PORT TOWNSEND – A flag was raised, music was played, and speeches were made on Thursday as about 100 people celebrated the rehabilitation of the Jefferson County Courthouse clock tower.
The $2.516 million project, which was finished this spring, re-enforced the 124-foot clock tower and beautified the courthouse grounds, as well as adding a new irrigation system and parking areas.
The work was necessary to add structural and seismic re-enforcement to the 115-year-old tower to ensure it won’t topple in an earthquake or blow down in high winds.
Prior to the work, if wind speed hit 70 mph, the courthouse was evacuated.
The Port Townsend High School Band performed at the event that was a virtual who’s who of Jefferson County and Port Townsend political figures.
Reps. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, and Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, – representatives of District 24, which covers Jefferson, Clallam and some of Grays Harbor counties – also showed up to commend county officials for taking action to ensure that the Romanesque-style courthouse remains standing.
Port Townsend City Councilwoman Laurie Medlicott had a similar message in a private interview.
“Demolition by neglect is not a pretty thing at all,” she said.
