Demi Moore Fixes Husband’s Parking Problem In Idaho

Sun., April 2, 1995

Associated Press

Actress Demi Moore has decided to help movie star husband Bruce Willis out of his $25,000 parking fee dilemma in downtown Hailey.

She plans to buy a building across the street that has enough parking spaces to give Willis what he needs to satisfy the city’s requirements.

Spokesman Joe McAllister told the Hailey City Council last week that Moore will lease or sell Willis enough parking spaces to comply with the city’s parking ordinance at his planned E.G. Willis Building.

McAllister said Moore made a cash offer on a building that was advertised for $675,000 and formerly housed “The” Drug Store. The parcel has two dedicated parking lots in the rear to satisfy the requirements for Willis’ building, he said.

Based on the new information, the Hailey City Council reconsidered its earlier vote to make Willis pay $25,000 in lieu of parking spaces before he can obtain a building permit for his planned retail/office structure.

The council said Willis can either pay the $25,000 or present documentation that he has obtained the required parking spaces.

McAllister, president of the Valley Entertainment Group spearheading Willis’ downtown redevelopment projects, said the contract for “The” Drug Store on Main Street should be confirmed within four to six weeks.

On Monday, demolition crews began tearing down the Werry Building, where Willis plans to build his 20,000-square-foot structure. Office space and retail outlets are planned.

Two weeks ago, the Hailey City Hall was packed with residents who called for the parking fees to be waived in the interest of downtown development. Willis has called the fees exorbitant.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.