Water Works Progress Photos from Mill District Resident Doug Verdier

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. Below photos were taken on September 10, 2019.

Above, excavators removing debris from basement level of the ruins of the Columbia Flour Mill. Built in 1882, the brick upper level of the six-story structure collapsed in January 1941, and the mill was destroyed four months later in a major fire. Once debris is removed from the lower level of the Columbia Mill, the remaining stone wall will be reinforced on the inside. The wall will be incorporated into the park design overlooking a plaza on the river side.

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Three excavators are working as a team to remove rock, dirt, debris and brick and lift it to street level.

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Among the remnants of the Columbia Mill machinery found in the lower level of the mill was this spool of steel cable.

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Another part of mill machinery. Some of the rubble from the 1941 fire can be seen behind the wheel.

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This piece of mill machinery was caked with mud when it was brought up. The iron section is still bolted to part of a heavy wooden beam. Evidence of the 1941 fire can be seen on the wood.

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Excavation machines at work as seen from W. River Parkway.

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Scaffolding has been erected on the river side of the Columbia Mill wall in preparation for restoration.