Breaking Ground!
UPDATE ON THE VIEW POINT INN RENOVATION
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
The Historic View Point Inn, before breaking ground
It’s true! Four years after purchasing the historic View Point Inn property and collaborating with a stellar team of architects, engineers, and construction companies to design our dream wellness and healing center, we officially broke ground!
The process has not been without its hindrances, ranging from minor speed bumps to monumental hurdles, but our hard work and due diligence finally paid off. We met Multnomah County’s strict standards for commercial property development in the Gorge National Scenic Area, responded to concerns by Friends of the Gorge conservation group, and we became expert negotiators with the banks while maneuvering around frustrating property appraisals. Our efforts were met with even greater challenges as the world entered the Covid-19 pandemic and its accompanying unknowns. Despite the many well-meaning suggestions to let our lifelong dream go, we persevered. After an onsite visit with the county to approve erosion control measures, we finally broke ground on November 10!
Heiner Fruehauf, Heidi Katchia Van Vliet, Wasco Tribal Elder Ken Smith, and Sheron Fruehauf
On a sunny Saturday morning a few weeks earlier, we invited local Corbett resident and Wasco Tribal Elder Ken Smith to lead us in an ancient land clearing ritual. Two dozen of us gathered to honor and transform the land. We helped to release residual negative energies and trauma from the past and asked for blessings from the Great Creator, knowing we are the new stewards of this sacred land.
Two local construction companies, Square Nail Carpentry and White Dog Construction, are collaborating to implement Phase 1 of the View Point Inn renovation. Aptly referred to as “the lift”, the plan is to reinforce the current building and raise it so the basement can be excavated and a new structural foundation can be poured with concrete. This underground space will be the future home of the spa facilities.
We will post our progress and plans for “the lift” here, which will no doubt include a consultation with our local weatherman Mark Nelson. Let’s hope for clear skies and little or no wind!
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Breaking Ground
These images show the current state of the old View Point Inn, and some of the first steps involved before “the lift” happens. Indeed we have some work ahead of us!
Click on an image to view the larger version
Ceremony Images
