Thanks to a grant from Washington State’s Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Program, the building has received essential exterior restoration to preserve it for future generations.
Standing tall in the heart of Waterville since 1908, the Douglas County Historic Courthouse has long been a symbol of local government and civic pride. Now, thanks to a major grant through Washington State’s Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Program, the building has received a much-needed exterior restoration that will help preserve it for future generations.
The project was funded through the 2023–2025 awards cycle of the rehabilitation program, which is administered by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Funding for this program is allocated by the state legislature from the state capital budget.
Douglas County was awarded $383,821 for the project, and contributed an impressive $348,730 in grant match funds, far exceeding the required $101,000 match. Much of the county’s contribution came from scheduled HVAC and mechanical system upgrades, supported by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. Additional in-kind work included pressure washing and cleaning of the courthouse’s brick and mortar.
The restoration work focused on critical exterior repairs, all completed in accordance with historic preservation standards. Major components included:
- Removing and replacing rotted wood, including damaged rafter tails
- Cleaning out deteriorated mortar joints and re-pointing the masonry
- A full rebuild of the courthouse’s crow’s nest—the section above the cupola—which had suffered extensive dry rot and was removed down to the roofline
- New paint in the courthouse’s traditional red and white color scheme, carefully matched to historic specifications
Ridgeline Construction was selected as the contractor for the job. The original project bid was $282,000, but unforeseen damage to the crow’s nest increased the scope of work, bringing the total to $380,000—still within the awarded grant amount.
With the full support of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, the project progressed smoothly, on schedule, and is now complete.
This investment in preservation reflects both the historical significance of the 1908 courthouse and the county’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources. Thanks to this successful rehabilitation, the Douglas County Courthouse will continue to serve the community—not just as a center of government, but as a lasting piece of local heritage.