As the Harbor considers what it wants to be — growth, the future, etc., I wanted to open the gates for feedback on a possibility.
Observation: much interesting architecture on the Harbor, built by master builders.
Assumption: Echoes of those aptitudes are still here, in the younger generations.
The idea: develop a building center to see what those aptitudes can produce, give those interested an opportunity to develop job skills, and also aid the community.
Step 1. Identify old-timers/retired builders — let the craft be inclusive of doors, roofs, windows, brick walls, tile, fountains, greenhouses, design, reading plans, etc.
Step 2: Have someone interested in a builder’s craft interview the builder. Record the interview. This becomes a resource of experience to tap.
Step 3: Identify any builders who want to donate tools to a community building center.
Step 4: Use these tools to outfit the building center. A building would needed, but this seems possible. Maybe even an old foundry building could be used.
Step 5: Have any interested retired builders offer training in use of their tools, and provide advise at the building center a few hours /week.
Step 6: Those interested in a particular craft staff the building center and offer services to do-it-yourself homeowners, such as cutting boards to length, repairing window sash and doors, etc.
Step 7: Charge a small fee for these services. This gives a small starter wage to those staffing the building center.
Step 8: Engage the building center when a building needs to be taken down. Materials are salvaged and become another source of income for the center.
Step 9: The center becomes a resource on the Harbor, particularly on the weekends, when many businesses are closed.
Insurance, etc. to be worked out.
Let me know what you think.
Jack Janisch
Hoquiam
