The Project

Preservation Plan

 The Adelaide Ranch and associated buildings have resisted harsh weather and human use for over 130 years. They have stood up valiantly but are now at the end of their life, as evidenced by the collapse of several of the original structures. Our intention is to stabilize the remaining structures so many more generations of visitors can wonder at the fascinating history of this special valley.

STRUCTURAL STABILIZATION

All structural systems including roof, framing, sheathing and foundations will be reinforced as needed. Historic materials will be retained whenever possible. New materials, when required, will be chosen to be compatible with the existing.

EXTERIOR PRESERVATION

The exteriors will be preserved as close as possible to how they appear today. While some new materials will be required to achieve a weather resistant shell, they will be chosen to maintain the existing appearance.  

INTERIOR CLEANUP

The few remaining interior details will be preserved and reinforced as necessary. The extensive graffiti and other signs of abuse will be cleaned up. No interior details will be “reconstructed” as we have no evidence of what was originally there. Access to the interiors will be prohibited to prevent further damage, ensure human safety and as required by our USFS approvals.

Phasing Plan

Phase I


Completion of Stabilization and Preservation of the Shop and the Outhouse

Budget | $87,000 

Completed | October 2022

 
“I consider this project one of the greatest successes from last season.”
— Sarah Mees, Project Manager, HistoriCorp\
 

Phase II


Stabilization and Preservation of the Roadhouse

Budget | $150,000

Completed | October 12, 2023

Scope of Work | Roadhouse

  • Replaced and weatherproof main roof and vestibule roof 

  • demo interior and vestibule flooring

  • added structural supports for  interior and vestibule

  • repaired and stabilized brick chimney

Scope of Work | Outhouse

  • leveled structure

  • added foundation

  • built new door

Phase III


Completion and Stabilization of Roadhouse

Completion | August 19 - September 28, 2024

  • Re-establish Roadhouse and porch foundation and sill plates

  • Reinstall salvaged flooring to extent possible and add new wood flooring

  • Install gravel bed at porch and install diagonal wood flooring

  • Paint interior and stabilize brick chimney

  • Repair or replace siding as needed

  • Replace/repair any deteriorated wood framing window and door framing and siding

  • Repair milk cooler

Architectural history program for Miners Cabin to document the building in preparation for restoration/reconstruction phase on cabin 

Phase IV


Miners Cabin

Anticipated Date | Fall 2025

Scope of work | to be determined

Phase V


Preservation of the

Dam Keeper’s Cabin

Budget | $118,000

Fall 2026

Scope of Work | Dam Keeper's Cabin

  • Remove trees up to 6' around the building perimeter

  • Regrade site, soil removal by hand

  • Replace 2-3 wall logs on each elevation, as needed

  • Repair 3-8 log crowns on purlins and ridge log

  • Repair chinking and daubing on the exterior walls

  • Investigate first-level floor structure and flooring, then repair or replace, as needed

  • Repair lumber roof sheathing and replace corrugated steel roofing panels

  • Install hog wire over the door

  • Remove modern interior wall cladding, including plywood

  • Rehabilitate the remaining wood window sash and build two replica wood window sashes to match the existing west window

  • Set up appropriate systems and follow safety protocols for fall protection, lead paint containment, and hantavirus exposure.

“This approximately 60-acre site in the Hunter Creek Valley floor will preserve a showcase of the important early cultural history of this valley, both for future residents and visitors in our community and for the White River National Forest, alongside the beloved Townsites of both Ashcroft and Independence.”

— Hunter Creek Historical Foundation Board