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When designing the renovation of a 78-year-old building in Camas, Wash., looked to the original plans drawn by famed architect D.W. Hilborn.

鈥淲e were working very carefully on how much we could achieve in terms of the owner’s desires and looking at historic preservation,鈥� project manager Kathy Berg said. 鈥淲e restored the building to the layout that (Hilborn) had originally anticipated.鈥�

The 12,000-square-foot building, constructed in 1934 as the headquarters for the local chapter of the American Legion, has served many purposes over the years 鈥� including an indoor skating rink and an office for a neon sign company. Previously, it was pegged for an expansion of the church next door; however, the space was only gutted.

It sat empty for nearly 10 years until , which designs portable devices for measuring plants, decided to buy it. Now, it’s undergoing a $1 million rehab.

The existing wood floor in the main room, originally a ballroom, will be refurbished. Additionally, wood columns, trusses and beams will be restored with a walnut finish. Once completed, the building will hold the company’s machine and assembly shop, as well as its engineering and sales offices.

鈥淭hey had basically gutted everything and left it,鈥� Berg said. 鈥淚t was bare studs on the inside, most of the windows were broken out and the roof was leaking. We started to work to figure out how to pull it together.鈥�

That will be accomplished with the building’s original materials. Reclaimed wood from a false ceiling (added for the skating rink) will be reclaimed for wood screen walls and a custom reception desk. And reclaimed light fixtures will be used as accent and conference room lights.

The hope was that the building, which has a mezzanine, could be certified as a historic structure. However, certain original elements like window panes could not be reused.

Nevertheless, the building will be transformed from an eyesore into a community benefit, Berg said.

鈥淚 think we’ve all been really excited about what this can do for the community of Camas,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his is a building that has been sitting derelict. I think it’s a really great example of a client seeing a potential of community and getting that realized.鈥�

is constructing the project, which is expected to finish by Dec. 1.

鈥淥n the Boards鈥� is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms’ best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please call 503-802-7240 or email [email protected].