The Blue Building to change hue

Outdated steel building to get $619,000 upgrade

Flathead County's Blue Building - a landmark for some and eyesore to others - is getting a $619,000 upgrade that includes a tan exterior.

The county commissioners on Tuesday agreed to shelve plans for a new, $4 million administration building and instead use some of the $2.9 million set aside for that project to pay for improvements to both the Blue Building and the main Courthouse.

"In light of the economy and many other factors, we would find it difficult to justify vacating the courthouse and Blue Building at a $4 million price tag," County Administrative Officer Mike Pence said.

The 1902 courthouse, which passed the test for structural soundness, recently was upgraded with a new heating and cooling system, but still needs an elevator, Pence said.

Renovations to the Blue Building are more complex. The building, with its telltale blue hue and metal paneling, was erected in 1974 as temporary quarters for a growing county government. It has long housed the tax, accounting and motor-vehicle departments and in recent years also has provided space for the county Superintendent of Schools office.

The building - also deemed structurally sound by architectural experts - is in dire need of more insulation. The county expects to get federal stimulus money to pay for additional insulation in the walls and ceiling.

"It's almost a flat-out guarantee," Pence said about the grant application for insulation money.

A stucco-type material will be used to create a new exterior for the Blue Building, and it will be tan, said County Treasurer Adele Krantz, who has been corresponding with Architects Design Group on remodeling plans. Pence jokingly said a blue door might need to be installed to keep the building's blue landmark status.

A new entry addition will be constructed and a new elevator will be installed.

A major component of the project is the relocation of the tax and accounting departments from the lower level to the main floor. Those departments will consolidate with the motor-vehicle department for increased efficiency, Krantz said.

"We already have three to four motor-vehicle people who know taxes," she said, adding that Treasurer's Office employees will be trained to use the new Montana Enhanced Registration and Licensing Information Network, called the MERLIN project.

The consolidation of the two departments will ease the upcoming loss of three employees in the Treasurer's Office. Two employees are moving out of state and those positions won't be filled. A third worker is retiring and the county may have to temporarily fill that spot, Krantz said, until the renovation and consolidation are complete.

The Superintendent of Schools office will move to the lower level and Family Court Services will remain in its current location.

Since much of the project involves interior work, it could be completed by the end of the year, Pence said.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com