TwispWorks History

In 1932, the U.S. Forest Service established the Twisp Ranger Station, which consisted of 17 buildings on the 6.4-acre campus. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established several camps in the Methow Valley, bringing hundreds of young men to fight fires, build campgrounds, and construct vital infrastructure. At the Twisp complex, the CCC built key structures, including the Bunkhouse and the North and South Warehouses.

In 1939, the Twisp complex served as the site for the first-ever “live jump” firefighting experiments, marking the birth of the smokejumping program. This initiative was eventually relocated to the North Cascades Smokejumper Base in 1940, where visitors can learn about the program’s legacy today.

The Wagner Mill opened in Twisp in 1941, employing around 400 people at its peak. The mill played an integral role in the local economy until its closure in 1985.

Throughout the 1950s, Forest Service employees based at Twisp built trails, maintained roads, and monitored timber sales across the Twisp Ranger District. During the 1980s, the Youth Conservation Corps brought young people from around the country to work on fire suppression and conservation projects in the Methow Valley.

In 2008, the property went up for auction. Recognizing the opportunity to breathe new life into the campus, the local community rallied together, securing a generous loan to purchase the land and create a space that would combine arts, culture, and business to support the Methow Valley‘s economy. The Twisp Public Development Authority (PDA) took control of the site, setting the stage for a community-driven revitalization.

In the following years, TwispWorks emerged as a thriving hub for creativity and enterprise. The first few years focused on rehabilitating buildings and outdoor spaces. The Methow Valley Interpretive Center became the first partner in 2011, and the Methow Made program was launched to help local producers market their goods.

In 2012, TwispWorks collaborated with Rob Crandall of Methow Natives and the Methow Interpretive Center to create the largest native plant garden in Central and Eastern Washington, followed by the opening of artist studios and the development of the Careers in Construction Academy for local teens.

The following years saw significant progress, including the opening of the Bernard Hosey Founders Building in 2015, which housed new artists, the radio station KTRT, and the Education Station. That same year, TwispWorks also began construction of the TwispWorks Community Plaza, a gathering space that would become central to community activities.

In 2016, the Grey Shed was expanded to create an additional 1,000 square feet of space to support the expansion of the manufacturing capabilities of eqpd.

TwispWorks expanded its impact in 2017 by launching the Methow Investment Network and providing space for the Little Star South Collaborative in partnership with Room One, which offers affordable early childhood education. In 2018, the campus saw the start of construction for the Old Schoolhouse Brewery Production Facility and the completion of significant infrastructure upgrades, including new paving and wayfinding signage.

By 2019, TwispWorks had achieved full campus occupancy. This milestone led to the transfer of the property’s deed to TwispWorks, ensuring the campus would continue to serve the community for years to come.

In 2020, TwispWorks quickly adapted to support the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization reached out to over 500 businesses, launching the Methow Valley Small Business Emergency Grant program, which distributed $1,500 grants to 48 businesses and connected them to nearly $10 million in relief funding. TwispWorks also revitalized local campaigns like Spend a Ben and #WhatLocalLooksLike to encourage community members to shop locally and support businesses during uncertain times.

Despite the challenges, TwispWorks continued to make progress. The Performing Arts Pavilion was completed on campus, providing a new venue for arts and cultural programming. The Methow Valley Goods store reopened as a year-round operation, offering a critical sales outlet for local artists and makers.

The following year, 2021, brought more challenges as businesses faced the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, compounded by devastating wildfires. TwispWorks responded by providing $64,250 in emergency grants to 29 businesses affected by the fires and COVID-19. These grants helped with operating costs, payroll, and transitioning businesses to online sales.

2022 and 2023 saw huge growth and achievement for TwispWorks, culminating in the completion of the highly anticipated Auto Tech Facility. The brand-new, 2,100-square-foot building opened in time for the 2023 school year, equipped with two hydraulic lifts, industry-standard tools, and an environmentally conscious drainage system. This new space is part of a broader initiative to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for local youth. TwispWorks worked alongside the Methow Valley School District, providing space and resources to bring the project to life, and the community celebrated its completion as a huge success in workforce development for the region.

In addition to the Auto Tech Facility, 2023 marked the return of events that brought the community together. The Methow ArtsFest, hosted on the 4th of July, featured art stations, live music, and a community mural. The Fourth Fridays concert series drew over 200 attendees to campus for a free, summer evening of music and fun, while Mistletoe Madness connected downtown Twisp to TwispWorks with holiday festivities, including carriage rides and lights.

2024 saw continued progress and enhancement of TwispWorks’ facilities and programming. Our event spaces saw major upgrades, including a new shade cover for the Performing Arts Pavilion, finalizing its functionality as a dynamic venue for community events. This addition ensured that the space could host events in comfort, regardless of weather, solidifying it as a focal point for arts and culture on campus.

Our campus also saw significant renovations in the Bernie Hosey Building and the Tree Cooler Building, which received huge upgrades to improve their functionality and ensure they continue to serve our growing campus community. State-of-the-art fast chargers for electric vehicles were installed, completing a two-year sustainability project that enhanced TwispWorks’ commitment to environmental responsibility and accessibility for electric vehicle owners.