Ridgefield’s history is coming to the forefront with a new historical signage project led by the Ridgefield Main Street organization in collaboration with the city.
The initiative will highlight the stories of five key buildings downtown, offering residents and visitors a deeper connection to the town’s past.
Ridgefield Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing and preserving the historic downtown, has been active for over a decade. The team is one of three Main Street communities working in Clark County.
“It’s (about) working with partners and creating community by bringing people together on projects where the love of downtown is shared,” Ridgefield Main Street Executive Director Marykay Lamoureaux said. “These stories help people feel connected to the place they call home.”
The organization funded the dragonboat mural at 112 N. Main Ave. which was painted last year, as well as historical signage throughout downtown.
For 2025, Ridgefield Main Street is expanding its historical preservation efforts with a new project: five additional murals celebrating the town’s rich past. Approved last year, this initiative is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. This time, the organization is working with Megan Demoss, the city’s communications program manager, to deepen research efforts by reviewing historical documents and collaborating with past and current building owners to uncover the untold stories behind these sites.
Last week, Lamoureaux and Demoss spoke about the five historic downtown buildings selected for the project and shared insights into their significance and history.
Unearthing the stories behind Ridgefield’s oldest buildings
One of the researched buildings, the Ridgefield Mercantile, is a historic structure currently home to an antique store. While often referred to as one of Ridgefield’s oldest buildings, its full history is still being explored.
“If you ask people who have lived here for 20 years, they might call it the Dancing Rabbit, a business that once operated there,” Demoss said. “Before that, it was a church. Depending on how long you’ve been here, you know the buildings by different names. That’s part of the fun, learning and sharing these stories.”
Another focal point of the project is the Starliner, built in 1920. Originally a warehouse for Northwest Electric and later a machine shop, the building has undergone significant transformations. Today, it houses a grocery store.
“It’s incredible to see how these buildings have changed over time,” Demoss added. “By uncovering their past, we’re able to give them new life in the present.”
Ridgefield’s Hardware Store, home to historical heists
One of the most captivating stories uncovered is tied to Ridgefield Hardware, originally operated as a bank and a hardware store. The Ridgefield State Bank began operations in the building in 1910, sharing space with the hardware business. However, after a series of break-ins, including one where thieves used tools from the store itself to drill into the bank vault, a decision was made to construct a more secure facility. The bank moved to a new building that currently houses Ridgefield’s City Hall, featuring an 11-inch-thick vault for added protection.
“That story is such a classic small-town tale,” Lamoureaux said. “It really gives a sense of the town’s history and character.”
Center Market: A cornerstone of Ridgefield
The Center Market building, constructed in 1925, has been a central part of downtown Ridgefield for several decades. The store was first known as a “Green Trading Stamp Store” and later changed to the Red & White Store. The location is commonly referred to locally as the Corner Store.
“They discovered that the original windows were much larger than previously thought, and now, with the changes, you can really appreciate the building’s historic charm. It’s a perfect blend of past and present,” Lamoureaux said.
The RACC Center: From middle school to civic hub
The Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center is also part of the historical signage project. Constructed in 1976, it served as a middle school until 2018, when View Ridge Middle School moved to its current location on Hillhurst Road.
It now houses city government offices and school district administrative operations, serving as a hub for municipal and educational functions. The sign will highlight its transformation and its continuing role in Ridgefield’s development.
The project is an ongoing effort, with more stories expected to emerge as research continues. The team behind it is eager to involve the community in sharing memories and historical insights.
“That’s the beauty of this project,” Megan said. “We’re not just telling history — we’re discovering it together.”
