Swanberg Dredge, City of Nome Existing Conditions Survey & Stabilization Plan Final Report

Matheson, Janet; Campbell, Eve; Reeves, John; Pender, Matt

Purpose of the Report: "The project required an existing condition survey of the Swanberg Dredge, a National Register of Historic Places site, in Nome, Alaska. In addition to the condition survey, which was conducted from March 4-7, 2019 the project required a stabilization plan, including recommendations for the dredge's safety and security." Preservation Objectives: "The dredge has deteriorated since its construction and single season of operations at Rocker Gulch from 1946-1947. In 2017, the City of Nome, the present owner, did stabilization work to prevent access to the dredge's interior. The City has also boarded up some of the missing exterior siding panels & doors. The goal of the stabilization plan is to improve the dredge's condition, and protect it from Nome's harsh weather, so it can continue existence as an important local historic resource and viewing attraction. Repairs to the on-site platforms and walks will also be required to enable summer visitors to safely view it in its pond." From the Conclusion: "Immediate steps should be taken to weatherproof the exterior envelope (walls, roof, and if possible the hull) so it can sustain future Nome weather conditions. At the same time, the interior area should be cleaned, and flammable or hazardous substances isolated, protected, or removed for the safety of maintenance personnel. The number and size and composition of missing dredge components in the exterior envelope and interior structure should be rechecked in summer weather conditions, and inventoried, before repairs begin. All repairs should be made with matching materials in configuration, color, and if possible, age. Special attention should be paid to the side of the dredge facing the road. Each interpretive sign should be evaluated for condition, and replacements reordered when the information is no long legible. The walkways and platform areas that are out of level should be temporarily braced and repaired for safe walking conditions in the summer. These actions, if performed in the summer and fall of 2019, will provide an improved historic viewing experience of the Swanberg Dredge for residents and visitors to Nome. Additional rehabilitation of the dredge and interpretive work on its contents can be performed in future years, when funding can be obtained to accomplish the work." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Office of History and Archaeology, Alaska Department of Historic Resources, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P18AF00008).

Swanberg Dredge, City of Nome Existing Conditions Survey & Stabilization Plan Final Report

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