Work on Snoqualmie city hall could start this spring

Published 12:55 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

SNOQUALMIE – The city of Snoqualmie is set to work on its old city hall, but is awaiting a more complete plan on what the use of the building will be before it starts construction.

The historic city hall, located at the intersection of Falls Avenue and River Street, has been closed ever since it sustained damage in the Feb. 28, 2001 Nisqually Earthquake.

Snoqualmie Building Official Jim Tinner said the city has an approved plan to reinforce the structure of the building, which includes placing steel rods in the walls and reattaching a new roof. Once the work is done, the outside of the building should look the same.

Construction will be delayed, however, until city officials decide for what purpose the new building will be used. There had been discussion last year of holding City Council meetings in the building, but space could be an issue since attendance has increased at the meetings and the council may expand to seven members in coming years.

The city would also like to rebuild the addition to the city hall and include bathrooms that are wheelchair accessible.

Tinner said the city will be meeting with an architect in the coming weeks to go over possible designs for the building. Once a plan is approved, construction could begin as soon as this spring.