Work resumes on $34M Port Angeles arts center

The groundbreaking ceremony last fall for the Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles was one fit for a Hollywood premiere — set at night with spotlights, music, a champagne toast and an excavator.

With much less fanfare, construction resumed earlier this month on the $34 million performing arts center after about six weeks of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crews recently have been building the project’s structural shear walls at the corner of Front and North Oak streets.

The restart has general contractor Mortenson working differently on the jobsite: everyone gets their temperature taken daily, a minimum social distance of 6 feet is enforced, face coverings are mandatory, more hand wash stations can be found, and sanitation and cleaning measures have been put on steroids.

“This is an important step for the city, the project and for the local economy of Port Angeles and requires the right precautions be put in place to ensure the health and safety of everyone on site,” said Marvin Doster, Mortenson project executive, in a news release.

What effect the construction shutdown will have on the project’s opening date is unknown. The DJC reported in October that the project would be finished in 2021. Mortenson could not be reached for comment.

LMN Architects designed the 40,140-square-foot center with a 500-seat performance auditorium; water view conference and event space for groups of up to 400 people; coffee shop; catering kitchen; and gallery space exhibiting the works of local, regional and national artists.

Mortenson is working with local contractors Olympic Electric, Stirrett Johnsen, Jamestown Excavation and Angeles Concrete Products.

Here’s the rest of the project team: Stantec, mechanical engineer; Swenson Say Faget, structural engineer; Walker Macy, landscape architect; Zenovic & Associates, civil engineer; Krazan & Associates, geotechnical engineering; Vanir Construction Management, owner’s representative; Jaffe Holden, acoustics; The Shalleck Collaborative, theater and AV consultant; Krazan, geotechnical engineer; and KO Projects, business planning.

The performing arts center will be part of a planned redevelopment on land adjacent to the Port Angeles ferry terminal that will eventually include a marine discovery center and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s Cultural Center.

Port Angeles Field Arts and Events Hall