PORT ANGELES — Clallam County has hired a Port Angeles contractor to restore the historic courthouse in its centennial year.
County commissioners Tuesday accepted a $243,642 agreement with Aldergrove Construction Inc. to repair the interior and exterior of the original courthouse at 223 E. Fourth St. in Port Angeles.
The county will match a $139,400 grant from the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to spruce up the building and its iconic tower clock.
The county’s share comes from real estate excise tax revenue.
Crews with the Port Angeles company will restore the decorative flooring and rail on the interior of the west wing of the building.
The second-floor restrooms will be upgraded to meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
The red-brick exterior will be pressure-washed and sealed. Decorative metal, wood trim, light standards and damaged terra-cotta at the main entry will be repaired, county officials said.
Clock tower
The E. Howard Co. Boston Model No. 2 tower clock — the only surviving working example of its kind — will be restored as part of the project.
Construction is expected to be completed in the early summer.
Olympic Peninsula Construction of Poulsbo also bid on the project. Both proposals were well below the $300,000 estimate, county Parks, fair and Facilities Manager Joel Winborn has said.
Past grants from the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation have supported a roof replacement project, energy-efficiency upgrades and a major remodel on the main floor of the courthouse, which was built in 1914 and opened to the public in 1915.
Commissioner Jim McEntire was absent Tuesday. He was serving on the state board of Natural Resources in Olympia.
In other board action, commissioners Tuesday appointed first-year Community Development Director Mary Ellen Winborn as the county representative on the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Board of Directors.
“Appreciate her stepping up,” said Commissioner Mike Chapman, the previous county representative.
Commissioners also approved a $400-per-month flat fee to provide clerk services to the William Shore Memorial Pool District board.
Last year’s fee was $336 per month.
Commissioners Chapman and Bill Peach had recused themselves from voting on the agreement when it came before the pool district board, Chapman said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
