Washington Center Exterior Repairs

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Update

On March 19, 2013, the Olympia City Council approved the award of a construction contract to build the Preferred Design (see below) as recommended by staff and the Design Advisory Committee (DAC).

Background

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1985. It is owned by the City of Olympia, and is operated by the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, a private, not-for-profit organization.

The Problem

The building is covered with the original 1985 EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finishing System), a synthetic, stucco-type material. In May 2008, the City discovered that water was leaking into the building, compromising the integrity of the structure. It also revealed the alley wall was separating from the building, posing a serious safety risk. (View photos of the damage) At that time, an emergency repair was made to the alley wall to secure it; however, this was a short-term solution.

The Project

In June 2012, City Council approved the Design Advisory Committee’s preferred design recommendation, contingent on receiving grant funding from the Department of Commerce (DOC) Building for the Arts Program. Later that same year, the DOC approved the $816,000 request and submitted it to the Governor’s Office to be considered as part of the Capital Budget. The City will receive the grant if it is approved by the Legislature.

Preferred Design | $4,600,000

The DAC preferred design replaces the siding, insulation, and leaking windows. The front of the building will use brick veneer and stone for siding material. The three remaining sides will be covered with metal panels. It also replaces the roof and three air handler units. The project also includes exterior upgrades to create a 'new look' for the aged building.

Questions?

Rick Dougherty, Project Manager, 360.753.8485, rdougher@ci.olympia.wa.us.