Western Legacy Center "Back to Square One," According to Wortman

At the June 14 Jefferson County Commissioner’s meeting, held in Cardwell, Commissioner Leonard Wortman noted the Western Legacy Center (WLC) is “back to square one” after a recent decision by the Jefferson Local Development Council (JLDC). That morning at a JLDC meeting the board had voted not to purchase the Roberts Building on the outskirts of Whitehall by the I-90 exits/entrances.

“The Western Legacy Center’s business plan is not in the best interest of JLDC at this time,” said Eric Seidensticker, JLDC’s Executive Director, on a phone call with the Whitehall Ledger. The business plan was written by former JLDC Project Manager Tom Harrington, who is still involved with planning the WLC. Seidensticker said JLDC planned to focus more of its efforts on the Sunlight Business Park.

At the same meeting, Mayor Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh mentioned that she thought the current Town Hall’s ambulance bays would “make a great Western Legacy Center.” However, in a discussion with the Whitehall Ledger, Wortman said having the WLC at Town Hall “would defeat the purpose” of the project. Wortman explained that the WLC originated as a rest stop in Boulder, and has now become a way to get people off the Interstate and into Whitehall by utilizing the Roberts Building.

Wortman clarified that the Roberts Building is still the preferred location and while JLDC will not be purchasing the building, those involved with the WLC are looking into other options to acquire the space.

“We’re working on tying in the red barn museum [Jefferson Valley Museum] and having multiple locations for displays is a possibility,” Wortman said, adding that having a display at the Town Hall for railroad history could be possible.

“It ain’t dead yet,” Wortman said with a laugh. “I still think it’s a good idea.”