Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Rehabilitates Historic Vancouver Barracks Building Through GAOA Funding

A view of the exterior of historic Building 993. The building and surrounding area will be rehabilitated as office space using funding through the Great American Outdoors Act.

NPS Photo

In 2012, the US Army transferred portions of Vancouver Barracks, a historic military post founded in 1849, to the National Park Service (NPS). Since then, the NPS developed a master plan to transform the area into a vibrant, multi-use, public space generally visited by more than a million people annually.

With $15.2 million from the Great American Outdoors Act, the NPS started rehabilitating Building 993, one of Vancouver Barracks' three large double infantry barracks, in December 2021. The project will completely renovate the 33,000 square foot building and incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency principles, while maintaining the historic fabric and characteristics of the building.

Building 993 was built in 1907 during a period of intense construction at Vancouver Barracks. In the early 20th century, Vancouver Barracks was considered the Pacific Northwest's central military base and increasing numbers of troops arriving at the post required new living facilities. The double infantry barracks built at Vancouver Barracks during this period were wood-frame, two-story buildings with basements on stone foundations, which could accommodate a total of 180 men (90 per squad bay in each wing).

Project at a Glance: This $15.2 million project is part of the park's master plan to not only preserve the integrity of its historic structures but to maintain and celebrate civic beauty and pride. When the project is completed, the building will be leased as office space. The lease revenue will help the National Park Service with ongoing maintenance and utility costs related to building upkeep.

What are the benefits: This project will help advance the vision of adapting this historic military post for continued public use. The work also allows the NPS to administer a historic lease that will help with ongoing maintenance and utility costs related to the building's upkeep. Additional parking and accessible pedestrian pathways will improve accessibility.

Project Details

Start Date: December 2021
Anticipated Completion*: Spring 2023
Project Costs*: Approximately $15.2 million funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
Visitor Impacts: There will be no visitor impacts during construction.

*These are estimations and subject to change

Project Purpose and Goals

• Improve safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
• Preserve the building's historic fabric, including its covered porches, pressed tin ceilings, plaster walls, columns, wood floors, and historic windows and doors.
• Address seismic stabilization and modernization of the water, sewer, electrical, telecommunications, and fire suppression systems.
• Upgrade an elevator, parking area, and pedestrian pathways outside resulting in increased accessibility.