Feasibility study may determine future of Ernie's Garage property in Manson

The former Ernie's Auto Repair and Service Center, 91 Wapato Way in Manson. Photo courtesy: Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

It’s the hope of many in the area to see some form of new development at the site of the former Ernie’s Auto Repair and Service Center in Manson.

It appears certain that something new will come of the property with companion interests.

The Manson Chamber of Commerce approached the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority to inquire about their potential interest in the property at 91 Wapato Way. The Port is conducting a feasibility study with interest for economic re-development of the .44 acre parcel.

"We've signed a purchase and sale agreement with the property owner," said Port Authority CEO Jim Kuntz. "We're currently in what's called the feasibility period of whether we really want to close on the property. We have Link Transit as a partner looking at a couple of things. One is a bus turn-around only area, and we're looking at the property and maybe developing some business incubator buildings to get more commerce in the Manson area."

A business incubator is a program that supports early-stage businesses and startups by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them grow and develop. 

"it would be great to have public input once we get into that phase of what that property could be," Kuntz added. "We haven't put any design concepts down. The first thing in any type of property acquisition is doing some environmental due diligence."

If the port decides not to follow through on their purchase, others have come forward to pony up the $750,500 cost of the property.

"They go back with a long standing vision that a lot of people in the community have had from the days when it was a service station and that portion of the property acted as a community gathering place," said Larry Hibbard, who represents a group of donors interested in acquiring the land. "The Kiwanis picnics were held there, they had celebrations there on Apple Blossom, had Fourth of July times there."

Hibbard says the donor group, if presented the opportunity to purchase the property, would like "three things that they will put as instructions with their gift."

"One is that is stays as a park in perpetuity, the second is that the area be cleaned up as quickly as possible, and there are already community volunteers lined up to help, and third, they want to open that up to the community to make the best out of that piece of property as we can," said Hibbard.

"This is a park side place with a wonderful view of the lake," added Hibbard. "it makes a nice entrance to the town."

The donor group shared in an email that the non-profit Lake Chelan Community Services Council would be legally secured with a deed restriction, safeguarding it for future generations. The group said, "This site is one of Manson’s most picturesque and significant locations and it is our opportunity to preserve it as a community treasure."

"We're all about working with communities to enhance their economic vitality," Kuntz said. "We see this garage area as an opportunity to see if there's some economic value that we can bring to the table."

Next steps await the findings of a feasibility study by the Port Authority.

Aerial view of the former Ernie's Garage in Manson. Photo courtesy: Northwest Multiple Listing Service.