National Park Service Announces Award of Major Rehabilitation Work at Vancouver Barracks

An artist's representation of Barracks Row, as envisioned through the Master Plan. Barracks Building 987, soon to be home to the headquarters of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, is featured in the center right.

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Date: May 18, 2015
Contact: Ray Cozby, Vancouver Barracks Project Manager, National Park Service, 360-816-6238
Contact: Bob Varner, Forest Engineer, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 360-891-5181

VANCOUVER, WA - Superintendent Tracy Fortmann announced today that the National Park Service has awarded an $11.28 million contract to Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. of Kelso, Washington, to rehabilitate utility infrastructure and historic buildings at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, two of which will serve as the new home of the Forest Supervisor's Headquarters of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

This project is a major step toward realizing the vision of Vancouver Barracks as a dynamic, public service campus which welcomes and involves the public in creative ways while preserving the nationally significant historic barracks structures, landscapes, archaeological features, collections and histories.

"We have worked hand-in-glove with Forest Supervisor Janine Clayton and her staff to bring this project to fruition," shared Superintendent Fortmann. "This contract will certainly provide positive economic benefits for Southwest Washington and Oregon by supporting a variety of local jobs in our community. As importantly, long term, this is a win-win for everyone: the public, the National Forest, this urban national park, our community and the entire region."

"We are looking forward to this project moving ahead," said Gifford Pinchot National Forest Supervisor Janine Clayton.  "This is a great opportunity to provide a joint presence with the National Park Service as federal land managers connecting with our public and sharing our missions."

This multi-faceted project will include rehabilitation of several buildings including Building 987, a 33,000 square foot historic double-barracks; Building 404, a modern 5,000 square foot maintenance building; phase 1 utility replacement; and exterior rehabilitation of two additional large double barracks--Buildings 989 and 993. "This significant rehabilitation project will begin the transformation of the site and help new audiences find their park right here in Vancouver. Also, it will be a fitting accomplishment to help highlight and celebrate Fort Vancouver's link to the Centennial of the National Park Service in 2016," said Fortmann.  

The project scope includes upgrades to improve energy performance through insulation, window enhancements, upgraded mechanical systems, and reduced water consumption. Modern interior walls and other recent alterations will be removed to achieve a more open and light-filled environment and a greater sense of historical authenticity.

Other building improvements will include installation of an elevator and fire suppression and the new floor plan will facilitate better access, egress and circulation for different user groups (including visitors, employees, delivery people, and those with disabilities) while preserving historic integrity and U.S. Forest Service agency identity and legacy.

Utility work within this initial phase will focus on replacing and upgrading the infrastructure near the northern end of Vancouver Barracks and include improvements to power, water, sewer and storm sewer systems. The construction of a new water main line will provide needed pressure and flow to meet fire suppression needs for the site. The remaining two double barracks will have a restored protective envelope with new roofs and repairs to gutters, decks, and exterior walls and paint.

The National Park Service awarded the contract to Pacific Tech Construction, Inc., after a solicitation effort competed nationally. Pacific Tech is a general construction contractor specializing in the federal marketplace. They were founded in 1995 in a small community in Southwest Washington and have grown to become one of the region's top small-business federal contractors, with experience performing projects for a diverse range of federal agencies.

Pacific Tech's notable experience includes a number of local historic restoration projects, such as the renovation and refurbishing of the Cathlamet Public Library and the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in Portland, as well as similar projects in national parks elsewhere in the United States.

This combined building renovation and utility project is scheduled to begin in late spring 2015 and to be completed in late 2016. It is consistent with the Vancouver Barracks Master Plan and Environmental Assessment established through public involvement in 2012.

Contacts:

Ray Cozby, Vancouver Barracks Project Manager, National Park Service, 360-816-6238

Bob Varner, Forest Engineer, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, [e-mail], 360-891-5181

 

 

The thoughtful planning and design of the renovation of the historic buildings at Fort Vancouver NHS creates a dynamic, sustainable public service campus where the history of the east and south barracks is celebrated. The road, sidewalk and trail networks will be reconfigured to create a welcoming and safe environment that easily guides visitors throughout the east and south barracks and encourages exploration of the fort.

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Aerial photograph of Barracks Row, with (left to right) Barracks Buildings 987, 989, 991, and 993.

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Aerial photograph of portions of South Vancouver Barracks, with (clockwise from bottom left) Buildings 400, 402, 404, and 405.

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