SUQUAMISH — People driving through Suquamish may notice a bit of a change in the scenery since July 12. The once dilapidated building that stood at the intersection of Augusta Avenue and Suquamish Way is now nothing more than a pile of rubble.

But it won’t stay that way long and members of the Suquamish Tribe are pleased with the razing, as it will increase space for cultural events.

“We’re in the planning stage right now,” said Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman of the space. “Nothing’s concrete.”

The building, the first of three that are being torn down to make more room in the downtown area, once housed the Tides Inn Tavern, and later the old tribal youth center. The building, will not be missed, as it will open up room for parking, and later a new structure, said Forsman.

“We really haven’t talked about further plans,” said Tribal Deputy Executive Director Morrie Black Eagle. “We’ll have a master planning session soon to go over ideas for the space.”

Until those plans become more solid, the space is being used for parking for the upcoming canoe journeys and Chief Seattle Days.

Forsman did say that plans for a multi-use building, including private offices, retail and leasing space, might be in store for the spot.

“The two other houses I would expect sometime this week,” Forsman said in reference to the other two buildings that have yet to be torn down. They are closer to the slab, and will provide even more room for guests and residents during celebrations.

“As far as the first building that’s down now, it was blighted,” he said. “It was essentially condemned. It will make room for new development room to expand the tribal celebration grounds.”

“The tribe wasn’t in any condition to pour any more money into (the building),” Black Eagle said, noting that the solution was to remove the building.

The tribe has reacted well to the demolition, both Forsman and Black Eagle agreed, saying the building was dilapidated anyway, and tearing it down has created more room for cultural events.

“The reaction as been pretty positive,” Black Eagle said, adding that residents seem pleased with any revitalization that enhances the community and culture.

“The tribe has been growing culturally,” Forsman said. “Most people have been eager to see how this project will move forward. They have been glad to see it.”

As far as future projects go, the Suquamish Tribe is still considering ideas like a long house near the waterfront, Black Eagle said. In the near future, the rubble of the buildings will be cleared, creating more space for guests and neighbors to rub elbows in the downtown area.