Perhaps not since Geraldo Rivera oversaw the televised opening of Al Capone's secret vault in Chicago back in 1986 has there been such a buildup of suspense. This time, though, it's a local mystery: What secrets might be hidden from public view in an old building that's slated for demolition in downtown Yakima?

OK, we exaggerate when comparing Capone's vault (which turned out to be empty) to the fuss over plans to tear down the Wilson Building to make way for a Capitol Theatre expansion.

But it is time to settle this local intrigue once and for all, although theater officials say it's already settled. The non-profit Capitol Theatre, run by a board of 21 local people, purchased the old building with private funds with the express intention of tearing it down to put up the new facility, says theater CEO Steve Caffery. The board operates the city-owned Capitol under contract.

Theater officials want to replace the Wilson Building with a modern, multipurpose facility to house such functions as box office, concessions and a smaller music venue. It's all part of a long-range, phased $15 million plan to create a more versatile downtown venue for the arts.

Enter the nondescript Wilson Building. The structure at the corner of Yakima Avenue and Third Street looks nothing like it did when built in 1902, with its glass and metal storefronts and a rusting green metal facade that covers the second floor. Caffery's not even sure why it's called the Wilson Building, saying research didn't turn up Wilson's identity.

Still, local preservationists wonder if there is an architectural statement of Yakima's past being shrouded by the tacky makeover. They want the facade ripped off to see what's behind it. One assumes they figure that if it's of significant historic value, then perhaps reconsideration of the plan tear it down might follow.

Actually, that seems reasonable. If the building is as unsalvageable as Caffery says, a look at the original building should actually strengthen their case for demolition. Take off that facade and see if what's underneath is anything more than a very old, very plain building.

And unless it is something very special -- an original, if not unique, architectural treasure of some kind -- then it should no longer stand in the way of a new, more functional venue.

We can't help but wonder that if the building had any kind of architectural integrity or historical value to recommend it, there would be no facade covering it up. Can you imagine a sheet metal cover for the upper reaches of the Larson Building that has long been a memorable and prominent feature of Yakima's skyline?

Actually, Caffery says taking off the facade and recording what's underneath is part of the plan. Tearing down the building, he adds, is not negotiable since the committee bought it for the express purpose of replacing it with a new community center -- both for the Capitol's benefit and for revitalizing the downtown area.

The theater folks say it's not feasible or desirable to save it. Still, while we don't advocate saving old buildings just because they're old, we would also like to see what's underneath before the wrecking ball rolls up.

Let's see if it's all much ado about nothing -- as an embarrassed Rivera found out when discovering that the hype over suspense can be much more interesting than the reality of finding out for sure.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Sarah Jenkins, Bill Lee and Karen Troianello.