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We're Kicking Off the
Cadwell Building Project!
Cadwell Building Project
Help Us
Preserve Local History!
The Kittitas County Historical Society, Inc. has collected, preserved, and shared the history, heritage, and culture of Kittitas County since 1961.
As a private nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to make what we do possible. Donations, memberships, and bequests have sustained us since our opening days, as well as the rental income we receive from our apartments and two commercial buildings that we own. We are able to provide the care for the items entrusted to us, along with sharing our local history through high-quality exhibits and programs for all attendees to enjoy, reflecting our collective rich and diverse history.
And after almost 50 years of being at home in the historic Cadwell Building, we are executing renovations and structural improvements that are critical to the long-term health of the building and necessary so that we can continue doing what we do, now and into the future.
Project Summary
The project “KCHM Renovation & Structural Improvements” will be a series of repairs, upgrades, and improvements to the Cadwell Building. This project will be undertaken in phases as funding becomes available and in a manner that minimizes disruption of normal building operations.
Phase 1 of the project is currently underway. The project addresses the highest priority item identified in a Building Conditions Assessment conducted in February 2022, which was the exterior brick masonry. Repair and repointing (also known as tuck-pointing) of the exterior brick masonry began in late August 2023. This phase of work will result in the repainting (or coating) of the brick with elastomeric coating. Removal of an unbraced, damaged chimney (and salvage of brick) also occurred, along with relocation of electric wire along the alleyway brick parapet with rebuild of the over-height un-reinforced parapet. Storefronts will be repaired and repainted in mid-2024, and windows and doorways will be addressed for air infiltration reduction to improve energy efficiency.
Additional issues affecting facility operations with potential for damage will be addressed, such as roof repair; removal and repair of damaged parapet caps (and their reinstallation); and appropriate repair and bracing of parapet walls.
This work will conclude at the very latest by June 2025.
Phase 2 planning is underway. More on this will be announced soon.
Future Phase work will address seismic stabilization, building systems upgrade and energy efficiency (electrical, fire/security, HVAC), ADA upgrades, exhibit improvements, and more. Phases may be adjusted depending on the nature of work and priorities.
Project Summary
The project “KCHM Renovation & Structural Improvements” will be a series of repairs, upgrades, and improvements to the Cadwell Building. This project will be undertaken in phases as funding becomes available and in a manner that minimizes disruption of normal building operations.
Phase 1 of the project is currently underway. The project addresses the highest priority item identified in a Building Conditions Assessment conducted in February 2022, which was the exterior brick masonry. Repair and repointing (also known as tuck-pointing) of the exterior brick masonry began in late August 2023. This phase of work will result in the repainting (or coating) of the brick with elastomeric coating. Removal of an unbraced, damaged chimney (and salvage of brick) also occurred, along with relocation of electric wire along the alleyway brick parapet with rebuild of the over-height un-reinforced parapet. Storefronts will be repaired and repainted in mid-2024, and windows and doorways will be addressed for air
infiltration reduction to improve energy efficiency.
Additional issues affecting facility operations with potential for damage will be addressed, such as roof repair; removal and repair of
damaged parapet caps (and their reinstallation); and appropriate repair and bracing of parapet walls.
This work will conclude at the very latest by June 2025.
Phase 2 planning is underway. More on this will be announced soon.
Future Phase work will address seismic stabilization, building systems upgrade and energy efficiency (electrical, fire/security, HVAC), ADA upgrades, exhibit improvements,
and more. Phases may be adjusted depending on the nature of work and priorities.
Project History
The two-story Cadwell Building was constructed in 1889 after the Great Ellensburgh Fire of July 4, 1889. Made of soft Ellensburg brick and other locally crafted and sourced materials, this building is unique and often remarked on for its “horseshoe” windows. The building has been home to dry goods and grocers, car dealerships, and furniture and music stores over the years before being purchased by the Kittitas County Historical Society, Inc., in late 1974 for its permanent home. After a small interior renovation, the Museum opened in June 1975.
As part of the acquisition of the Cadwell Building, the Historical Society also acquired the Apartments on the second floor of the building, which provided rental income. Then over a few years, acquired the adjoining structures which had been constructed on the lands adjacent to the Cadwell Building beginning in 1928. These one-story structures were not designed or built as intentional parts of the Cadwell Building. It was only after the Museum’s acquisition of the Cadwell Building and those additions, and a major remodel of the space in 1999-2000, that those spaces were added into what has become the current museum footprint (of almost 9,000 square feet of display space) by use of hallways, doorways, and access ramps.
In the late 1970s, the Historical Society began restoring the façade of the Cadwell Building to an appearance similar to a 1908 photograph. This meant restoring missing cast iron columns, reconstructing the storefronts, replicating the stained glass windows, and removing the white paint that had graced the building since 1959 (and replacing it with a “brick red” color). Other rehabilitation was not completed at that time.
During this same time, the Cadwell Building and the Museum became the recognized cornerstone of the Downtown Ellensburg Historic District, which had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The Cadwell Building was also placed on the Washington Heritage Register and on the local Ellensburg Landmarks Register.
Over the years, the Historical Society has been able to address repairs to the Cadwell Building and its additions on an as-needed basis, keeping the building in an overall good condition. But as this is a large structure with many deferred maintenance projects, there is much to be done. The KCHM Renovation & Structural Improvements project addresses the repairs, upgrades, and improvements based on a prioritized and phased approach.
Scope of Project
Phase 1 of the project is currently underway. This work addresses the needed repairs and rehabilitation of historic building built in 1889. The project focuses on repairs necessary to the long-term health of the structure and maintaining access to local history by focusing on re-pointing damaged exterior mortar joins and brick along with repainting of all exterior walls; removal of a non-character defining chimney and reuse of the brick in the re-pointing; relocation of an electrical wire and bracing of the parapet; and repair of storefronts and parapets.
The Kittitas County Historical Society, Inc. is working with Pioneer Masonry Restoration Company, Inc., Marc Brown Architecture & Design, Swenson Say Fagét, Catlin Electric, the City of Ellensburg, Ellensburg Solar, Columbia Plateau Roofing, and others to address the work of Phase 1 of the KCHM Structural Renovation and Improvements Project.
This work will conclude at the very latest by June 30, 2025 thanks to the generosity of the:
- Heritage Capital Projects grant (Washington State Legislature biennium 2023-2025, administered by the Washington State Historical Society)
- County of Kittitas American Rescue Plan Act grant
- 2023 City of Ellensburg Historic Preservation grant
- Kittitas County Historical Society Foundation
Phase 2 planning is underway. More on this will be announced soon.
Future Phase work will address seismic stabilization, building systems upgrade and energy efficiency (electrical, fire/security, HVAC), ADA upgrades, exhibit improvements, and more. Phases may be adjusted depending on the nature of work and priorities.
Adding Community Value
The Kittitas County Historical Society, Inc. continues to collect, preserve, and share the history, heritage, and culture of Kittitas County. The organization remains passionate and dedicated to telling a complete and diverse history of the people, places, events, and activities that shape our shared history through exhibits and programs with thousands of visitors yearly. We partner with organizations across a broad spectrum, from school groups and adult organizations to environmental education groups to local hotels. We provide an avenue for individuals to learn more about local history, to dig deeper and find out about the history that is both known and that remains to be rediscovered – whether they are researchers, students, or a world-traveling visitor. Our Museum is our community’s museum, and it is only with your support that we are able to do this! Because, without a building, we would not have a space to make our local history accessible to those who wish to visit, experience, and explore Kittitas County’s rich history.
Project Phase 1 Moves Forward!
With all funding in hand for Phase 1 of the KCHM Renovation & Structural Improvements project, the project is fully underway! And we cannot thank our partners enough for making this project possible!!
Grant funding for Phase 1 was received through three wonderful resources:
- Heritage Capital Projects grant (Washington State Legislature biennium 2023-2025, administered by the Washington State Historical Society)
- County of Kittitas American Rescue Plan Act grant
- 2023 City of Ellensburg Historic Preservation grant
The Kittitas County Historical Society Foundation provided a Project Funding Allocation for the remainder of Phase 1. The Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization which has a mission to receive contributions and engage in fund raising activities in order to provide funds that are to be used in aiding the Kittitas County Historical Society, Inc. If you are interested in contributing to the project or making a long-term gift to the Foundation, please contact us.
The project began with a Cadwell Building Project Kick-Off Party on August 16th. Project work is set to begin by Pioneer Masonry in the coming days.
Phase 1 of the KCHM Renovation & Structural Improvements project must reach completion on or before June 30, 2025.
Help Support the Cadwell Building Project!
Support Still Needed
Phase 1 is underway, and we have been very fortunate to have the bulk of the planned project. But, like any old structure, there have been unexpected and unanticipated costs – including additional design costs and now a roof replacement!
We fully expect additional costs before we are able to complete Phase 1 since we still have quite a bit to do: storefront repair and repainting, repair of the tinwork, parapet bracing on the Cadwell Building – and that’s all we know today!
Your support is greatly appreciated and helps alleviate the burder these unexpected and unanticipated costs put on our private, nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Please consider making a donation toward the project, whether to assist with this Phase or any future phase.
Fundraising For Phase 2+ – Your Help Is Needed!!
As we look to the future, we know our work to repair, upgrade, and improve the Cadwell Building and its additions is only beginning. And your support is critical, as we cannot do this work without you.
The next phases of work will continue over multiple years based on funding and the priorities. We know there is a long list of things to do once we complete Phase 1 and ensure the stability of the Cadwell Building exterior. From seismic stabilization, building systems upgrade and energy efficiency upgrades (like electrical, fire/security, and HVAC), ADA upgrades, exhibit improvements, the creation of additional collections processing space, and more.
These upgrades will provide the safety and security for over 30,000 items that are historically important and irreplaceable. Since 1961, we have taken pride in our mission to collect, preserve, and share the history, heritage, and culture of Kittitas County. We have been the stewards of the Cadwell Building for 50 years, and want to see that we are able to take care of the building for 50+ years more.
And again, we cannot do this without you. We expect to seek grant funding as well for the future phases of the project, but a grant like the Heritage Capital Projects grant requires a 2:1 match for the funding (with us being responsible for the two parts). Support for a project is best if its financial but it does not have to be – you can volunteer your time as part of the project, you can support our events, or even get the word out about the project and our financial need!!
Your support is so important to what we do, and we are so grateful to you for it.
All financial donations are tax-deductible.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved or how to contribute, consider clicking one of the buttons below.
