October 23, 2006
The Springwood Youth Center, at 12910 S.E. 273rd St. in Kent, replaces a cramped, dark structure built in the early 1970s that was well-worn with use.
The $3.4 million project, which held its grand opening on Oct. 13, is two stories and 10,800 square feet, including a gym, computer lab, classrooms, a rec room and commercial kitchen.
The center is located in the Springwood Apartments complex, a 321-unit public housing development owned by the King County Housing Authority.
The project was designed to bring natural lighting throughout the building, and the materials were selected for their durability and low potential for harmful off-gassing.
Other sustainable features include waterless urinals and low-flow toilets and showerheads. More than 80 percent of the construction waste was diverted from landfills to local recycling facilities.
Owner/project manager: King County Housing Authority, Seattle
Architect: ARC Architects, Seattle
General contractor: Briere and Associates, Renton
Civil engineer: SvR Design Co., Seattle
Structural engineer: MLA Engineering, Seattle
Landscape architect: Swift & Co., Seattle
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