PORT TOWNSEND — Before the Jefferson County Courthouse receives any restoration work, the grounds around the 113-year-old, Romanesque-style block structure will see a string of improvements.
The initial work around the courthouse comes as a result of the county commissioners on Monday accepting an $834,911.77 bid from Lakeside Industries, based between Port Angeles and Sequim.
The work is expected to begin in December and wrap up in April or May, said Allen Sartin, county director of central services.
The work will include sidewalks lining the block around the courthouse, a pathway near the structure for restoration workers and future public access, a new leveled and paved parking lot on the west side of the courthouse, better access for the disabled and redesigned parallel and diagonal parking spaces to accompany new sidewalks.
There will be new utility lines and stormwater systems underneath all the parking and sidewalk improvements, Sartin said.
Low-intensity lighting will be added to the westside parking lot, which is often left dark during winter months, he said.
The final touch: New landscaping around the courthouse.