TwispWorks has updated the master plan for its campus and is seeking community feedback at two public sessions.
The sessions will be on June 6 from 4-5:30 p.m., and on June 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. Both will be in the Your Space building on the campus.
The plan summarizes TwispWorks’ growth and development over the past 13 years. The original master plan, written in 2010, envisioned “a campus, a community gathering place, and a vital economic zone combined.” That vision hasn’t changed. According to the plan update, TwispWorks’ aim is “to create a welcoming physical place that contributes to a Methow Valley economy rooted in livability.”
The master plan notes that capital development during the first 13 years focused on re-purposing existing buildings for year-round occupancy; transitioning the campus from a vehicle-dominant layout to a pedestrian-friendly gathering place; and adding new buildings which contribute to rental and earned income.
Looking forward, the master plan is projecting:
• Phase 1 — Completion of current projects and deferred maintenance (2022-2025). Recent building projects have focused on enhancing the trades programs facilities of the Methow Valley School District, and the business capacity of Old Schoolhouse Brewery and eqpd. All expanded their footprints on campus.
Development plans for 2023 include the construction of a new automotive technology facility for the school district, and through partnership with a regional nonprofit, expansion from one electric vehicle charging station to five.
In 2024, TwispWorks plans to pave approximately 9,500 square feet of the northeast corner of campus, which surrounds the career and technical education facilities (welding and automotive technology), as well as Little Star School. This project will reduce dust in that area of campus, improve traffic controls, and allow for better dumpster maintenance. With these projects completed, campus will be approximately 58% open space.
Several significant maintenance projects have been deferred. The Bernard Hosey Founders Building is in need of new siding, and TwispWorks’ solar installation needs to be modernized.
• Phase 2 — New development (2025-2033). Future development on campus will be driven by programmatic and community needs, according to the plan. Any new construction will be “carefully integrated into remaining open spaces.” Possibilities for Phase 2 include expanding available parking, improving ease-of-access for pedestrians, and replacing select buildings with program-specific facilities.
The plan also lays out “assumptions for development” based on a commitment that the intended outcome is to provide economic benefit to the Methow Valley community as a whole.
The TwispWorks campus dates back to the 1930 when the U.S. Forest Service developed a ranger station and support facilities on the site. The Forest Service consolidated its Methow Valley operations to single ranger station in Winthrop in 1994, after which the Twisp property sat vacant.
In 2008, the property was put up for auction. An anonymous donor offered $1 million for purchase of the site, with the condition that the property become self-sufficient after 10 years. The Town of Twisp formed a Public Development Authority (PDA) to operate the campus. In 2014, the PDA transferred management of the property to the TwispWorks Foundation.
Over 30 “partners” share the TwispWorks campus. They include two schools, KTRT 97.5 FM, the Methow Valley News, nonprofits, artists and small businesses. More than 100 people make their living on campus, according to TwispWorks.
To review the master plan, go to https://twispworks.org/updating-the-master-plan.
