Cathlamet business people buying hotel

Hotel Cathlamet, an historic landmark in Wahkiakum County, is on the verge of reopening.

Though the process is still underway, Kevin and Stephanie Prestegard, together with Wayne and Kay Cochran, are sorting out the details to purchase the hotel building.

Hotel Cathlamet was built in 1926 and operated as a hotel until the mid 90’s. At that time it was converted to an assisted living facility for private-paying residents then shifted some rooms to state-pay rooms to accommodate their special clientele.

The assisted-living facility ceased operation in 2009. Then, in 2010, the second floor was converted to a hotel boasting 19 hotel rooms and five retail storefronts.

As it stands today, a great deal has been invested into the building resulting in restoration of the original lobby, upgrades in electrical and plumbing, installation of an elevator, third level addition with causeway to parking lot and complete interior renovation.

“We are all very excited to bring this building back to life and hope that it will benefit the whole community,” Stephanie Prestegard affirmed Tuesday. “It will be business as usual for Lower Columbia Reality (where Stephanie works with her mother, Kay). Just because we are opening a new business does not mean we’re closing the other.”

If everything goes smoothly, they said, the purchase of Hotel Cathlamet will close during the first part of May and open as an operating hotel shortly thereafter.