Grab your hard hats… the Milton Building project is underway!
A familiar and much-loved part of our campus, the Milton Building has served Orcas Island students and the community for more than 75 years. Built in 1949, this historic building is now receiving important repairs to help preserve it for the future.
Like many buildings in our coastal environment, years of exposure to weather and salt air have taken a toll on portions of the brick façade. The main issue involves corrosion of steel supports embedded behind the brick. As the steel corrodes, it expands and places pressure on the surrounding masonry, which can cause cracking, shifting bricks, weakened mortar joints, and water intrusion. Addressing these issues now helps prevent more significant damage down the road.
We are pleased to share that the District secured $1,575,000 in grant funding for this project. The work will be completed by Pioneer Masonry, a Pacific Northwest firm with extensive experience in masonry restoration and waterproofing.
Construction is expected to take approximately seven months to complete. The focus will be on strengthening and protecting the building while preserving its historic character. Planned improvements include:
Replacing deteriorated steel lintels with corrosion-protected structural steel
Installing improved flashing and waterproofing systems
Carefully reinstalling salvaged brick and precast units with engineered anchoring
Repairing the façade, including re-tuckpointing mortar joints to restore strength and water resistance
These repairs will help ensure the Milton Building remains safe, durable, and a proud part of our campus for many years to come. We appreciate the community’s continued support as we take steps to conserve this important piece of Orcas Island’s school history.