PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Historical Society leaders are calling it a “Once in a Century Celebration.”

Port Townsend City Hall will have a grand opening to the public Nov. 8 for the second time in the majestic Water Street brick structure’s 114-year history.

The $3 million City Hall project, funded through federal and state grants and private donations, is scheduled for completion Oct. 21, said Bill Tennent, historical society director.

“It will last another 100 years,” Tennent said of the project that will be celebrated with a 5 p.m. ribbon cutting on Nov. 8, followed by a ceremony and entertainment that will include actors dressed up as leadership figures who attended City Hall’s first opening in 1892.

Plans for the City Hall’s restoration had been in the works since the 1960s, according to capital campaign chairman David Hero.

The plan finally took shape during the past four years between city and Jefferson County Historical Society leaders.

Nearing completion

A grand stairway to the renovated the City Council chambers on the second floor is nearing completion, as are the chambers themselves.

New hot-water pipes and rewiring for power and new technology such as video and audio, are also in place, said Tom Miller, project manager.

Lots of wood rot and decayed masonry work have been treated, and other attention has been paid to ending moisture problems.

Asbestos was also removed, Miller said.