December 17, 2009

KCHA upgrading Federal Way complex

Image by ARC Architects [enlarge]

The cost of the project will be covered by federal stimulus money. Work is expected to be completed by December of 2010

A $2 million upgrade of the Southridge House, an 80-unit King County Housing Authority complex in Federal Way, is getting under way this week.

The six-story building, at 30838 14th Ave. S., will get an exterior face-lift and some interior improvements. The one-bedroom apartments are for seniors and people with disabilities.

The brick exterior will be sealed with a weather-resistant barrier, wrapped with a layer of rigid insulation and covered with fiber cement siding as part of a rain screen system. Moisture has been seeping through the masonry of the 39-year-old building to the structural rebar, causing erosion. New energy-efficient windows will complete the exterior improvements.

The new exterior has been designed to look more colorful and up to date than the utilitarian brick facing it replaces.

Interior work, set to begin in July next year, will include Comcast cable upgrades and conversion of several units to full compliance with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.

The cost of the project will be covered by federal stimulus money. Work is expected to be completed by December of 2010.

The general contractor for the building envelope project is W.G. Clark Construction Co. ARC Architects is the architect. The electrical contractor is Kelly Electric and the siding contractor is L.A. Olsen Construction. Centennial Moisture Control will install the weather-resistant barrier, and Picture Perfect Painting is the painting contractor.

Rafn Co. will oversee the unit conversions and SKHS Architects will provide the design services.