The Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Museum’s board of directors recently approved a plan to replace the building’s aging foundation on the advice of structural engineering, architectural and construction experts.

“The foundation is over 100 years old now,” said Heritage Museum President Deb Dammann. “And like most of the other old foundations on the island, it was built out of rubble. With conditions typically pretty wet around it for so long, one corner has settled considerably.”

Further reports of structural weakness led to the decision to invest in replacing the foundation, which will also include earthquake mitigation and improvements to groundwater drainage.

Dammann noted that the museum hopes to cover the estimated $90,000 cost for the project with grants.

“We are very grateful for all of the support we receive from the community,” she said. “We really don’t want to go the fundraising-route for this.”

Once the money is secured, Dammann explained the actual replacement process would take about six weeks and that the museum would likely close for one-to-two during that time.