PRESERVING A HISTORIC LANDMARK
Built in 1890, the J.C. Barron Mill, known today as the Oakesdale Mill, is the last surviving mill of its kind in Whitman County, about 40 miles south of Spokane. Towering four stories over the center of Oakesdale, the wooden structure remains an important symbol for the town whose summer festival, Old Mill Days, is named after it. Aside from occasional tours by former owners, its doors have been shut since 1960.
site overview
• Two parcels of land, approximately 2 acres total
• Divided by platted right-of-way
• McCoy Creek to the east
• Railroad to the west; 2-3 trains/week
• Highway 27 to the west
• Regulatory floodplain
• Water and sewer connections west of highway and east of creek
FUNDING
In early 2026, the Port was awarded $1 million in grant funds from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). The grant funds Phase 1 of construction, which includes critical improvements to the Mill like replacing the roof, stabilizing the building’s exterior, and extending water, sewer, and fiber utilities to the site. Construction of Phase 1 is slated to begin in Summer 2026.
Port Ownership
With the help of community donors, Spokane-based Innovia Foundation bought the property in May of 2024 and transferred ownership to the Port in December of 2024. As a special purpose district with a focus on economic development, the Port’s goals for the site are to increase job opportunities, support economic growth, and ensure long-term viability while preserving a historic landmark.
The Port’s role as owner is to facilitate redevelopment of the site and selection of future uses. Should the site be developed to function as a leased space, the Port will facilitate the selection of any lessees. Business management will be the responsibility of any occupants, similar to a landlord-tenant relationship.
In 2025, the Port conducted a feasibility study to better understand the potential uses and economic growth opportunities for the Mill. The Port heavily engaged with the public during the study conducting stakeholder interviews, advisory group meetings, a public open house, and a public survey. View the study here .
