Blackbirds info?

[NathanandChantel]

Hi there,

I’m new to Twisp, just wondered if anyone has heard any updates on that “Blackbirds” property by the river on the south side of town? The last I read, it was being considered for apartments in 2023, is that still a plan? I walk by it all the time, just think it’s a really cool looking building, hope something happens with it one day. Thanks!

[moose]

Locally it is understood to be cursed

[biglakejudy]

Like all buildings it is deteriorating fast. A leaky roof I believe. I would like to see it a cluster of small shops. Oh well. I dont think it cursed...ownership has something to do with it. Maybe karma.

[Carpenter2]

I do remember getting decent Mexican food there near 20 years ago.

Blip and then poof...

[NathanandChantel]

Thanks, sounds interesting. I get the feeling that the garden apartment idea didn’t materialize. That outdoor courtyard/movie theater looks cool! Hopefully one day something will pan out.

I know small businesses are hard to keep going, in a small valley with seasonal tourism, etc. And more housing/affordable housing is very important.

But as I sit here daydreaming (when I should be working 🙂), what do people wish we had in the Valley, that would fit there? What would you like to see in that space, when you drive by? Food/music venue/housing/office spaces/a specific business? All the above?

I like the small shops idea too, though wonder if having TwispWorks nearby, they would be too similar?

Have a great day everyone!

[tristanbgilb]

I think the space would be good for a family restaurant with burgers and fries where the fries are not cooked in the same oil as animal. Lots of vegetarian choices should be available.

[DoWhatYouLove]

Many different people have bought it and tried to fix it up over the years. I think because people pay for the building they keep trying to make something out of it, when it’s pretty clear at this point it just needs to be torn down and start over. There is clearly too many issues to be addressed in that old building. I think it’s a great spot for some apartments. They would have such better use of the property if they would just start from scratch.

[Reapward]

Does anyone remember when it was called the Train Station? Coldest, bestist, beer in town.

[moose]

I thought I remember it being a gas station, am I correct? was the train station a gas station or did the gas station come later? Terrible I can’t remember exactly

[jimbo]

As I recall It was built, after the mill burned, in the mid-80’s. Then, the Eastside County road ran north right along the river.

That place was first a mini-mart built by a couple….who didnt last long…maybe just a year or 2. It was a weird place to go into, in my opinion, as they were sort of strange and unfriendly. It did have gas pumps, I recall.

Later - after the Eastside Road was moved to its current location, it became Blackbirds…and has had that succession of different restaurant/bar/bakery attempts. None of the retail attempts seemed to last very long.