US 97A Chelan Vicinity Improvements
Chelan, WA
CRC provided cultural resources investigations for the WSDOT’s US 97A Chelan Vicinity project. Cultural resource investigations included background research review of the historic and archaeological site files at DAHP; research at the Chelan County Auditor’s Office, Chelan Historical Museum, North–Central Washington Museum; and, a literature review. Field investigations did not result in the identification of any archaeological resources; however, a fruit packing shed complex, dating to the 1920s was located within the project area of potential effects.
The collection of buildings, referred to as the Isenhart fruit packing shed complex, was considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A as representative of the development of the fruit industry in Central Washington and/or Criterion C as representative of a distinctive architectural style. The buildings retained sufficient integrity—location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association—characteristic of the development of the fruit industry, particularly as it relates to fruit processing and also to the living conditions of the seasonal workers. One historic-era property was to be affected by the proposed project: a storage shed/office, which was not considered to be a contributing element to overall site significance. CRC provided for HABS/HAER quality photo–documentation of the packing shed complex prior to highway construction and removal of the storage shed/office.