Saint Helens, Oregon – The John Gumm Building, a historic landmark in Saint Helens, is set to undergo a significant transformation, becoming a crucial center for Columbia County. Originally constructed in 1919, the building will soon serve as a multifunctional space housing various county offices and the county museum.

Preserving Heritage and Meeting Community Needs

Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett expressed the county’s commitment to preserving heritage while addressing the evolving needs of the community. The decision to renovate the John Gumm Building reflects this dedication. The extensive renovations aim to create a modern hub that will cater to residents for generations to come.

Transformation of the John Gumm Building

The 100-year-old building, which previously served as a school until 1999, will now house Columbia County’s civic offices, economic team, small business development center, and the Columbia County Museum. Brandon Sundeen, Vice President of the Columbia County Museum Association, expressed gratitude to the county for providing space to manage and showcase the museum’s unique collection.

Cost-Effective Renovation

Commissioners highlight the cost-effectiveness of the renovation project, with the 30,000-square-foot building being renovated for roughly half the cost compared to similar public projects. Notably, the renovation is achieved without burdening taxpayers, as the county leveraged one-time funding opportunities through state and federal sources and secured substantial grant awards.

Future Expansion of County Services

Garrett emphasizes that the completion of the John Gumm Building project marks the beginning of an expansion in services offered by the county. With optimism, he looks forward to the building becoming a testament to Columbia County’s commitment to its heritage and future prosperity.

Record Traffic-Related Deaths Highlighted in Portland

In a separate report, the Portland Bureau of Transportation highlighted a record number of traffic-related deaths in Portland in 2023, underscoring the importance of safety measures in urban areas.

The transformation of the John Gumm Building in Saint Helens represents a significant step towards preserving heritage and meeting the evolving needs of Columbia County residents. As the project nears completion, anticipation grows for the building to serve as a symbol of the county’s commitment to its past, present, and future. (KPTV-KPDX, 2024. All rights reserved.)

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