayor and city council on Aug. 5, 2026, with Andrea Haderlie attesting as city clerk.

Next steps: staff and the consultant will refine cost estimates, evaluate possible buyers and revenue models for a state transfer, and prepare a draft recommendation for further community consideration by the end of summer.