Dinty Moore building to get new life

By JAMES CLARK

There is no floor in the old Dinty Moore building on Spring Street. However, owner Mark Latka says that will soon change as he is planning to restore the building and his other downtown property at 205 E. Main Street.

Anyone who has seen the old Dinty Moore building on Spring Street knows it is just limping along. For those who haven’t seen it recently, I’ve included a picture of the dilapidated structure, which doesn’t even have a floor. Better watch that first step.
But alas, there’s hope. Property owner Mark Latka, who also owns 205 E. Main Street, says he is in the process of actively restoring both buildings. And in case you’re wondering, 205 E. Main is the building right next to the ones destroyed by fire two weeks ago.
Mark, a former Main Street McMinnville director, believes both buildings can be restored in the next nine months.
‘I’m not doing this for economic reasons,’ said Mark when asked how he ever hoped to recoup the money he is about to sink into the buildings. ‘I’m doing it because it’s the right thing. It’s not all about economics. It’s about taking pride in your downtown. I enjoy the projects no one wants to tackle.’
One thing both buildings have are new metal roofs. Mark believes those new roofs are what saved the buildings from the blazing fire of March 29.
Mark says the roofs are a good starting point because so much of the interior damage both buildings have suffered is the result of water damage. He says both buildings are structurally stout, having been constructed at a time when there were higher building standards.
As for his plans for what might eventually occupy the buildings, Mark said the old Dinty Moore building could end up being entirely residential, although that is not set at this point. He said the Main Street property would definitely be first-floor commercial with the likelihood of second-floor living.
Mark, who lives in Summerville, S.C., recently retired from Bi-Lo after 27 years with that company. He says that frees up his time to devote to this project.
‘I never intended them to sit there as long as they have,’ said Mark. ‘This is the year I’ve made time to get them done. Hopefully I can do my part to get downtown redone. For someone who has left and been gone for a while, there are a lot of new businesses downtown. It’s starting to take shape. It’s a 15-year project and I think it’s in year six right now. I’m seeing a big difference.’