Reverent Remodel: Asburys new owner respects, yet transforms, the former church

A well-preserved felt banner, reading Asbury, Hood River, lies folded on the floor of what was once a Sunday school room of the 100-year-old Methodist Church, left behind 15 months ago when the church closed its doors.

I need to get that back to them, said Claudia von Flotow, the buildings new owner, who began interior demolition in April. No tenants have yet been lined up but von Flotow hopes to rent out the sanctuary and north room spaces as early as this fall.

Changes done in the 1950s are going away, and something that was covered in the 1950s is coming back.

The warren of offices and classrooms will become office and restroom space in the north section, and the old folding room divider, while salvaged, will be replaced with glass walls.

Most importantly, the false ceiling over the office area is gone, exposing the dark wood bead board, a vaulted ceiling that Claudia von Flotow calls stunning.

It needs a little bit of work, but not a whole lot.

She said the building will need more roof insulation and some structural reinforcement.

There are a lot of structural problems but nothing thats not worth saving. There is craftsmanship in every corner of this place. As anyone would say who appreciates craftsmanship and history, you gotta preserve it.

She will install a mezzanine partway over the north room, offering a closer view of the bead board, as well as views of the Columbia River through new north-facing windows.

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Reverent Remodel: Asburys new owner respects, yet transforms, the former church