Old Waitsburg City Hall back on the market following potential buyer’s arrest

WAITSBURG – The old Waitsburg City Hall is back on the market. City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe confirmed regional winemaker Todd Alexander of Milton-Freewater backed out of the sale on his own accord and didn’t specify why.

Alexander, 46, was among 30 people arrested or cited by the Portland Police Bureau for commercial sexual solicitation during human trafficking mission along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Avenue last month. Portland-area media reported Alexander pleaded not guilty and has a court hearing set for March 7.

Prior to his arrest, the Waitsburg City Hall approved a $125,000 sale with Todd Alexander and his wife, Carrie Alexander for the old city hall building at 147 Main Street. The plan was for the Alexanders to build some extra rooms for the Royal Block Hotel and a caretaker apartment. On the street level of the building, the Alexander’s had planned to add retail space centered around wine and art.

With the sale not going through, it may have an economic impact to the city of Waitsburg.

“It will impact our budget as it represents 15 percent of the general fund’s revenues,” Hinchliffe explains.

A realtor is currently looking into potential leads for the old Waitsburg City Hall. The two-story commercial building, with a full basement, contains a total of 4,157 square feet. It was originally built for commercial bank use. The building is listed at $175,000.

Photo via Associated Appraisers of Walla Walla, LLC

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