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Historic Preservation Commission endorses Providence Academy portico rehabilitation
Summary
At its June 12 meeting, the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission unanimously endorsed staff’s advisory recommendation for cleaning, repair and like‑for‑like replacement of the Providence Academy portico, urging preservation of historic decorative elements where feasible.
The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission on June 12 endorsed a staff recommendation for rehabilitation work on the front portico of Providence Academy in Vancouver, Washington, after a presentation from City of Vancouver staff and the Clark County Historic Trust.
City of Vancouver planner Anthony Tortocchini told commissioners the proposed scope is limited to exterior maintenance visible from the public right of way: cleaning stained brick, repairing deteriorated mortar, replacing the wood roof substructure and like‑for‑like replacement of worn steps. He said the proposal replaces an industrial light with a historically appropriate fixture and that no work is proposed for the storefront adjacent to the entrance. "I find that the proposed rehabilitation meets the Heritage Overlay No. 1 approval criteria and recommend approval of the project as proposed," Tortocchini said.
Holly, a representative of the Clark County Historic Trust, said plans have been approved by city staff and that archaeological monitoring is scheduled; construction will proceed once permits are issued. Commissioners discussed several technical points raised in staff materials and by Trust staff, including whether the existing decorative scrollwork would be retained and the potential need to extend a handrail to ground level to satisfy city building requirements. Holly said the Trust will keep the ornament intact "to the extent possible" but cautioned some pieces may be too fragile to reattach after removal.
Commissioners praised the project as consistent with preservation goals and moved to endorse the staff report. Commissioner votes recorded during roll call were: Morgan Fraser, aye; Andy Gregg, aye; Heidi Mandlerhoff, aye; Julie Bond, aye. The motion carried. The endorsement is advisory only; final permitting and any building‑department conditions will control construction requirements and timing.
Background: the existing masonry portico dates to 1911 and replaced an earlier wooden feature from 1891. The proposed work is described by staff as routine rehabilitation to prevent further water damage and to preserve original materials where feasible. The commission’s endorsement will be forwarded to City of Vancouver staff and the project proponents as part of the Heritage Overlay No. 1 advisory review process.
