South Hill nursery closes doors after 99 years | Business

A long standing Spokane business is shutting its doors 99 years after it opened. The owner of Stanek's Nursery at 2929 East 27th, Tim Stanek, says in a statement, “My decision is based upon a lease conflict with the Spokane Parks Department regarding a section of property east of my business that is used for our main parking area. I have rejected their lease terms.”

A source within the Park Board & member of the Land Committee tells KXLY, Tim Stanek contacted them several months ago to say he was selling his business and wanted assurance that whoever bought it would be allowed to continue using the parking lot just east of the building. That parking lot actually belongs to the city.

According to the source, the Parks Department discovered Stanek's Nursery had a handshake agreement made 58 years ago to use the strip of land that butts up to the ball park on 27th avenue. As a result of that agreement, the Parks Department says Stanek's Nursery hasn't paid property taxes or rent on the land for the last six decades.

So, the Parks Department had the property appraised and came back, guaranteeing at least 5 years to whoever bought the business, but that new owner would have to pay taxes and rent on the parking lot.

On October 30th, the Land Committee met to discuss the issue and received a letter from Stanek's attorney stating he planned to shut down his business instead of selling. The city gave Stanek's an extension to use the land, so it can clear out all its merchandise.

When Stanek's closes on January 15th, the city plans to take control of the property and will most likely turn it into parking for the baseball fields next door.

We contacted Stanek's for an interview, but they turned us down, but Tim Stanek did post this written statement on the business website:

To All My Customers:

It is bittersweet that I inform you of my decision to close Stanek’s Inc., my family’s ninety-nine year old Garden Center business. Our last day of business, as I can forecast now, shall be January 15, 2013. All inventory and store displays will be liquidated.

My decision is based upon a lease conflict with the Spokane Parks Department regarding a section of property east of my business that is used for our main parking area. I have rejected their lease terms.

On behalf of my Grandfather, my dad Frank Sr. and mother Helen, my brother Frank Jr. and his wife Charm, brothers Larry, Steve, Joe, my wife Jean, along with our tremendous loyal staff, we all thank you, our customers, for the patronage and support you have given to this small, community based, business.

Thank You.

Tim Stanek