The Great American Outdoors Act Revitalizes Barracks Building

Building 993's rehabilitation included accessibility improvements. As a part of this effort, the porch was raised slightly to remove changes in elevation between the porch and interior floors.

NPS Photo

In 2020, Congress passed the most significant conservation legislation enacted since the environmental movement of the 1960s and 70s: The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The GAOA provided $9.5 billion over five years to address a maintenance backlog at American national parks and other public lands. This was great news for Fort Vancouver NHS, which secured $15.2 million of that funding to renovate Building 993, one of Vancouver Barracks’ three large double infantry barracks.

The rehabilitation of Building 993, originally constructed in 1906-07, balanced historic preservation with needed improvements.

NPS Photo

With the reopening of the building, two federal agencies are now using the building as an office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

NPS Photo

The exterior of Building 993 was rehabilitated in 2015 and 2016 with a new roof and repairs to gutters, walls, paint, and the deck. GAOA funds turned the 33,000 square foot building into safe, accessible, and energy-efficient office space ready for lease in 2024. The lease supports preservation of the historic building by re-investing in its care and related site needs.

Like other barracks building renovations, though, the project wasn’t just about the updates.

Built in 1907, Building 993 housed around 180 soldiers who trained and fought in the Indian Wars, World Wars I and II, and other foreign engagements. They slept dormitory-style on the second floor, with the kitchen and mess hall on the first floor and storage and functional space in the basement. Clearly, there was a lot of history to preserve. The contractors leading the rehabilitation followed guidance to keep most of it in place, including the covered porches, pressed tin ceilings, plaster walls, columns, wood floors, and historic windows and doors.

What's next?

With over a decade of plans, designs, and rehabs behind them, Fort Vancouver NHS staff are looking toward a bright future for the Barracks. Just not too bright: Read about the site’s new period-appropriate lighting, and how a team of skilled craftspeople are keeping history alive at the Barracks and beyond.