Town center sale starts a new era

The Skamokawa Town Center, whose existence has been up and down since it was extensively remodeled in 1994, has sold.

Wahkiakum County records indicate that Don Jester of Rochester bought the property in a cash sale for $575,000 in December. The property had been part of bankruptcy proceedings in 2009.

The new owner plans to rehabilitate the buildings, and has hired a professional to survey the area and re-stock the store, said David Nelson of Cathlamet Realty West, who handled the sale. Nelson said Jester planned to have family members live on-site and operate the center.

The sale is good news for tenant Andrew Emlen of Columbia River Kayaking.

“Everyone thought we were closed,” said Emlen, who said his business “plummeted when the last owner shut off the phone. He (also) controlled the website.” Elderhostel tours continued as they have their own publicity network. Emlen said he has a meeting scheduled with the new owner and is excited about the possibilities.

Warren Rovetch expanded the Skamokawa Town Center in1994 with three condos, a cafe, bed and breakfast and rental space for Columbia River Kayaking. In October, 2009, the property was part of bankruptcy of owner, by Richard G. Hofmann or Miraculous Properties, LLC.

The Eagle was unable to reach new owner Don Jester for comment.