Steam Plant Becomes Biotech Lab.

Lundeen, Terry; Perbix, Todd; Schwartz, John; ,

Steam Plant Becomes Biotech Lab.

by Terry Lundeen, Associate; Ratti Swenson Perbix, Inc., 1411 Fourth Ave., Bldg., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98101,
Todd Perbix, Principal; Ratti Swenson Perbix, Inc., 1411 Fourth Ave., Bldg., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98101,
John Schwartz, Managing Associate; Daly & Associates, P.S., Seattle, WA,

Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1994, Vol. 64, Issue 9, Pg. 44-47

Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

With its prominent lakefront location and imposing size, Seattle's Lake Union Steam Plant is visible from many parts of the city. For most of this century, the plant's expansive windows and towering stacks have been a focal point for surrounding neighborhoods and a symbol of industrial prowess. After being decommissioned in 1984, the plant seemed in danger of becoming another sort of symbol, one of industrial decline and urban decay. A planned residential reuse failed, and the building stood vacant and unmaintained for a decade. But now a $25 million renovation project will return it to productive use as a biotechnology research and development laboratory, preserving this historic structure well into the 21st century and bringing important future benefits to the city as well. Key factors in the design included historic preservation concerns, extensive mechanical requirements for lab equipment and seismic protection.

Return to search