NEWS

In July of 2016 the Hartline Betterment Organization acquired the Historic Hartline School from Grant County Port District #5. The HBO will continue the path of preservation, revitalization and re-use of the building that has been followed by the port district in partnership with the HBO for the past six years. Community members, historic preservation specialists, engineers, building department officials, and economic development consultants will all make important contributions to the planning process.

After nearly 90 years of continuous use as a school building the Hartline School was declared surplus property by the local consolidated school district in

early 2009. The fate of the building and surrounding property was uncertain throughout much of last year. The Port, the HSPA, area residents, and alumni spent many months researching and evaluating the best course of action for the building and the community. An agreement between the Port of Hartline and the School District was finalized in December 2009; the Port became the official new owner in February 2010. The Port has consulted with many experts and officials over the last few months. The better-than-expected condition of the Hartline School and its systems continues to draw praise each time someone new inspects the building.

What’s new? What’s next?

• Planning for the rehabilitation and potential new uses of the Hartline School are underway. Community members, historic preservation specialists, engineers, architects, building department officials, and economic development consultants will all make important contributions to this planning process.
• Grant applications are now being submitted to various governmental departments and private foundations. We will report on these grant awards as they are received.
• The HBO/HSPA recently launched an initial fundraising campaign for the Hartline School rehabilitation. Please visit the new Donate Now page for online donation opportunities. We are developing a long term fundraising plan. We welcome your ideas!
• Recent upgrades to the Hartline School by the Port include: installing exterior security cameras; activating of the security system; adding exterior lighting; re-keying all locks; repairing plumbing; and replacing damaged windows.
• The Port repaired the electrical system in the kitchen/cafeteria part of the gym building; is completing construction of the second sports field.
• Roof repair above the auditorium and entryway renovations are the next planned improvements for the Hartline School. New energy efficient lighting will also be installed in the gym building.

Preservation Partners

• “Saving the Hartline School” is the cover story in the most recent issue of TRUST NEWS, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation newsletter. The newsletter will soon be added to the WA Trust’s website for online viewing. Susan Wickstrom wrote the article with assistance from the HSPA. Read the article here.
• The Hartline School is profiled in “Recent National & Washington Heritage Listings” in the Washington Dept of Archeology and Historic Preservation’s newsletter blog. Look in the February 8, 2010 archives.
• Historic Preservation groups from across the country convene in Washington DC during the first week of March every year to lobby for historic preservation funding and support. The Hartline School was included in this year’s WA Trust “Lobby Day” efforts.

The historic Hartline School was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in January 2010, where it joins other Washington properties which contribute to our state’s rich cultural heritage. The 1922 Colonial Revival building is one of the oldest and best preserved “rural brick schoolhouses” in Grant County. The Hartline School is also significant as an excellent example of design by the noted Spokane architectural firm of Frederick Westcott and Howard Gifford. The historic building was added to the Washington Heritage Register in November 2009.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of our nation’s cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and

archeological resources. The properties recorded in the National Register provide a link to the heritage and history of the United States at the national, state, and local levels.

The National Register listing provides formal recognition of the Hartline School’s historic and architectural significance based upon national standards used by every state. The Hartline School will become part of the National Register Archives searchable database, and will be included in Washington’s statewide list of designated properties. Washington State’s Historic Preservation Officer commended the support and stewardship of this significant property by the Hartline School Preservation Association, the Hartline Betterment Organization, and the community of Hartline. The National Register nomination for the Hartline School was completed by Tanner Dotzauer, of Dotzauer Historical Consulting. The volunteer efforts of our community and our supporters helped make this important recognition possible. Thank you!

On November 5, 2009 the Washington State Governor’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted unanimously to list the Hartline School on the Washington Heritage Register of Historic Places, and to forward the Hartline School nomination to the National Park Service for final review and listing by the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places. The 149th meeting of the ACHP took place at the main branch of the Spokane Public Library in Spokane, Washington.

Following a brief presentation on the Hartline School nomination by the State Architectural Historian, ACHP Chair Jack Williams and two additional members of the council praised the Hartline School Preservation

Association and the Hartline community for their work to preserve the Hartline School. The council members noted the importance of preserving the state’s remaining historic schools, and that many of these buildings have been lost over the years. After the vote, ACHP member Jerri Honeyford presented the HSPA with a certificate officially recognizing the listing of the Hartline School on the Washington Heritage Register.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is comprised of citizens knowledgeable in Washington’s history, archaeology, and architecture. The nine member board, which includes architects, historians, preservationists, and university faculty, reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register. The council also acts in advisory capacity to the governor on policy issues regarding preservation activities in the state.