Lakewood council approves design contract, moves H Barn project into detailed design phase

The Lakewood City Council on Feb. 18 approved an agreement with Graham Baba Architects for $981,367 to provide design services for the Fort Steilacoom Park "H Barn," advancing the project into the detailed design phase.

The vote followed a staff overview and public comment from project partners. Hallie McCurdy, deputy fire chief for West Pierce who spoke on behalf of Partners for Parks, said the group has raised an additional $250,000 and is "$2,700,000 towards our $3,500,000 goal," remarks she delivered during the meeting's public comment period.

Parks and Recreation Director Miss Dodsworth outlined the procurement and review process leading to the selection. She said the city received nine proposals, interviewed four teams and selected a Seattle-based team that "came with unique ideas, so much expertise" and included a structural subconsultant experienced in historic-barn work. Dodsworth told council the contract is phased so the city will reach…