Fort Vancouver National Trust’s Academy Campaign Chair, Ed Lynch, announced today that the Trust is purchasing the historic Academy building in downtown Vancouver from the Hidden family. “Acquiring and preserving the Academy is critically important as one of the most significant historic buildings in the region. The Academy embodies the work of its most iconic resident, Mother Joseph, which means it also has national stature.”
Following a two-year fundraising campaign, acquisition of the Academy and surrounding property is the first of a three-phase initiative to acquire, renovate and preserve the building, and develop the surrounding property.
Opened in 1873, the Academy served as a school and orphanage, and as the permanent home of the Sisters of Providence. It was designed and built by Mother Joseph, who went on to establish twenty-nine hospitals, schools, and orphanages throughout the Northwest. Because of her remarkable achievements, Mother Joseph represents the State of Washington in National Statuary Hall on Capitol Hill.
Over the past several decades the Academy has been under the stewardship of Bill, Oliver and Monte Hidden, who noted: “The Hidden family is so pleased to pass ownership to Fort Vancouver National Trust. We preserved this historic building for 46 years, and with such widespread community support its preservation for generations to come is ensured. This fulfills our dream to have the Academy protected in perpetuity.”
The brothers’ great-grandfather, Lowell Hidden, supplied the bricks to Mother Joseph to construct the Academy, and when the Sisters of Providence closed the school and offered it for sale, the Hidden brothers and their father, Robert Hidden, acquired the Academy in 1969 to prevent it from being torn down.
The Academy site in downtown Vancouver will be deeded to the Trust as two separate and roughly equal-sized parcels totaling nearly seven acres. The first parcel including the Academy structure, as well as two additional buildings: the El Presidente restaurant and another that recently served as a preschool — along with adjacent property for tenant parking. The second parcel includes property currently being leased for parking, as well as the former laundry and boiler buildings and a smokestack. The sale agreement enables the Trust to hold the deed for the second parcel and to compensate the Hiddens as this property is sold for development. The Trust board and staff continue to work on development alternatives and will announce commitments as they are approved.
Trust CEO Elson Strahan has worked closely with Lynch to secure funding and negotiate the Academy purchase. “Acquiring the Academy to ensure its preservation has been my primary objective over the past thirty months. Accomplishing this goal is tremendously gratifying as I conclude more than twelve years leading Trust.” Strahan recently announced that he will leave the Trust in March 2015. During his remaining time with the Trust he will continue to identify and secure capital support for renovation and restoration of the building.
Approximately $2 million is needed to address immediate preservation projects including repointing the brick and replacing porches and the roof of the Academy. Fundraising for these projects, as well as the planning and development of the second parcel, will begin immediately and occur simultaneously over the next three years.
Mike True, Trust president, will lead the property renovation and development efforts for the Academy property. True led similar efforts on Officers Row and for the West Barracks. In considering the work ahead, True explains: “Managing and developing historic properties presents unique challenges and opportunities. The Trust welcomes the prospect of renovating and restoring this iconic building, as well as developing its seven acres to honor its history and contribute to the economic vitality of downtown Vancouver.”
