PORT TOWNSEND — The $7 million Makers Square project at Fort Worden State Park ranks high on a list of possible grant recipients, according to the executive director of the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority.
According to Dave Robison, executive director of the public development authority, the project could receive $2 million in state funding if it is selected for two grants.
“Right now, we rank high on the list for two grants,” Robison said.
“However, whether we get that money is dependent on the Legislature appropriating those funds in the next legislative session.”
Currently, the project has locked down $4 million in grant funding, and if the state funds come through, that would leave it with $1 million left to come from other sources.
The design of the project is still in the works. Potential designs have been presented at public meetings throughout the year. Public input continues to be taken, Robison said.
Another design presentation is planned Nov. 30. More details about the gathering will be announced at a later date, Robison said.
Makers Square, located on the western part of the Fort Worden campus, is a collection of nine buildings that are slated to become an arts and cultural hub for Port Townsend.
Building 305, which is still being designed, will be the focal point — housing workshops, classrooms and studio spaces.
Previously used as a maintenance building, it was originally built in 1905 to serve as the quartermaster storehouse for the U.S. Army and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Plans are to make minor changes to the building’s exterior while the interior will be fully renovated, similar to Peninsula College’s Building 202 renovation.
According to Robison, the PDA hopes to break ground on the project in late 2017, although no specific date has been set.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
