Many Meeker residents have asked about the remains of the log house on 880 Market St. near Clark’s. The house, built in 1951, was sold to Jason and Brenda Purkey earlier in January. Along with the house, the Purkeys also purchased Clark’s.
Originally, many speculated that the owners wanted to use the space from the house to extend Clark’s parking lot. However, this is not the case.
Craft Shack Creations, owned by Danae McPherson and Brenda Purkey, instead would’ve moved into the house. Upon purchase of the building, the Purkeys discovered that the house needed multiple repairs, ranging from plumbing and electrical all the way to structural. Brenda noted, “there was going to be more costs and repairs to fix it than was financially functional.”
In the spring, the Purkeys plan to build a new structure there. With a physical location for Craft Shack Creations, currently housed in a small structure near Meeker General Mercantile, they hope to see more foot traffic and business.
This leaves the question regarding delays in the demolition process. According to Purkey, they’ve allowed some local individuals to recycle materials from the house. “It is being repurposed at no cost to them,” she said. “They demo it, they keep it.”
The Purkeys hope that the rest of the building will be gone before winter. Meanwhile, they’ve put Meeker General Mercantile (MGM), which they bought in 2020, on the market for sale. Brenda said they want to spend more time with their young family, and having six businesses to manage is hindering that goal.
“MGM is my baby,” Purkey said. “We are ready to pass it along to another local family who will continue it. If it doesn’t work out for anybody, we will continue it. We will not shut it down.”
BY OPAL MUNGER
It’s been a slow process of demolition for the log structure at 880 Market Street, prompting questions about the future of the site. OPAL MUNGER PHOTO
