In addition to conducting a preliminary seismic analysis during the due diligence phase, successful negotiations with the City of Tacoma on seismic requirements led to cost-effective building upgrades that meet the owner’s building performance goals.
Proactively collecting historical photos and documents informed the team about how to design structural connections to the floor’s hollow clay tiles, an uncommon framing system on the west coast. Perimeter steel braced frames strengthen the lower floors, where there were few columns prior to the renovation. Refining the seismic analysis reduced the number of dampers for the seismic system, resulting in a cost savings.
Photography © J2G Creative
