Public Works Building unveiled

The Kitsap County Public Works building came out of its cocoon last week, when the paper facing was removed to reveal bright green weatherproofing material.

A second phase was completed Monday when the last scaffolding was removed.

The green represents a temporary look, since the final surface will match the finish of the adjacent county administration building.

“If I had known that those sheets would be coming off in October, we would have ordered orange in honor of Halloween,” joked Brian Lyman, Facilities Department capital projects manager.

Lyman said the green material is a special membrane that works like today’s high-tech performance athletic fabrics that block moisture, and the long black ribs will separate the membrane from special exterior walls.

This is in response to the original problem — the contractor used a porous surface that was not suitable for the local climate. Adding to the water problem was the backwards and upside-down window installation.

Lyman said installation of the slate- and charcoal-colored panels will begin on the north and south sides of the building within a few weeks, with beige-colored panels installed on the west and east sides over the next few months.

Officially known as the “Public Works Weatherization Project,” the building had suffered years of moisture penetrating the building, damaging both the exterior and interior of the building.

Lyman said this upgrade brings the building into the 21st Century with style.

As before the renovation, the Personnel and Human Services Department will occupy the ground floor, with Public Works located on the second and third floors.

The building will be ready for occupancy in the late fall, but the departments may choose to postpone moving until after the first of the year for workload reasons.

During the repair the two departments have distributed themselves to the Givens Center, as well as offices vacated by the departments now in the administration building.

Once Public Works and Personnel vacates the courthouse offices they will be renovated to accommodate law and justice functions.

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