The two-story Building 305 at Fort Worden is expected to be the focal point of the arts and cultural hub of Makers Square once it is remodeled. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)

The two-story Building 305 at Fort Worden is expected to be the focal point of the arts and cultural hub of Makers Square once it is remodeled. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)

Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center authority hopes for two state grants for Makers Square

“However, whether we get that money is dependent on the Legislature appropriating those funds in the next legislative session,” the executive director says.

PORT TOWNSEND — The $7 million Makers Square project at Fort Worden State Park ranks high on a list of possible grant recipients, according to the executive director of the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority.

According to Dave Robison, executive director of the public development authority, the project could receive $2 million in state funding if it is selected for two grants.

“Right now, we rank high on the list for two grants,” Robison said.

“However, whether we get that money is dependent on the Legislature appropriating those funds in the next legislative session.”

Currently, the project has locked down $4 million in grant funding, and if the state funds come through, that would leave it with $1 million left to come from other sources.

The design of the project is still in the works. Potential designs have been presented at public meetings throughout the year. Public input continues to be taken, Robison said.

Another design presentation is planned Nov. 30. More details about the gathering will be announced at a later date, Robison said.

Makers Square, located on the western part of the Fort Worden campus, is a collection of nine buildings that are slated to become an arts and cultural hub for Port Townsend.

Building 305, which is still being designed, will be the focal point — housing workshops, classrooms and studio spaces.

Previously used as a maintenance building, it was originally built in 1905 to serve as the quartermaster storehouse for the U.S. Army and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Plans are to make minor changes to the building’s exterior while the interior will be fully renovated, similar to Peninsula College’s Building 202 renovation.

According to Robison, the PDA hopes to break ground on the project in late 2017, although no specific date has been set.

________

Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris to her grandson, Damien Millet, 9, after it was located with a metal detector and dug from the sand at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles on Wednesday. They were combing the beach in search of whatever hidden treasures they could find. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Beach combing

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris… Continue reading

Six Peninsula school measures passing

Sequim voters approve bond, levy

Port Townsend, Chimacum pass school levies

Funds will support facilities, supplies, transportation

Counties can collect up to $1.80 of property tax per $1,000 of assessed value, but they are only allowed to increase their property tax collection amount by 1 percent each year, excluding new construction, without voter approval.
Clallam already eyeing 2026 cuts

If county can’t raise revenue, it may cut employees, services

Port Angeles School Board to conduct community conversation

Port Angeles School Board members will be available to… Continue reading

After-school art program returns to Stevens Middle School

Let’s Make Art, a free after-school program at Stevens… Continue reading

Department of Licensing offices to be closed

PORT ANGELES – The Department of Licensing office of the Clallam County… Continue reading

Voters approving all Peninsula school measures

Sequim bond passing with required supermajority

KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
Clallam County election workers Neva Miller, right, and Debbie Kracht, both of Sequim, open election ballots on Tuesday at the courthouse in Port Angeles.
Ballot sorting in Port Angeles

Clallam County election workers Neva Miller, right, and Debbie Kracht, both of… Continue reading

Jefferson County board to select interim sheriff

Chosen candidate will serve until next election

State funding challenges dominate legislative conversations

Multiple bills may have local relevance

PA’s Platypus Marine looks to expansion

Growth benefits local economy