PORT ANGELES — Nearly five months after it began, the volunteer-driven effort to give downtown a fresh coat of paint has nearly come to an end.
Only the Port Angeles Antique Mall at 109 W. First St., remains to be completed by hired painters.
Thirty volunteers, mostly Peninsula College softball and basketball players, painted the Harrington Building, at Front and Laurel streets, and the McLean’s Building, which now hosts Black Diamond Bridal at 109 E. First Street, on Saturday.
Forty-five buildings
In total, the exteriors of 45 buildings and storefronts primarily downtown will have been cleaned, painted or repaired in some fashion with the help of more than 200 volunteers and a few hired paint crews in the “Our Community at Work — Painting Downtown” project, once the antique store’s building is finished, said Jan Harbick, project co-chairwoman.
That equates to at least 3,500 volunteer hours, or roughly $66,500 worth of donated labor, said Harbick, who is also the Port Angeles Downtown Association vice chairwoman.
The total amount spent on the project — mostly on donated paint and supplies and professional painters hired by some building owners — is about $265,000, she said.
That includes the $12,000 that the city granted in lodging tax revenue to market the project’s accomplishments around the nation.
Volunteer labor
The project had volunteers, or the building owners themselves, adopt a building or storefront to paint or spruce up in some other way.
In return, the workers received paint and equipment either donated or discounted by local businesses.
The new paint schemes themselves were designed for free by Charles Smith of Lindberg & Smith Architects.
The idea for Painting Downtown arose out of a visit from an American Institute of Architects design team in March.
Working on a grant that the city won, the team’s report, released in August, made recommendations for improving the city’s infrastructure and appearance.
One of its recommendations was to brighten building facades to encourage more tourists to explore the town.
Project expanded
The project originally was intended to run only while the Hood Canal Bridge was closed for repairs for six weeks in May and June, but its duration and scope quickly expanded as building owners and volunteers jumped in to help.
Even as it is coming to an end, more work could be done, with more time before expected fall rainy weather sets in, Harbick said.
“It could go all the way down the corridor if it continued,” she said, referring to First and Front streets east of downtown.
“It absolutely has the potential for more.”
Harbick said she would like the project to continue in the spring, but added that no decisions have been made.
Back next year
One of the project organizers, Larry Hayden, 62, said there is no question in his mind that volunteers should be out with paint brushes in hand next year.
“In a few years, we will be back to where we are at now,” he said. “It’s got to be a continual process.”
Another organizer, Mike Edwards, agreed.
“There’s still a demand out there,” he said, “and I would not be surprised if people came knocking on my door [to volunteer] again.”
Both said they would be glad to lend their help again.
“I’m really happy to do it,” said Edwards, 57. “It is really encouraging.
“The people on the street are the most encouraging of all — not just visitors — but people that have been here most of their lives,” he added, referring to comments from people walking by.
“This really feels good, what’s going on in the city.”
Deserve a medal
Another organizer, Dan Williams, said the women who put this project into action — Harbick, co-chair Edna Petersen, Olympic Cellars owner Kathy Charlton, and Port Angeles Downtown Association Executive Director Barb Frederick — deserve a medal.
“It has been a wonderful project that enhances and beautifies downtown PA,” he said. “And it also shows the power of volunteerism.”
City Economic and Community Development Director Nathan West also praised their work.
“What excites me is what’s going on downtown,” he said.
“We are seeing a huge commitment from the community that really demonstrates the pride of the local business owners downtown.”
The city is building on Painting Downtown by creating a “facade improvement program” for building owners.
The program, which will involve three pilot projects this year, is funded with $115,992 from the city’s Housing Rehabilitation Project Fund.
Building owners that qualify would receive a city match of up to $10,000 for improvements.
Harbick said there may be a celebration held for the volunteers.
“I think we deserve a party,” she said with a smile.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
