May 2, 2014

Historical Preservation (Washington) -- King Street Station rehabilitation (phase 2B)

Photo by Aaron Hatch

The original coffered ceiling at King Street Station was extensively repaired and rehabilitated.

Location: Seattle

Contractor: Performance Contracting

Architect: ZGF Architects

Team: Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel; Drywall Distributors; USG Building Systems; Cemco; Georgia-Pacific

Originally built between 1904 and 1906, King Street Station served as Seattle’s primary train station until Union Station was constructed in 1911. The main waiting room had intricate plaster details featuring 7,600 square feet of coffered ceiling on a grid layout with dentils and repeating circles with Italian influence. However, the historic value of the property was lost through multiple renovations to modernize the station.

The original 30-foot-tall coffered ceiling needed extensive repair and rehabilitation to restore its original condition. The walls also called for a full plaster remodel because structural steel columns and plates had been installed during a seismic upgrade. The remodel followed federal historic preservation guidelines.

Performance Contracting’s work included engineering, rough carpentry, metal-stud framing, insulation, historical plaster renovation, metal lath and gypsum-veneer plaster. Pre-planning and constructing the plaster details proved the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the project. The plaster casts had to set for a minimum of 30 days in a temperature-controlled environment. To meet the demanding schedule, all molds and casts were made on-site in the main waiting room floor area instead of an off-site warehouse.

Judge’s comment: “A magnificent project that has refurbished the historical finishes to their original condition. The craftsmanship truly helped capture the building’s spirit from long ago. When you are in Seattle this is a must-see project.”

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