Interior improvement/renovation under $10 million


Photo courtesy Rafn
The renovation of the Downtown Emergency Service Center’s Connections facility included a commercial kitchen.

DESC Connections
Rafn Co.


Architect: Stickney Murphy Romine Architects
Owner: Downtown Emergency Service Center
ABC members: Argens, Bratrud Middleton Insurance, Clark Nuber, Custom Sprinkler Corp., Kirby Electric, Nuprecon, Matheus Lumber Co., Safety & Supply Co.


The Downtown Emergency Service Center’s Connections facility was created as a day shelter and hygiene center to serve downtown Seattle’s homeless. It has a commercial kitchen, bathrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a computer training/Internet access area, a training/work area, phone booths, eight offices and two conference rooms.

The myriad functions of the center fit into less than 9,000 square feet of the historic Morrison Hotel, which underwent a massive renovation and seismic retrofit. The Connections interior renovation started with raw space created from that process.

Challenges on the project included: working adjacent to the Morrison’s 190 transitional housing units and 200-bed shelter, which were occupied during construction; integrating modern specialized systems into a historic space; and installing building systems for so many functions into a relatively limited area.

Construction began with removing old flooring, asbestos fireproofing and heavy concrete topping slabs. A new frame and gypcrete subfloor provided a level surface for floor coverings.

Meeting hygiene facility requirements were paramount on this project, including installation of a high-efficiency HVAC system to minimize recycled air and maximize fresh outdoor air.

Permitting the HVAC system proved to be a lengthy process, but with creative phasing of the work, Rafn was able to keep the project on schedule. The HVAC system was actually installed after the walls were framed. Rafn was also able to reduce costs of the HVAC system by placing equipment to minimize duct lengths and diameters. The team was also able to find ways to use the existing core system and optimize its capacity.

The lobby includes an office that allows DESC employees to control entry access with electric door hardware and monitor activity in the facility with cameras. The entrance controls had to be retrofitted to tie into existing equipment.

Other modern systems that were integrated without compromising the historic character of the building included a commercial kitchen and data access for the more than 30 computer stations. In addition, historic windows were restored.

The $1.5 million renovation required 3,814 labor hours and was completed with no injuries or time-loss accidents.



Copyright ©2007 Seattle Daily Journal and DJC.COM.
Comments? Questions? Contact us.