PORT TOWNSEND — Two major building projects — the City Hall Annex and an uptown fire station — are scheduled to get under way in the early summer, Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce members were told Monday.
An explanation of city projects by City Engineer David Peterson and Public Works Director Ken Clow was the first in a series of programs on “Building and Rebuilding In and Around Port Townsend” scheduled for the weekly chamber meetings this month.
Peterson warned chamber members gathered at Fort Worden Commons that the construction will create some traffic disruptions.
Answering a question about the start of the projects, Peterson said the timing was to avoid having construction during the 69th annual Rhododendron Festival on May 8-15.
Peterson called the annex construction “a marriage between old and new” because the new building will be tied into the historical City Hall building on Water Street.
Part of the annex project will include renovation of City Hall, Peterson said.
Total cost will be $7 million, including nearly $2 million for the renovation and earthquake strengthening.
Once completed, the annex will allow all City Hall employees to work in one location.
