By Kody Farmer
Blaine County Annex roof repair on track to be completed this month
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The Blaine County Courthouse Annex was severely damaged by a major spring storm a year ago. Extensive damage to the roof forced the immediate relocation of the Blaine County Health Department, the MSU-Blaine County Extension Office the Blaine 1 Ambulance crew. After months of planning, research and construction, the facility is nearly ready for it's relocated tenants to return to their offices.
The MSU-Extension was relocated the old Justice of the Peace offices in the basement of the Blaine County Courthouse and the Blaine County Health Department transitioned to the Harshman Law Office building just across Illinois Street from the Annex. Two of Blaine 1 Ambulances were moved to the old Doughten Ford location owned by Dan Friede and one to the building occupied by the Blaine County Weed Department.
Several options were looked at when determining how to move forward and replacing the roof was the most feasible option. The cost of replacing the building with a new structure would have exceeded one million dollars for a structure with the same amount of space. As it is, the County insurance will cover the cost of replacing the roof.
The plan the Commissioners went with had estimated construction cost at $370,000, which did not include "soft" costs. The project included the removal and replacement of the roof structure over the high bay of the existing Courthouse Annex, approximately 87' x 57' and involved demolition and removal, foundation work, roof framing and a support system. The east and south sides were tied into the existing walls. The west and north sides were tied into the existing roof system.
The Commissioners declared an emergency last fall with regard to the structure as another winter was setting in. This allowed the Commissioners to bypass the bidding process and expedite the process by as much as two months.
Space Planning for People was consulted for the design work. Architect Durward Sobek completed the blueprints and Clausen and Sons General Contractors out of Havre received the bid to complete the project. Preparation for removal of the roof began several months ago. Concrete forms were poured, some demolition work and removal of insulation and debris were completed before February of this year.
When temperatures began to rise, work quickly accelerated and in just two weeks the roof was removed, all demolition was completed and reconstruction took place. Two columns and a support beam were put in place, Trusses were placed and a layer of sheeting was laid down in preparation for the roofers to begin their work.
Clausen and Sons subcontracted the roof work to Maddox Roofing out of Great Falls and work began this Monday, April 1. Insulation board will cover the sheeting and then a vinyl roof will be put in place. Electrical and plumbing work is underway and plans
include a new drop ceiling, new lighting and various other minor improvements.
The offices need to be cleaned and touched up but the plan is to have the Blaine County Health Department, the Ambulance Crew and the MSU-Extension office back in the building by the end of April.
"We have been really pleased with the project," said Blaine County Commissioner Frank DePriest. "The two relocated Departments have been really good, their attitudes have been great and they have continued to serve the public effectively."
"That roof is impressive. They (Claussen & Sons) did a really good job. Added Commissioner Miles Hutton. "They were quick, effective, efficient and they got stuff cleaned up real quick. It looks like they only smashed the things they needed to (In demolition) and got it all put back together. Great work all around".
"We're going to have a building that is fully functional for another 50 years," commented DePriest. The projects cost to Blaine County was just the deductible on the insurance and the project was completed on time. While the Blaine County Health Department, MSU-Extension and the Blaine 1 Ambulance Crew have been fantastic in maintaining their service to the public at a high level, one thing is for certain. "I'm sure they are looking forward to getting back into their offices," said DePriest.
