PORT ANGELES — A new chapter in the former Lincoln School’s history began this week when an excavation crew started tearing down a wing that once housed the school’s restroom and library.

“This is exciting for us,” said Kathy Monds, executive director of the Clallam County Historical Society, on Tuesday.

“There is a major project going on here.”

Work crews reported that the wing, which Monds thought may be part of a 1922 addition, was coming down easily.

The entire section was poorly constructed and was rotten in places.

“It was in such bad repair it had to come down,” Monds said.

Demolition of the building at 933 W. Ninth St., which began Monday, is expected to be finished this week or next week.

The Clallam County Historical Society’s Office and storage is now in the school’s old gym.

The historical society is restoring the main school building for use as an exhibit space and library.

Lincoln School closed in 1978. The main building has sat empty for the past 33 years.

The historical society purchased the building in 1991 and has been working toward full restoration.

Several other projects, including seismic retrofitting and new floors in the main building, have been completed over the years, Monds said.

The former addition will be replaced with a new structure that will retain the same character as the original building, she said.

It will house an elevator and a new research and genealogy library.

The total project is budgeted to cost about $1 million from start to finish, Monds said, adding that she did not know when it would be completed.

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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.