A contractor was selected to reassemble the Essen Log Cabin and the Planning and Parks Committee will present its report and a bill to City Council on June 9, staff told the Historic Preservation Commission.

The department reported that Bombshell Construction — the firm working on phase one of Village Green — was the recommended contractor after bid review, and staff said the company will likely do the two projects one after the other rather than simultaneously. "So tonight, I just have good news for you. We're finally going to do it," the department representative said.

The commission heard that the department addressed capital funding by increasing the capital improvements program and reallocating funds from other programs to cover the log-cabin reassembly. The planning and parks committee reviewed the department's recommendation at a recent meeting and endorsed forwarding the contract authorization to council.

Commissioners and staff discussed the contractor's relative lack of specific log-cabin reconstruction experience and emphasized the need for close oversight. "I think it's sort of incumbent on us ... to check on the progress occasionally and make sure we're not going too far wrong," a commissioner said. Staff replied that project architects and commission members would be involved once construction starts.

Staff also reported a potential materials salvage opportunity from the Marycliff residence, which is being demolished. "We are going to be able, I think, to save some of the building materials, the stone foundation ... [and] using the cedar singles ... for our roof on cabin," staff said. The department said it will assess the salvaged cedar shakes' grade before deciding whether to use them on the cabin roof.

No formal vote was taken by the commission on the contractor selection; staff framed the update as an informational item and said the contract authorization will appear on the council agenda June 9.

The commission asked to be kept informed and several members volunteered to help monitor construction and communication once work begins.