HomeMy WebLinkAboutNorm Dicks, Congressman THE C PTY OF
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1�� y �� �: CLALI
AM COUNTY
WASHINGTON
August 9, 2011
The Honorable U.S. Congressman Norm Dicks Sent via email & fax to: 202-226-1176
2467 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE: Historic Port Angeles City Hall/Fire House Restoration and Adaptation as a Veterans' Center
Dear Congressman Dicks,
Last year the Part Angeles Civic Historic District was approved for listing on the State and National
Registers of Historic Places. The District includes several facilities that contribute to the rich cultural
heritage of the community including the 1915 Clallazn.County Courthouse and the 1919 Carnegie
Library. The two structures shove the benefits for historic preservation projects. The 1931 Port Angeles
Fire House City Hall/Fire House is the remaining building of the prominent structures in the Historic
District. This Art Deco building, owned by the City of Port.Angeles, deserves restoration and reuse as a
public facility.
The City, in partnership with Clallam County, began restoration of the building the past several years. A
condition report, completed by Swenson Say Faget Structural Engineers in July 2011, concluded the
building is structurally sound but needs major improvements. The report recommends restoration to
protect historic features, upgrade accessibility, and improve energy performance. It is expected these
improvements will be done in several phases over the next 2-3 years.
In order to protect and stabilize the building, several immediate problems need to be addressed in the
next 6-12 months. These include repair and stabilization of the parapet, replacement of the roof, and
stabilization of the foundation. The report estimates the cost for the immediate stabilization
improvements to be $229,511. The total restoration project is estimated at over $1.5 million.
We seep your assistance to identify any state, federal, foundation, or other sources of funding assistance
for these critical improvements. Once stabilized, the City of Port Angeles and Clallam County will
work together to secure the long-term use of the building and funding for the remaining improvements
needed prior to occupancy. One of the uses currently under consideration is as a County Veterans'
Center and the relocation of all veterans services to this site in the next several years.
You nsideration will be appreciated.
Dante' A, Di Guilio, ayor Mi a Doherty; Commissioner
City of Port Angeles Clallam County
PO Box 1154/Fart Angeles,WA 98362 22.3 Past Fourth street/Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone: 364-417-4544 Phone: 364-417-2234