Colfax library listed on national register

COLFAX – The Whitman County Library building in Colfax is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"As a public institution, the nominated building is integral to the intellectual and social development of the citizens of Whitman County and the community of Colfax," said Sheri Miller, interim director.

The library joins the Perkins House and the Colfax Post Office.

It was built in 1960 to be the library district headquarters.

"Spokane master architect Warren C. Heylman was hired to design the library. His unusual designs pushed the architectural envelope in the Inland Northwest during the post-war period," stated Miller. "Many of his projects established Heylman as one of the region's most prominent architects during that time."

He also worked on the Spokane Parkade and the Spokane Regional Health District building.

The Colfax Library is one of Heylman's early designs and his first project to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A bronze plaque announcing the register listing is being placed at the library's front entrance.