Handrails approved for Walla Walla County Courthouse
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA –Director of Facilities and Maintenance Robert Grandstaff presented to the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners a bid to construct new handrails as part of the county’s courthouse preservation project. This project would bring the handrails in the courthouse in conformity with modern building standards. It would utilize brass fixtures to maintain the courthouse’s historic look.
The bid from Metalcraft Northwest, Inc., a Walla Walla company, is for $196,772. Fascinate Stone and Tile of Walla Walla and Brassworks USA, Inc of Ferndale are listed as sub-contractors in the bid.
Grandstaff said the request for bids was sent out to approximately 700 potential bidders. He said several companies didn’t submit a bid.
“It’s just a matter of very custom rail and having the ability, I think, to do it,” said Grandstaff.
Commissioner Bertha Clayton felt that the cost was “exorbitant” considering the county’s budget situation.
“I think it would be a very irresponsible approach to move forward with the project at this amount,” she said. “On a cost alone basis, I’m a no.”
Board Chairman Gunner Fulmer asked about the possibility of using a material other than brass in the construction of the handrails. Grandstaff said that another material, such as steel, would require more maintenance in the long run.
Commissioner Todd Kimball mentioned that the funds spent on this project could be used as part of the courthouse’s matching funds from the Courthouse Preservation Grant Program.
“It’s not wasted money,” he said. “It’s money we’re going have to spend anyway.”
The commissioners voted 2-1 to accept the bid, with Clayton as the dissenting vote.
