Rehabilitating Historic County Courthouses

The top priority of the Washington Trust’s 2005 State Legislative Agenda was the passage of an historic county courthouse rehabilitation fund. Working in partnership with the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC), the Washington Trust was successful in its efforts to create a $5 million pool in matching funds to aid in the rehabilitation of the 29 historic county courthouses in the state.  The Washington State Legislature allocated $5 million in the state’s 2005-07 Biennium capital budget and targeted $450,000 of the total for stabilization of the Jefferson County Courthouse clock tower.  The State's Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) administers the Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Grant program in conjunction with the Washington Trust.

The idea for this program arose from a study sponsored by the then Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) in 2003.  Artifacts, Inc. surveyed Washington’s 39 county courthouses and determined that 29 met National Register standards (Franklin County Courthouse interior dome, photo above left courtesy Artifacts, Inc.).  They assessed the existing condition of those courthouses and estimated costs for rehabilitation, uncovering over $90 million in needs.

Because of the size of these structures, the cost of maintenance, and the lack of good information on appropriate rehabilitation methods, most historic county courthouses are in danger from neglect or from inappropriate alterations.  This program provides an incentive for county governments to save these local landmarks and to do it in the right way.  In addition to supporting rehabilitation of historic features, the fund can be used for seismic and accessibility upgrades that meet accepted historic preservation standards. 

The program also provides a shot in the arm for the local economy.  Historic rehabilitation creates more jobs than new construction.  It relies on local suppliers and contractors for materials and manpower, assisting both local businesses and the local tax base.  Rehabilitation spurs other private investment in downtown properties, which attracts more businesses, shoppers, and visitors.  Dayton, in Columbia County, is a good example of what can occur in even the smallest rural communities when the courthouse (photo right) – the center of community life – is returned to its original glory.  That rehabilitation effort touched off a wave of reinvestment in this small southeast Washington community.  Today, Dayton is a must-see stop for dining, lodging, and shopping in the Walla Walla wine region. 

During the 2007 legislative session, another $5 million in funding for the Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Grant Program was included in the State Capital Budget for the 2007-2009 Biennium.  The Steering Committee distributed all available funding in one round, awarding grants to eleven counties.  For more information about this program, please contact Chris Moore of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation at 206-624-9449 or via email at cmoore@wa-trust.org.

 

Historic County Courthouses in Washington

Benton Franklin Lewis Spokane Chelan Garfield Mason Stevens Clallam Grant Okanogan Wahkiakum Clark Grays Harbor Pacific Walla Walla Columbia Island Pend Oreille Whitman Cowlitz Jefferson San Juan Douglas King Skagit Ferry Klickitat Snohomish Washington State Historic County Courthouse Assessment (PDF File)

Preserving Maritime Heritage

In the Puget Sound region, the preservation of maritime heritage resources is one of the most challenging situations ever to confront the heritage community of Seattle and King County. For the past two years, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has worked with 4Culture on a Maritime Heritage Initiative. The Washington Trust was one of the sponsors of a Maritime Heritage Summit held in May 2004 in Seattle. Structured as a focus group, this summit was envisioned to identify critical issues and opportunities affecting maritime heritage. One of the results of the summit was the preparation of a Maritime Heritage Summit Report (PDF File) by 4Culture that summarized the attendees’ findings on a common vision for a Maritime Initiative. The attendees also commissioned the sponsoring organizations to recruit a task force.

In January of 2005, 4Culture convened the Seattle/King County Task Force on Maritime Heritage, kicking off a year-long investigation on the future of maritime heritage in the region. Seventeen members recruited from business and industry, government, preservation, and education brought a wide mix of backgrounds, but all shared a common interest in some aspect of the region’s maritime heritage. Their mission was to create a vision and chart a course for a sustainable maritime heritage presence in Seattle, King County and Puget Sound.

The Task Force published its Final Report (PDF File) on December 6, 2005. The report proposed a revitalized future for maritime heritage based on five components: Governance, Physical Site, Funding, Visibility and Education. The Washington Trust was proud to partner on this endeavor with 4Culture, the National Park Service, the Association of King County Historical Organizations and Historic Seattle. Much thanks and appreciation is due to the seventeen dedicated individuals who served on the Task Force.

Much of 2006 was spent implementing the initial steps of a two-year work plan recommended by the Task Force.  The Washington Trust focused its support on assisting the partners in their fundraising efforts.  In addressing the recommendations of the Task Force, the following was achieved:

• Coastal Heritage Alliance developed a comprehensive business plan for operating a heritage shipyard and Historic Seattle entered into talks with King County to discuss leasing a suitable site along Lake Union’s north shore.

• Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry is proceeding with plans to move to the Armory building at South Lake Union, creating a hub for maritime heritage at that location.

• Nearly $1 million was raised in 2006 for start-up costs associated with the shipyard, capital improvements, and planning for interpretive exhibits at South Lake Union.

• The Maritime Heritage Network, a conglomeration of maritime organizations located around Puget Sound, now sponsors a website providing a clearinghouse for local maritime-based attractions.

• Through the Parks & Recreation Department, the City of Seattle appropriated $400,000 to assist with the temporary relocation of the Schooner Wawona, a move designed to prevent the ship from being disassembled.

For updates on progress in the coming year, visit 4Culture’s Maritime Heritage Initiative website.  For more information, contact Flo Lentz at (206) 296-8682 or flo.lentz@4culture.org.