JACKSONVILLE, Ore. — The historic United States Hotel on California & Third Streets in the goldrush town of Jacksonville, Oregon will soon have a new owner to add to its 144 years of history as a deal has been struck between the Britt Music and Arts Festival and Jackson County to buy the building.
Bringing their offices closer to the performance venue at Britt Pavilion in Jacksonville is the fruition of a long-held aspiration by the festival.
Britt Festival HQ Moves Closer To Performance Venue
The purchase of the 10,000-square-foot U.S. Hotel, built in the 1880s, for $1.45 million could further cement the Britt Festival’s role as a big economic driver in Jacksonville, where the Britt Pavillion is situated. Currently, the hotel is rented to an antique business.
After a competing offer from the Somar Family Vineyards was previously received, Jackson County commissioners delayed a vote to sell the building, until the Britt Festival offer was submitted. The festival plans to convert the iconic building to offices and relocate from Medford where they are currently housed.
Abby McKee, Britt Festival President, said the festival has sought to move its offices from Medford to Jacksonville for 35 years. Currently located in Medford as many Britt patrons used to come from East Medford, McKee said having the box office closer to the performance venue made things easier as most tickets are now sold online.
Amassing support and the funding to purchase a new building was a pretty major undertaking for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, McKee said. Because of the city’s many historic buildings and the lack of suitable real estate to meet their needs, the festival found Jacksonville a tricky place to find the right property. McKee confirmed that the festival is currently in escrow, awaiting completion of the final inspections.
Britt Festival Plans For U.S. Hotel In Jacksonville
Once the sale is finalized, the festival plans to convert the hotel into offices. McKee said a performance and education space will also be included upstairs. The renovations will include seismic upgrades and an elevator but it will take a few years to renovate the building.
The festival will have a space to call home, welcoming people and delivering interactive opportunities. In the building, people will be able to learn new skills or just experience the arts. Mckee said, “That’s been a really exciting prospect for us.”