October 25, 2016

$22M rehab of Mount Rainier's Paradise Inn Annex is a go

Image from NPS [enlarge]

The annex building at Paradise is nearly a century old and in bad shape.

The National Park Service plans to move forward on a renovation of the Paradise Inn Annex on Mount Rainier that will cost $22 million to build. The project includes improvements to the snow bridge that links the main inn with the annex.

The annex was built in 1920 and has 79 guest rooms, over half of all overnight lodging in the park. NPS plans to close the building and snow bridge from Aug. 15, 2017, to late spring 2019 for the renovation.

NPS says the work will correct structural and drainage deficiencies, and bring the structures into compliance with current building codes and standards. An environmental document for the project says the two structures are in danger of failure due to many harsh winters over their lifespans. It says the stone foundation for the annex has been compressed, deformed and shifted — making it vulnerable to earthquakes and extreme snow loads.

The document also said inadequate drainage has been undermining the foundation and degrading exteriors walls of the annex.

The new foundation will be created by replacing the rocks with a reinforced concrete foundation covered by a replica veneer created by cutting the backs of the rocks.

Drainage improvements will consist of a new storm drain and a groundwater diversion system to keep water away from the annex.

Seismic work will include installation of shear walls and plywood diaphragms in the basement and on each floor. Crews will also repair damaged basement beams and connections.

Other improvements to the annex include: installing new electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems; replacing exterior siding; building new roof joists and roof extensions; and replacing or repairing windows.

A recent tweak in the project plans will put a small concrete batch plant temporarily in the Picnic Loop area to reduce the need to haul in concrete by truck.

NPS says the annex's north masonry wall was reinforced with shotcrete in 2008, but full rehabilitation wasn't completed then due to a lack of funds. The main inn, built in 1917, was rehabbed from 2006 to 2008. It has 42 rooms.

RIM Architects of Anchorage is the project architect. Reid Middleton provided structural engineering.

An NPS representative didn't know when a general contractor would be picked. Andrea Vaughn of the NPS Denver Service Center is managing the project.