The historic DeMille Building owned by the City of Washington is on the market once again.

The structure was erected in 1883 and originally served as the municipal building and firehouse in the nineteenth century. The landmark, however, has been vacant for almost 40 years after the city government moved to its current location at 102 Second St.

The building was purchased in 2011 with the intention of turning it into a restaurant, but the plans fell through and it was given back to the city, according to Trent Tetterton, vice-present of the Washington Harbor District Alliance.

Because the structure is city property there are three ways it could be sold: an auction, sealed bid and upset bid.

The last time it was purchased was through an upset bid process, which means if somebody offered $20,000 to the city council, that offer has to be announced publicly. Another purchaser has 10 days to offer at least 10 percent of the first $1,000 bid, plus 5 percent above $1,000 of the original bid and a 5 percent bid bond, according to state laws.

“It keeps going like that until there are 10 days without a bid, and we say You’re the winner!’” said Brian Alligood, Washington’s city manager.

Alligood said the city has been contacted by several parties with regard to purchasing the building, but nobody has put an official offer on the table.

Because the building has been vacant and repairs have not been kept up with, the buyer will have updates to do, he said.

“We have had two or three people say they are very interested in it, but tell us they are doing due diligence,” said Alligood. “They have told us we want to look at it and understand (the purchase).”

Alligood said the City is hoping to have the DeMille Building sold within the year.

There is currently no set asking price on the DeMille Building, but the city council can accept or reject any offer, state law says.