PORT TOWNSEND — The historic Fred Lewis building at the corner of Water and Madison streets, home to the Broken Spoke and the former El Sarape, is getting a facelift this month.
New architectural elements including cornices are being replaced after having been in disrepair for several years.
Director of Development Services Lance Bailey said maintenance issues have been ongoing for years for the 1889 structure between the city and the building’s owner, Karen White of Gig Harbor.
“[The repairs] are a good thing, and long overdue,” he said.
Stormy weather, especially high wind events, have caused some architectural elements to pull away from the building creating an unsafe situation, he said.
“In the past, pieces of concrete have come off, creating a hazard,” Bailey said.
An engineer was hired to do an assessment of the facade and determined what repairs needed to be completed. A structural engineering report was submitted to the city and repairs are underway.
Bailey said work should be completed in the next few weeks.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
