The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.4 million. The remainder will be raised from private sources.
The Beaux Arts mansion overlooking the Columbia River Gorge had a difficult birth. Designed as the family home of transportation magnate Sam Hill, construction on the building began before World War I but stopped and started several times until it finally opened to the public as a museum in 1940.
The harsh Columbia Gorge climate has been tough on the structure, causing water damage and exterior failure of the stucco. Previous repairs did not address the underlying causes, according to a statement from the museum. Now, the aim is to repair and replace the exterior, the decking on roofs and ramps, and flashing and gutters to prevent further deterioration of the facade. Finally, the entire stucco exterior will be painted the original color.
The goal is to secure all of funding by spring 2016 so that work can begin in early summer and finish in late fall next year.
If you’re interested in contributing, visit www.maryhillmuseum.org/belong/support/capital-projects or call executive director Colleen Schafroth at 509-773-3733.
