USFS purchases federal building

Plans to sell it so it can move across highway

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Federal Building is now under the ownership of the U.S. Forest Service.

"It feels like buying your first home all over again," said Dick Kramer, ranger the Forest Service's Sandpoint district, which has been leasing the building on U.S. Highway 2 for the last 30 years.

The Forest Service has leased the building from the federal General Services Administration since 1973. The GSA declared the building a "non-performing asset" and launched plans to surplus it.

Kramer, realizing Sandpoint's real estate prices are on the climb and the prospect that the district would outgrow its office space, successfully moved to retain the building for the Sandpoint Ranger District — so it can put it on the sale block.

Kramer hopes to sell the building to bankroll the construction of a new building on public land across U.S. 2. Putting the district headquarters there would allow it to consolidate its fire warehouse, plus provide ample office space in a location that's easy for the public to find and access when they need trail information or firewood permits.

"If we can make something happen, we will," Kramer said. "And if not, we'll stay here for another 30 years."

Kramer complimented the GSA for working with the district to make the transaction happen and in easing the transition of the many private tenants who currently lease space in the building.

The Forest Service plans to continue leasing second and third floors and all existing tenants may continue to lease. There should also be room for North Idaho College, and others have expressed an interest in moving into the building.

Kramer added that the Forest Service and the residents of Sandpoint have a long history togther, and the retention of this building will help to assure that continued relationship.