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City moves toward reassembly of historic log cabin after second bidding lowers cost
Summary
After a second bidding process reduced the contractor cost, the Wildwood Historic Preservation Commission and city staff said the city expects a council vote on Sept. 8 to finalize a contract with Charette Creek Excavating and begin reassembly of the Asen (Essen) Log Cabin in late September or October, pending final readings and coordination.
Wildwood officials said the city expects to finalize a contractor agreement and begin reassembling the Asen (sometimes referenced as Essen) Log Cabin after a second bidding round reduced the project cost by about $40,000. The planning department reported that Charette Creek Excavating has been identified as the recommended contractor and that a final council reading and possible passage is scheduled for Sept. 8.
Why it matters: The cabin is on the Wildwood historic register and has been in the city’s possession for more than a decade. Commission and council members said reassembly advances a long-standing preservation commitment and may become a focal feature of the Village Green.
City staff and commission members described the project timeline and community outreach. The department said the mayor typically signs legislation the same night it is passed, allowing contractor mobilization soon after council approval. “We don’t need to wait any longer,” planning staff member Joe (department staff) told commissioners, adding that the cabin has been on the city’s backlog for “10 plus years.”
Commission and council discussion described trade-offs considered during reassembly. Some members and commenters said the reconstructed cabin will include modern, low‑maintenance materials — for example a new roof and synthetic weatherproofing — and that while many original logs remain, exterior elements (roof, doors, windows) will be new. Commenter Councilmember Rambo said restorations often include substantial new fabric while preserving the impression of the original: “It’s gonna be 80% original, and the rest of it is new stuff that’s made to look old.”
Commissioners and staff acknowledged concerns within council about spending priorities, with some council members urging caution because of competing infrastructure and stormwater needs. A council liaison described "an ambivalence" among some colleagues about allocating funds to the cabin while other capital needs exist. Staff said they have continued post‑bid negotiations and identified possible deductions (for example, about $6,000 if construction access is clear for Charette Creek Excavating) that could further reduce cost.
Commissioners discussed public outreach and public events tied to construction. Members suggested a ceremonial event — a groundbreaking or “shovel pushing” — to be coordinated with Celebrate Wildwood if timing allows; staff said they prefer to wait for final contract coordination before making public announcements. The department said it will defer announcements until it has more coordinated mobilization details, but that it would welcome a short ceremony when feasible.
What remains: The contract award is contingent on final council action. Staff listed post‑bid items that could lower cost and said work could begin in late September or October if mobilization goes as planned. Commission members and liaisons encouraged continued outreach to city council members prior to the Sept. 8 reading.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to keep the commission and public updated on the council vote and mobilization so that the commission can plan interpretive programming and public events once work begins.
