Historical building undergoing original apartment layout

CHENEY – The historic building at 417 5th Street, located across from Showalter Hall, is undergoing a significant remodel by Mitch Swenson, co-owner of Philena, LLC. The renovation aims to restore the building to its original apartment layout.

Originally built as one of the city’s earliest apartment buildings, distinct from single-room-occupancy structures, the building has a rich history. Before the current remodeling, it served as the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house for many years, according to Spokane County records and a letter from the Historic Preservation Commission. Philena, LLC acquired the property in June of last year.

The 14,040-square-foot building will be restored to house 16 apartments, closely resembling its original design, with necessary updates to meet modern building codes.

Constructed in 1929 by businessman, mayor, and soon-to-be Washington State Governor Clarence D. Martin, the Romanesque building was named in honor of his mother, Philena. It was originally intended as housing for single faculty members of the Cheney Normal School. Clarence’s father, Frank M. Martin, was a prominent banker and the owner of a flour mill in downtown Cheney, which remains operational today under the ownership of ADM Milling Co.

Clarence Martin commissioned Spokane architects Archibald and Roland Vantyne to design the three-story building in a Romanesque style. The brick structure features artistic arched windows and terra cotta decorations, which were popular at the time. The front entrance was originally adorned with concrete pedestals and decorative wrought iron lamp posts, which have been meticulously restored as part of the remodeling project.

Inside, the building originally boasted hardwood plank flooring, which Swenson insisted on preserving by applying a protective coating to maintain the historical integrity. “We tried to keep the historical markings on the floor as it is part of the building’s history,” Swenson said.

The ground floor, facing College Ave, includes a glass French door entry that has hosted various businesses over the years, including the College Inn restaurant, Cheney Public Employees Credit Union, JAAZ Hair Salon, the Martin family business office, and an ice cream parlor.

Over the decades, the Philena building transitioned from faculty housing to housing female students, then co-ed students, and more recently, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

The project remains a family affair, with other owners including Swenson’s wife, Kris Swenson, his brother Nels Swenson and his wife Kerry Swenson, and his daughter Anna Swenson.

Philena J. Martin, born around 1861 in Ohio, moved to Cheney with her husband, Frank M. Martin, around 1883. A prominent club-woman, Philena was involved in several organizations, including the Rebekahs and the auxiliary of the Odd Fellows. Frank M. Martin was engaged in various businesses before establishing his legacy with the Frank M. Martin Grain & Milling Company in 1907. Today it is ADM Milling Co.