Libby Lofts
Former classroom space on the upper floor of Libby’s old high school building stands ready for transformation into a condominium. Photo by Kootenai Valley Record.
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Libby Lofts project moving forward, developer says
by Brent Shrum, Kootenai Valley Record
May 6, 2009
A year after the death of developer Eric Berry, the Libby Lofts project is continuing to move ahead despite the global economic downturn and a lawsuit filed by Berry’s estate against his partners in another redevelopment project, according to project manager Scott Curry.
Berry’s ex-wife and three children have filed suit against Berry’s two partners in the Eastside Brick project in Kalispell, alleging that they failed to make an offer – required under state law – to purchase his interest in the project following his death in a motorcycle accident last May. Berry’s Eastside Brick partners were not involved in Libby Lofts, Curry said.
"We don’t have anything to do with that other than I may be a witness for either party as to the assets Eric may have had," he said.
Berry owned the majority of the Libby Lofts project, and negotiations are under way to reach an agreement with his estate outside of court, Curry said.
"We’ve actually worked it out verbally, and now the specific details are being formulated by the attorneys," he said.
The current economic situation has had some positive impacts on the project, Curry said.
"Materials are about half the cost that they were a year ago," he said. "Labor is abundant, and we see great benefits in taking our time in figuring out exactly what to do in terms of lower costs. It’s great time to buy – that’s the real deal."
Most of the demolition work inside the building has been completed, Curry said, and only structural elements remain. Bearing walls have been replaced where necessary along with other structural maintenance, he said.
Much of the work currently being done is not visible to outside observers, Curry said.
"There’s a lot that’s not boards, pipes, wires or bricks," he said.
Curry said he’s been doing a lot of design work and is finalizing a schedule for the project. He said he hopes to have his business, TLC Engineering, working out of office space in the building by next winter.
"But we’ll see," he said. "It’s a lot to do."
Libby Lofts purchased the 1917-vintage school building from the Libby School District for $150,000, with an initial payment made last spring and the remainder paid this March. Plans for the structure call for a mix of high-end condominiums, commercial offices and live/work space along with a restaurant/coffee house.
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Editor’s Note: See the May 5, 2009 edition of the Kootenai Valley Record for the printed version of this story. The Kootenai Valley Record publishes once a week, now on Tuesday, in Libby, Montana. They are a locally owned community newspaper, located at 403 Mineral Avenue in Libby. For in-county and out-of-county subscription information, call 406-293-2424, or e-mail kvrecord@gmail.com.
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