Courthouse Building Envelope

Project Background

The original building was built in the early 1930’s and has had two additions, one in 1972 and another in 1991 approximately doubling the size of the facility. The 1991 addition included modifications to the exterior finishes on both the 1930’s and 1970’s phases of the building.

Whatcom County is experiencing water infiltration problems with the exterior of the Courthouse since the completion of the new Courthouse Addition in 1992. In some areas it appears that the exterior insulation has begun to separate from the building. There is other evidence of water intrusion into the interior of the building.

Whatcom County Facilities Management contracted with HKP Architects to provide a Condition Survey of the exterior envelope of the Whatcom County Courthouse.

Courthouse Exteriors 002
Courthouse Construction Photo

Project Status

2nd Quarter 2015 Status
HKP Architects are currently in the process of preparing schematic design solutions and associated cost estimates to format into a final report of their investigation, findings, solutions and costs to the County. Their design concepts when implemented in construction will provide the Courthouse with an additional 40 – 50 years of use.

3rd Quarter 2015 Status
The Whatcom County Courthouse Exterior Envelope Assessment Report is currently in its final editing by HKP Architects and their consultants, responding to Facilities review comments of the Draft Report. The report focuses on solutions by identifying the building deficiencies having relied on expert investigation by building envelope consultants, structural engineers, testing agencies as well as HKP architects; and assisted by a general contractor to repair destructive investigation methods. Design concepts are being analyzed and cost estimates finalized for each solution to be included in the Final Report expected soon.

4th Quarter 2015 Status
The Whatcom County Courthouse Exterior Envelope Assessment Report was completed by HKP Architects and submitted to the County. The County Executive will review the report and determine the next steps.

1st Quarter 2016 Status                                                                                                                                                                                  The County requested a proposal from HKP Architects to provide a Change Order Proposal for cost ans scope, providing a list of smaller repair and maintenance projects with costs to schedule and bid over a ten year plan, first year, etc. with inflation factors. This is to address the most pressing issues that are practical to do without engaging in a large complete solution to the entire building as indicated by the report.

Quarterly Update Links

  1. 2016 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  2. 2016 3rd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  3. 2016 4th Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  4. 2017 1st Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  5. 2017 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  6. 2017 3rd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  7. 2017 4th Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  8. 2018 1st Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  9. 2018 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  10. 2018 3rd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  11. 2018 4th Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  12. 2019 1st Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  13. 2019 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  14. 2019 3rd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  15. 2019 4th Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  16. 2020 1st Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  17. 2020 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  18. 2020 3rd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  19. 2020 4th Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  20. 2021 1st Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  21. 2021 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  22. 2021 3rd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  23. 2021 4th Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  24. 2022 1st Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  25. 2022 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  26. 2022 3rd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  27. 2022 4th Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  28. 2023 1st Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope
  29. 2023 2nd Quarter Project Update - Courthouse Building Envelope