A long-awaited project at the 7th Street Theatre is finally coming to fruition: Its 75-foot-tall by 95-foot-wide back wall is getting a rain shield to stop water from seeping into the stage area.
But it’s going to end up costing about $25,000 more than expected.
When the theater was built in 1928, the Eagles Hall abutted its back wall, protecting it; but that building was demolished in the 1980s. Rainproof coatings applied to the wall since then have deteriorated, forcing strategic placement of buckets to catch water leaking into the stage area.
In 2015, the 7th Street Theatre Association board hired RDH Building Sciences of Seattle to assess the situation and propose solutions. The board determined that a rain shield was the most economical option, and the most likely to fix the problem. This involves covering the entire back wall with gray metal siding, which will blend in with the original cement exterior.
Once the project was reviewed and approved by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, it was awarded to Rognlin’s Inc. of Aberdeen. Construction began the week of Oct. 22. The project also includes replacing the flyloft roof (the area above the stage).
The total cost came in higher than originally estimated, at about $310,000, leaving the theater nearly $25,000 short.
An online crowdfunding campaign has been set up through CrowdRise. Donations also may be mailed to the 7th Street Theatre Association, P.O. Box 777, Hoquiam, WA 98550.
Aerial photo courtesy of Eric Timmons Roof work taking place at the theater in early December.
