After spring fire, historic Truckee landmark for sale for $1.45M
mmoran@sierrasun.com
Margaret Moran / mmoran@sierrasun.com |
TRUCKEE, Calif. — A historic downtown building that dates back to the 1870s is on the market following a suspicious fire last spring.
The Kruger-White House at 10292 Donner Pass Road (formerly known as C.B. White House) is listed with Truckee River Associates for $1.45 million.
The property has been “quietly” listed since September 2013, as repairs to the building were under way, said Robyn Connor, one of the agents who holds the listing.
At about 3:45 a.m. on April 11, 2013, a fire broke out at the structure — known then as JStones Whitehouse Restaurant — with fire damage contained to its rear and smoke damage throughout.
The fire is still being investigated as suspicious due to it starting in the early morning and originating outside, said Paul Spencer, spokesman for Truckee Fire Protection District.
“I was devastated after the fire,” said Denise Johnstone, building and restaurant owner.
She called the blaze the latest incident in a long string of setbacks since purchasing the property in November 2011. The restaurant was only open for about three months when it happened.
Afterward, Johnstone decided to put the 5,600-square-foot building, complete with an outdoor patio and rear parking, up for sale.
Work to repair the building started in August 2013, with special care given to maintaining its historical integrity, while also making code upgrades, Johnstone said. Completion is expected in the coming weeks.
When asked for repair costs, Johnstone declined to give a figure, but said it’s “extensive and very expensive.” Insurance is expected to cover the majority of costs.
“It’ll be back, better than ever, just under new ownership,” she said.
Connor said there has been “a good amount” of interest in the property by out-of-state investors and second-home owners. No offers had been made as of Tuesday.
Johnstone said she and her family are looking for the right person to own the building.
“I hope someone can come in that loves the historic nature that I do…” she said. “(To) be a caretaker and love the building, while building it into an iconic business.”
The Kruger-White House was built in 1874 by William Henry Kruger. The Queen Anne Eastlake Victorian was constructed during the town’s boomtown years when Kruger and E.J. Brickell were partners in the Truckee Lumber Company.
Over the years, it has been a single family residence, hotel and restaurant. In 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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