Eddon Boat BLDG Restoration

On September 30th, 2009, over 100 community supporters turned out for the official dedication of the newly restored Eddon Boat Building.  First Gentleman Gregiore attended the event and presented a letter from the Governor followed by comments from Senator Kilmer and Mayor Hunter.  Pictured above, the 2004 "Save Eddon" campaign sign was changed from "Save" to "Saved" to complete the 5-year long preservation project.  (photo courtesy of Marvin Lew) 

The Eddon Boat Pier was reconstructed under phase II funding acquired through a 2008 Washington State Heritage Capital Projects Grant.  The creosote structure was removed as part of the EPA required clean-up. 

Gig Harbor BoatShop, a local non-profit is the new tenant and will provide programming and boatbuilding education for the community.  A public viewing platform located on the side of the building will be open seasonally during regular business hours.  For more information, call (253) 853-7609 or go to Gig Harbor BoatShop's website.

Eddon Boat Park was acquired in 2004 through a Voted General Obligation Bond.  As part of the acquisition, the historic boat building was identified for preservation and restoration so that its traditional and culturally significant use, boat building, could also be preserved for the community.  Thanks to a $1M Washington State Heritage Capital Project Grant, the building was restored.  Below, is a photograph of Eddon Boat prior to beginning the restoration work.  Seattle based SHKS Architects who specialize in preservation projects, and Rush Construction did the job.  Below is the building shortly after work began in March of 2009.

The building's "make-over" included restoring the exterior to its original and historic colors:  A red roof and (like many historic structures along the waterfront) white paint complete the renovation.  Interior upgrades include a fire sprinkler system, electrical upgrades, structural stabilization and foundation work.   A viewing platform on the side of the building will give the public an opportunity to watch shipwrights in action during Gig Harbor BoatShop's on-site operations. 

Water side view prior to the start of the restoration project (below)

Open House notice commemorating the grand opening of the structure in September of 2009.

NEWS ARTICLES

Tacoma News Tribune Article -- February 21, 2010 
"History in the Remaking at Gig Harbor BoatShop"

Tacoma News Tribune Article - September 23, 2009
"Eddon Boat Launches Anew"

Go to the Register of Historic Places - Eddon Boat for more information.