Rushforth Construction Co.
The Bridge
Architect: Johnston Architects
Owner: Catapult Community Developers
ABC members: Air Systems Engineering, CHG Building Systems, Exterior Metals, Heiberg, Tacoma Plumbing & Heating
The Bridge, a 1930s hospital located in the heart of Tacoma’s Theater District, was converted into condominiums and commercial retail space.
Rushforth Construction demolished and expanded the fourth floor, then made structural upgrades, renovated the building and built 15 condos.
Abatement and demolition were complex in the concrete post, beam and slab structure. The interior plaster walls were severely damaged as the building had sat vacant for years. In addition, the construction team found that the interior walls were hollow clay tile and, once removed, left a recess in the terrazzo floors. Recesses were patched with colored concrete, creating a unique design point.
The project included two additions, requiring removal of the third floor roof and structural upgrades to accommodate the new loads.
The Bridge condominiums are certified as Built-Green homes and have many sustainable features, such as retrofitted wood windows with insulated glazing and metal-clad exteriors, and EnergyStar appliances.
The project voluntarily contributed to the Local Employment Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) — a program adopted to provide employment opportunities for city residents and state-approved apprentices.
To ensure safety, Rushforth held preconstruction meetings prior to subcontractors beginning work as well as holding a preconstruction consultation with the Department of Labor and Industries. The result was no injuries or lost-time incidents on the job.