DEADWOOD - City officials are hoping that a revamping of the drainage system around the Adams Museum will solve moisture problems within the historic building.

Deadwood Public Works Director J.R. Raysor explained the drainage problems to the Deadwood City Commission this week. The combination of a section of curbing, a portion of sidewalk and additional curbing doesn't allow for water to drain away from the building's lawn area. During a freeze, thaw and freeze cycle, because the ground is warmer near the building's foundation, the water percolates down near the building. The presence of water outside the walls causes moisture to seep through leaving a whitish residue on the interior of the building's concrete walls.

Adams Museum facilities manager Howie Albrecht says that, although issues with dampness and the building's foundation have been an ongoing problem, archives within the building haven't been affected by the moisture. But Raysor says that's exactly what the drainage system project should prevent.

The city-owned building on the corner of Sherman and Deadwood streets was built in 1930 by Deadwood businessman and former mayor W.E. Adams and houses numerous historic exhibits and artifacts on its three floors.

Raysor said that in the four years since he has been public works director, the exterior of the building had been dug up twice trying to rectify the problem. Raysor said that this time, drain pipes from the museum's roof will be rerouted directly to the storm sewer below the streets.

"This will take a good portion of that water away from the building," Raysor said. And in answer City Commissioner Klamm's question, "Will this really fix it?" Raysor said, "I can tell you, maybe. It's certainly a step in the right direction."

Deadwood City Commissioners approved the $12,000 expenditure to revamp the drainage system around the Adams Museum. The work is scheduled to begin Thursday, Nov. 1.