Volunteers begin restoring wood framing
CHENEY – Volunteers working on the restoration of the Cheney Depot prepared original wood window framing for refitting on Feb. 18.
Susan Beeman, a representative of the project team, commented on the wood restoration, saying "Our window restoration guy was Cliff Ferguson, who retired after many years as the City building inspector."
Ferguson, a woodworker, donated his time to repair the wood portions of the windows, totaling over 230 hours, according to Beeman.
Previously, in June of 2020, the volunteer team conducted a color study in order to determine the color pallet of the original building. Colors such as " Burlington Northern" green and "rusty" brown were listed.
This color study furnished the team with the necessary information to begin acquiring materials for the next step in the wood restoration.
Terry Mourning, the architect/designer who has volunteered time and expertise on many aspects of the project, compiled a field guide to restoring wood framing and provided for the volunteers.
Jeff Stafford is the Cheney Depot Society board member who is heading up the window rehabilitation project.
"Jeff recently retired from EWU's Communications program, and he also has an architecture degree -- he's a valued member of the Depot project team." Beeman said.
The window framing had already been removed from the depot and delivered to a staging location inside a property owned by the local Masonic Lodge.
This removal process for double-hung windows included removing the sashes, beading, and stop. The current stage on which the volunteers are working involves paint removal, wood repair, re-painting, and bedding the original glass.
"We're going to need all the help we can get, and we're so grateful for everyone who comes to do what they can." Beeman said.
Restoring the hardware and reassembling the windows themselves will take place sometime later in the year.
Two substantial benefactors of this project were Dr. Peter O. Hansen and his wife Karolee Hansen.
"Dr. Pete, as he was affectionately known, challenged the community to donate to save the Depot, and matched the first $500,000 in donations." Beeman wrote. " After Dr. Pete's passing in March 2021, Karolee kept his commitment, and donated an additional $200,000 to the project."
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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