Restoring a civic landmark for shared community use.

The Whatcom Museum of Art and History, built in 1892, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Starting in 1997, the Museum engaged in a series of renovation projects for the former Bellingham City Hall building. SHKS Architects completed a masonry repair project, a window survey, and a window rehabilitation/multi-phase restoration plan for the Museum. The completed window survey was used to assist the Museum procure grant funding to complete the window restoration. The multi-phase restoration project included window evaluation and replacement of units throughout the building; rehabilitation of sandstone, metal roofing, brick veneer anchorage, and structural stabilization of exterior cast iron columns at the entry. SHKS subsequently provided a conditions assessment and recommendations in 2021 for a comprehensive restoration of the building’s exterior, which was completed in 2024.