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The National Park Service continues to maintain and preserve multiple buildings at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, your urban national park. In the last few years, twenty-six buildings have been painted--buildings painted have included those in the East and South Vancouver Barracks, the reconstructed fur trade post, Pearson Air Museum Complex, the Visitor Center Complex, and the Barclay House in Oregon City, Oregon. The National Park Service is now funding the repainting of five buildings in the East Vancouver Barracks, including the Quartermaster Warehouse, Motor Repair Shop, and Post Exchange Restaurant.
"This national park had an annual visitation of over 1 million people last year, and we are anticipating further growth in our visitation this year. We serve as a national gateway to the Pacific Northwest and certainly are a key location that visitors choose to spend time. We feel very fortunate to have successfully competed, within the National Park Service, for this critical funding, which enables us to move the East and South Vancouver Barracks Rehabilitation Project forward," said Superintendent Tracy Fortmann. She further noted, "We have accomplished so much since the transfer of the East and South Vancouver Barracks to the National Park System as part of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. This latest project is another important, highly visible milestone for us."
Facility Manager Alex Patterson added, "It's important to note that 100% of the work in this project is on historic buildings which have original wood siding and windows dating back to 1905. This is more than just a paint project--we will be addressing lead paint abatement, selective siding replacement , and other necessary treatment to these significant structures. Ultimately, this project is about preserving our heritage." The total cost of the contract is $485,820.
During this project, the immediate work areas including adjacent roadways will be closed off to allow the painting contractor a safe and secure work area, however, the grounds and all of the buildings which have a public access will remain open for visitors to enjoy. The national park has contracted to WM Welch from Post Falls, Idaho, and local NW Pro Paint, from Vancouver, Washington. The contract is expected to last approximatively six months, given the potential for inclement weather.