The iconic Blue Stream Motel was a staple in Vernon for almost 60 years.

It was opened in July 1965 by Stanford and Helen Pesklewis, according to son Randy.

His parents moved to Vernon from Calgary in 1964 and built the Highway 97 (32nd Street) motel after purchasing the land for $7,000.

"My father designed and built the motel," said Randy, who used to make the beds and clean the rooms. "It had decks and doors on both sides of the rooms."

Stanford constructed the water fountain in the courtyard out of old wringer washing machine parts and also built the bridge crossing.

My father build the water fountain out of old wringer washing machine parts, he also built the bridge over the creek that runs through town.

Building the motel around and over the creek was approved, but Randy says conditions were made to have the sewer pipeline run along the basement ceiling in case of flooding.

It's unknown what will happen with the building now as the top floor sustained major damage in the Aug. 27 fire. Smoke and water damage has impacted the rest of the building.

"I think that's the fourth owners," said Randy.