By Andrew Weeks
PORT TOWNSEND — A long-awaited $2.2 million facelift project kicks off at Jefferson Healthcare hospital with the installation of new windows in January.
Most of the new windows will be installed on the third floor of the hospital building, 834 Sheridan St.
The renovation project is expected to begin in January and take at least a year to complete.
The hospital board on Monday awarded the contract to Bellingham-based Dawson Construction.
Replacing 1995 windows
The project replaces windows installed by Lydig Construction in 1995.
Lydig installed windows backwards and upside down, causing some areas of the building to leak, which in turn allowed mold to grow in places.
The building’s mechanical system also was installed incorrectly.
Because of the faulty work, the hospital sued the construction company, winning a $1.9 million lawsuit settlement earlier this year.
Replacement of windows is part of the larger Building Envelope Project.
“Not only will windows be replaced,” said facilities director Rob Olsen, “but also part of the skin of the hospital will be improved, mainly new stucco [on the building].”
New wash tubs will be installed in obstetrician rooms, and repairs will be performed to some bathrooms.
Olsen said the entire project will be divided into four phases, with the windows being the first.
“It’s a phased project, and will likely take more than a year to complete,” said the hospital’s chief operating officer, Paula Dowdle.
“We’ll need to take the rooms out of commission to get the work done.”
