Aberdeen moves another step closer to getting its new museum back after a fire in 2019 destroyed the original museum.

The Aberdeen City Council approved a request to authorize Aberdeen Mayor Doug Orr to sign an agreement with Harbor Architects, LLC., for the architecture and engineering and construction cost estimates for 118 W. Wishkah St.

Stacie Barnum, Aberdeen’s Parks and Recreation director, said she was “pleased” the city council approved the contract.

“Harbor Architects, as a local firm, have the experience and knowledge of the needs in our community,” Barnum said.

The city received a Capital Heritage Grant to pay for the architecture and engineering. The grant is on a reimbursement basis and must be spent by June 30, 2025.

The contract states the total compensation due to the consultant, “shall not exceed $240,000 for the building architecture and engineering, and construction cost estimates.”

And the consultant, according to the contract, will notify the city of Aberdeen when its requests for payment reach 85% of the total compensation — or $204,000.

Barnum said the 85% notification is to “monitor how the budget is tracking.”

“That would allow us time to make any necessary change orders in case of additional costs,” Barnum said. “These require approval by city council before they can proceed.”

The architecture and engineering in question is for the building’s first floor, the roof, elevator HVAC, and windows on the third floor, according to city documents. The construction cost estimates and drawings will be used for the building improvements.

According to the contract with Harbor Architects, the firm will “provide one estimate that will define the probable construction cost of repair to make the building condition suitable for use on the first floor.”

“Harbor Architects, as a local firm, has the experience and knowledge of the needs in our community,” Barnum said. “City staff and a building design committee, (which is) appointed by the mayor, will meet with Harbor Architects to provide input on the first floor building design so the needs of the museum, visitor information center, and city office spaces are met. In addition to those meetings they will meet with the city council and provide an opportunity for public input. The process will take about six months to complete with a final report and construction drawings presented in March 2025.”

Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.