Historic Coeur d'Alene building could be in its final chapter, likely to be sold to developers

COEUR D'ALENE, ID. - A historical building in North Idaho could likely be in its final chapter.

The Roosevelt Inn is a boutique hotel that holds 14 bedrooms on half an acre of land. In the building's prior lifetime, it stood as a school house.

The 119-year-old building is Coeur d'Alene's oldest schoolhouse and where the owner actually attended grade school. Still today,"Roosevelt School" reads near the top of the building.

This is John and Tina Hough's 25th year owning The Roosevelt Inn, which has been transformed into a venue for events like proms, weddings, or just an overnight stay.

"It's a big venture," said John. "We've enjoyed it, but now we're at the point where it's not as enjoyable as it was."

Now, the Hough's are nearing retirement and in the process of selling the building. They said they would love to pass the torch to someone who wants to continue their work, but their most prominent buyer for the $3 million property happens to be a developer.

Their potential buyer - developers from Western Washington - will likely demolish the building and bring in new housing.

A petition to save the building from being knocked down is making its rounds online. There was hope that the city would step in, but Mayor Jim Hammond said there's not much they can do.

"If the sale goes through, maybe we can meet with the owners and have discussions on keeping it around, but there's a lot of moving pieces," said Hammond.

The building is on the historical list, but not the preservation list, which means it's not protected by the city.

As of now, the building appears to be entering its final chapter. The school house's 119-year-run is one for the books.

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