Decades old shingles are removed in late June 2024.
The Snoqualmie Depot is the Museum’s best-known artifact. It’s located in historic downtown Snoqualmie, Washington, and dates from 1890 making it the oldest surviving structure in the City of Snoqualmie.
In late June 2024 the process of replacing the decorative shingle roof and gutters began with the removal of existing shingles. More than 150 square of western red cedar shingles are required to replace a roof last updated in 1996; decorative diamond and scallop fancy butt shingles are highlighted in a central band and encircle the entire structure. The new roof will feature shingles treated with a preservative and new non-ferrous gutters.
Shingles are unloaded from a truck in June 2024.
The Snoqualmie Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the King County and City of Snoqualmie Landmarks Registers. The roof project is being funded with support from King County 4Culture, the Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation Third Places Fund, and with individual donations, including proceeds from Give Big 2024. There are continuing opportunities to support this more than $300,000 project at shop.TrainMuseum.org
Work on the depot roof is expected to take about four weeks, but progress is affected by the weather. Crews began by removing the old shingles. After clean up, they applied shake and shingle roofing felt, which will be interlaced into the new roof to improve long-term performance. New gutters will be installed followed by the new western red cedar shingles.
Richaven Architecture and Preservation is managing the project and has provided precise documentation showing the original shingle layout. This pattern is being meticulously copied and is expected to have a useful life of 30 years or more. Richaven is charged with ensuring the work is undertaken in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, a requirement of the Third Places Fund grant, and to maintain the National Register listing.
Please enjoy some progress photos:
New shingle installation began on Jun 24, 2024.
Shingles are being applied to the octagonal turret by mountain goat-like roofers.
New non-ferrous gutters are being installed on the Snoqualmie Depot.
The Snoqualmie Depot’s distinctive turret receives new shingles on June 26, 2024.
