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Photo by Jim Craven Developers Allan Sandler and Ed Bemis plan to turn Ashland's Masonic Temple building into shops and a restaurant. Development partners hope to leave a legacy in Ashland By WENDY SIPOREN ASHLAND -- They're the odd couple among local developers -- the former Los Angeles film producer and a third-generation Rogue Valley contractor. But their five-year partnership is making its mark on the face of Ashland. Developers Allan Sandler and Ed Bemis are the vision and the pocketbook behind the renovations to Martino's restaurant and the now three-story building housing the Kat Wok restaurant and Tudor Guild Gift Shop. They recently won City Council approval to relocate Oak Street Tank and Steel to newly annexed land on Washington Street near the south freeway interchange. East across the freeway on Clover Lane, they're in the middle of their latest collaboration -- the new home for Ashland's Masonic lodge. Plans call for the 120-year-old Masonic Temple building on the Plaza to be transformed into seven different retail spaces plus a third-story restaurant. Although the Masons didn't particularly want to abandon the historic structure, the 150-member Ashland lodge needed better parking, says member Jack Thompson. "We have meetings that no one will come to because they can't park," he said. "One or two members have some nostalgia for the old building. There's a lot of history there." Built in 1879, the building was home to the post office from 1891 until it moved to the current building in 1966. A third floor was added in 1928. Sandler and Bemis say they want to keep as much of the original building as possible -- everything from the water fountain in the ladies' lounge to the ornate ceiling of the Masons' lodge room. Plans call for the second and third story facade to remain intact, but the 1960s-look of the street level will be replaced with black tile, awnings and brickwork. A public walkway will be carved out of the center of the building, linking the Plaza with the Calle Guanajuato. Sandler and Bemis have donated the easement to the city so it will be maintained as a city sidewalk. A second-floor deck will look out over Ashland Creek. Each retail space will be two stories, with open-air mezzanines linking each floor. An elevator will carry patrons between floors. Sandler says he and Bemis are specializing in the renovation of downtown buildings and are looking to purchase others. "The older, the more work, the better," said Sandler. "If we don't fix them up, there's no future. (These buildings) certainly aren't going to fall apart, but they need to keep up-to-date." Sandler says he isn't concerned about an overabundance of retail space in downtown Ashland. "If you give the tenants something a little extraordinary ... each location will be its own destination," he said. Between the construction of the new Masonic building and the purchase and renovation of the historic building, Sandler says they will have invested $1.5 million into the project. "Isn't it great?" said Bemis. "The city gets a pedestrian walkway. The Masons get a new lodge." "And hopefully we make money," interjected Sandler. While Sandler makes it clear that they are in business to make money, both men say their partnership works because their friendship allows them to be creative. "When it's all done it's the most enjoyable," said Bemis. "It's called pride of ownership," added Sandler. Most importantly said Bemis, "we have to agree on everything or we won't do it." The Masons plan to move in late May and Sandler says tenants should be moving into the renovated Plaza building by October. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA