New life for Lewiston landmark

Myron Gemmer, a retired machinist, invested $130,000 to restore the former Lewiston Civic Theater, now named The Castle. Carpenter Rod Schindler has played a vital role in the renovation, successfully fixing a sagging girder truss that threatened the building's integrity. The theater has a complex history, including being the site of unsolved murders and falling into disrepair before being turned over to the city in 2017. Gemmer, who faces health challenges such as Parkinson’s disease, finds purpose in this restoration project. He envisions The Castle as a community space, potentially hosting events or serving as a senior center.

The crew's work has remained largely unnoticed, which Gemmer finds both challenging and rewarding. He emphasizes the importance of feedback from the public to determine the building’s future use. The timeline for opening The Castle remains uncertain as Gemmer navigates his health and the renovation process.