NEWS
Historic Queen Anne Library Roof Replacement
History of the Queen Anne Branch Library
Originally designed by well-known local Architects Somervell & Thomas, and funded with a $35,000 Carnegie grant, the Queen Anne Branch Library has served the Queen Anne Community since it’s original completion in 1914. The library is a well-preserved Carnegie Library. The structure is English Scholastic Gothic style, with a brick exterior, emphasized terra cotta along gable-end parapets, and terra cotta arches over windows and southern entryway. The building is rectangular with a gable roof of slate shingles and copper sheet metal flashings.
The Queen Anne Branch Library was nominated into the National Register of Historic Places Inventory in 1981 and formally accepted in 1983 by the United States Department of the Interior.
Repair History
Over the years, several repair projects have been undertaken to extend the life of this historically significant building, including: window replacements, sheet metal replacement, roof repairs, brick mortar repairs, and seismic upgrades to the building’s unreinforced masonry construction.
Historic Slate Tile Roof
Prior to the current slate tile replacement project, the building’s original slate tile roofing was temporarily removed and flipped to allow for installation of plywood roof sheathing. This was done in an effort to increase the buildings ability to resist damage during a seismic event. Many of the building’s original slates were also replaced over the years as part of typical maintenance. In 2018, a limited condition assessment of the original slate tile was performed in response to numerous cracked slate pieces. Thirteen pieces of the historic slate were tested in 2020 and determined that the building’s “Vermont and New York” slate blend were generally expected to have a maximum service life ending in 2037-38 (125 years after the slate was originally quarried). Due to the nature of slate repair work, repairs utilizing the original slate tiles (107 years old at the time of testing) were not expected to be successful, and a full replacement would instead be more cost effective and extend the life of the roof.
Repairing the Roof
This slate tile repair project included the full removal and replacement of the existing/historic slate with an in-kind matching Vermont / New York Red Blend slate installed over a high-temperature resistant, butyl based underlayment, self-adhered to the existing plywood roof sheathing. The new slate installation was intent to be historically matching through the following methods;
Maintain the color and texture of the historic four (4) color “Vermont / New York Red Blend” by analyzing the existing slate tile colors from each roofs eave edge-to-mid slope and mid-slope to roof ridge.
Replicate the roofs graduated slate exposures by field measuring and analyzing the height of each existing slate coarse to ensure that the new slate is in conformance with historical slate tile laps and exposures.
Replicate the roofs random slate sizes by measuring the historic slate tile widths.
Install new slate tiles using a careful and progressive installation utilizing a matching color blend, matching color percentages, matching slate exposures and a random color pattern using historic tile widths
This repair project also replaced all non-historic existing stainless steel & copper flashing with more historically accurate and water-tight copper flashings based on the original 1913 design by W. Marbury, Somervell & Harlan Thomas Associate Architects. Lastly this project included repairs to masonry/terra cotta parapets including careful routing and repointing of roof side parapet mortar joints to a depth of 1/3rd brick in order to install new embedded copper flashings.
In June of 2023, the Queen Anne Historical Society awarded Seattle Public Library with the Public Stewardship Award for this project.
Client
Seattle Public Library
Team
Elevator Modernization & Lobby Remodel at L&I Headquarters
In 2016, we were hired by the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to complete upgrades to elevators at the L&I Headquarters building in Tumwater, WA. We prepared a pre-design report to determine the scope of modernizing all six elevators. The report included cost estimates, an estimated construction schedule, and options for intermediate repairs to improve short-term elevator operation without duplicating costs of replacing parts in the future modernization.
In 2018, our team completed design to modernize the 6 elevators. We worked closely with the GC to phase the work with minimal disruption to building occupants. The elevator project and all lobbies completed construction in October of 2022.
Design Elements: Elevator Cabs
The interiors of the elevator cabs were updated with similar materials as the lobbies (stainless steel and resin panels) in response to the client’s desire to change the feel of the outdated and dark cab interiors. We designed new lighting, flooring, stainless steel, and resin panels with graphics depicting natural landscapes from various regions around Washington State. These elements incorporate biophilic design – bringing nature into the workplace, providing a different mood, cultivating a relaxing environment, and giving the users an opportunity for a mini-vacation while using the elevator.
Photos by William Wright Photography
Design Elements: Lobby Remodel
In response to the client’s request, we designed modernizations for the elevator lobbies, which included maintaining the public art installations (for example, the log wall on the opposing wall from the elevator doors) at each floor. The materials and finishes we used in the lobbies highlight the waiting area and showcase the existing art. Large-scale backlit resin panels with layers of translucent colors enhance the existing art work. Together with a stainless steel frame, and new paint, these upgrades provide the users with a more sophisticated, engaging and clearly defined elevator lobby.
Final Outcome
The construction phase of the project started just before the Covid-19 Pandemic and work continued throughout that challenging period. Supply chain issues and other factors outside the control of the project pushed completion beyond the original anticipated date, however the final outcome is a greatly improved appearance and operation of vertical transportation in the building, and the modernizations have been well received by the client and building users.
Client
State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
Team
Helene Madison Pool Renovation
Helene Madison Pool, built in 1970, is a thriving public pool facility for residents in north Seattle. It offers year-round programs and lessons for adults and children alike, and hosts a majority of the local school competitive swim meets.
Project Background
In 2016, Seattle Parks and Recreation identified upgrades needed to various pool and community facilities throughout the city. The Stemper AC Team worked on renovations and improvements on seven public pools, with one of the most recently completed being Helene Madison Pool. The scope of work here included replacement of the dated exterior building envelope and roofs, a facelift of the interior lobby, and various infrastructure updates.
Before
Exterior Renovations
The original pool building exterior includes diagonal set wood tongue and groove board cladding, asphalt shingles at steep-slope roof areas, and membrane roofing at the low-slope roof. As part of our team’s detailed facility assessment, significant improvements were required for both infrastructure components and exterior building modifications due to issues associated with aging and long-term use. This provided us the opportunity to refresh the aged exterior and give the building a new identity in the local neighborhood.
SBS Modified Bitumen membrane roofing was used to replace the existing single-ply roofing membrane at the low-slope roof, while laminated asphalt shingles were installed at the steep-slope roof areas.
Approximately eighty percent of the building is surrounded by vegetation and flora for much of the year, so neutral-toned fiber cement cladding panels were used in these areas. At the main entry, customized metal shingles cover the most visible facades of the building.
After
Lobby
The exterior entryway and interior lobby were also partially renovated with new lighting and coatings to energize and enliven the space and increase the visibility of these formerly dark cave-like areas. Additional improvements planned for the near future will complete the improvements in the lobby area.
Project Features
• Insulation upgrades
• Roof replacement
• Clerestory window replacements
• Stucco, fiber cement, and metal shingle cladding systems
• Seismic upgrades
• Exterior/ interior lighting upgrades
• Interior and exterior finish upgrades
Client
• Seattle Parks and Recreation
Team
Subconsultants
Building Envelope Technology & Research (BET&R) | Building Envelope Consultant
Tres West Engineers | Electrical Engineering Consultant
N.G. Jacobson & Associates | Structural Engineering Consultant
Published in Metal Architecture Magazine and Metal Construction News Magazine
Pierce Transit Headquarters Lobby Interior Remodel
The main lobby is the entry point for all visitors and employees to Building 4, which serves as Pierce Transit’s headquarters. Originally designed and built in 1986, the existing space was ready for a facelift. Pierce Transit’s CEO wanted the updated space to reflect modern colors and finishes, provide accessibility to all, and to warmly welcome every person entering the space. This lobby renovation was originally part of a larger modernization concept where the building exterior was also to be updated. Due to funding constraints, the exterior building work has been deferred. As this is Pierce Transit’s administrative headquarters, Stemper AC felt it important to recognize the building and its spaces as the central business location for a major transit authority.
Lighting Design
Material and finish elements used in the lobby area reference various transit center concepts, evoking the idea of movement, bright and warm lighting, and open space. Upon entry at the main doors, a continuous lit ceiling moves the visitor to the front reception desk. Formerly a public gallery in addition to its function as a lobby when the building first opened, the gallery has since been limited to a hallway and stair area where museum quality lighting has been installed. Stemper AC also utilized the double height atrium space and the main connecting stairs to restore grandiosity in these areas by emphasizing the spaces with a full size double height wall graphic (coordinated design with Pierce Transit), and a multi-stem glass chandelier.
Hanging Sculpture
Additionally, the atrium space contains a sculptural and acoustical art piece. The award winning Halo is sculptural, dynamic, and doubles as an acoustic absorption cloud for sound control. The organic sculpture contrasts the rigid lines of the existing building interior, its large format brightens and helps break up the double-story space in to a visually engaging and joyful space for visitors.
In June of 2022, the halo mobile, created with Studio Lilica, won the Hospitality Design Magazine Award for the Custom Art + Installation category.
Security Upgrades
In response to the client’s request to improve safety of the lobby space for staff, we designed the reception desk with a layer of bullet-resistant panels. The panels are made up of multiple layers of woven roving ballistic fiberglass, impregnated with a polyester resin designed to capture projectiles. The front desk design also incorporated a space of refuge for staff in case of an emergency.
Final Outcome
This project was successfully completed in 2021. Because the final elements of the remodel were constructed during Covid-19 lockdowns, Pierce Transit was not able to have a grand opening upon completion. However, Stemper AC has since received positive feedback from the client and the users.
Client
Pierce Transit
Team
Envelope Repairs at Tacoma Community College Building 11
Building 11 serves as the Tacoma Community College (TCC) campus’s student center, cafeteria, dining areas, campus bookstore, web cafe, and student government offices. The building is one of the largest on campus and is positioned at the center of the campus, facing the campus commons lawn.
Stemper AC, in collaboration with our partner BET&R, completed the design for a building envelope restoration of this building’s Phase-III addition. The restoration included limited roofing repairs, and replacement/ redesign of the building’s exterior cladding, canopies, and fenestration systems.
Before the implementation of this project, the existing stucco cladding, canopies, and windows were all failing, leading to moisture intrusion issues and severe damage to the building’s supporting wood structure and shear walls. As many of this existing building’s issues originated out of poorly designed and executed cladding and fenestration systems, our team redesigned many of its unnecessarily complex elements and key components to provide a new watertight envelope system that also creates redundancy within the building’s design. This minimizes the need for building maintenance.
In collaborating with TCC representatives, the building received a ‘facelift’, through the use of metal cladding systems to complement and link Building 11 to the aesthetics of newer adjacent buildings. The design also included the installation of a highly resilient porcelain cladding system for the highest impact areas along the building’s south-facing main entrance.
Some interesting notes and successes of this project:
Removed the building’s failing stucco system/ residential grade weather-resistive barrier which allowed for extensive structural repairs and replacement of deteriorating plywood sheathing and exterior wall framing.
Although the actual amount of structural damage was unknown, the Team was able to work with the project’s structural engineer, PSM Consulting Engineers, and quickly respond to the need for structural repairs in the field, reducing construction delays created by the unavoidable additional repair scope.
The cladding redesign was not only an effort to replace failing components/systems but to ensure that all new components/systems were detailed and designed for long-term performance.
Details that repaired the continuity of the air/vapor control layer at all transitions to remove not only the chance for moisture intrusion but to decrease heat loss through air leakage.
Detailed exterior water-shedding layers so that sheet metal flashings direct moisture away from the building’s elements even if exterior sealants should fail in the future.
Simplified or removed the complex transitions of the original design to eliminate difficult-to-maintain vulnerable details that previously held organic debris or relied heavily on sealants.
Opportunity to reflect aesthetic and character of adjacent campus facilities
Red textured metal wall panels emphasize the building’s primary south entrance while other metal wall panel colors were utilized to de-emphasize other secondary points of entry.
Replicate stone/masonry veneer through the use of a highly resilient and maintainable porcelain tile cladding system.
Galvanized steel sunshade along the west elevation which will also provide a mounting point for future signage.
Client
State of Washington DES
Tacoma Community College
Team
Historic Copper Spire at West Seattle High School
As part of the Historic 1916-1918 design for West Seattle High School, a copper spire/finial was designed and installed at the central cupola located at the high school’s north entry. Based on limited records and historic photos, sometime between 1963 (last known photo of the spire) and 2002 (first design project with elevations showing no spire at the cupola), the copper spire was either removed, stolen, or otherwise disappeared from the building.
As part of the current roof replacement project at West Seattle High School, Seattle Public Schools and Stemper AC worked with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Landmarks Preservation Board to install a new copper spire designed to match the scale, profile, and historic character of this missing historic portion of the school. The task posed a considerable challenge due to an initial lack of knowledge of the original spire’s design. While it was possible to surmise the shape of the spire and components from old photos, determining the size and exact shape wasn’t as easy.
Stemper AC Architect and Project Manager Marc Tegen was able to work closely with the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, conduct research, and create a series of small mockups and molds that were then used to determine a historically matching profile.
Once the mock-up was approved, the spire drawings were then sent to a custom copper fabrication company, Coppercraft. While in fabrication, Project Manager Marc Tegen began working on a custom wood support base for the spire. The base was designed to allow for the new spire to be seated just above the cupola’s hip tiles, to allow for additional copper flashings to be installed, and to seal off any gaps between the spire and the newly repaired clay tile roofing.
In January of 2021, the spire was finished and installed.
Client
Seattle Public Schools
Team
Contractor
Seattle Citywide Swimming Pools Exterior & Interior Renovations
Stemper AC has worked with Seattle Parks & Recreation for several years to renovate multiple public pool facilities. Our team surveyed existing building conditions at the seven pools. The primary focus was on design for upgrades and repairs, structural/ seismic improvements, building envelope repairs, life safety, ADA compliance, and interiors.
Ballard Pool :
We completed upgrades for both exterior and interior conditions at Ballard Pool, such as the roof and wall assemblies, concrete paving, handrails, joint sealants, drainage systems, pool deck, and main structure. The scope of work included:
Replacement of pool deck and tile
Replacement of deck drains
Replacement of plaster liners and lights
Replacement of filter system
Repairs to air duct system
Concrete repairs
Corrosion prevention
Design of contrast tile to steps
Reconfiguration of plumbing for spa pool
Before
Construction
After
Helene Madison Pool:
Helene Madison Pool, an approximately 20,000 sf facility built in 1970, is a thriving public pool facility for residents in north Seattle. It was originally built as part of the Forward Thrust ballot initiative in King County. As part of the initiative, Seattle Parks and Recreation constructed a number of swimming pools from 1968 to the late 70’s that were strategically placed in local neighborhoods. The pool is heavily used in the community, as it offers year-round programs and lessons for adults and children alike, and hosts a majority of the local school competitive swim meets.
In an effort to preserve and extend the life of the existing building for another 30 years, the Architect and Engineering team made a number of building infrastructure and interior improvements. Stemper Architecture Collaborative (Stemper AC) partnered with Building Envelope Technology & Research (BET&R) to address building envelope concerns. Modernization of the existing roof and existing diagonal tongue and groove siding were required due to issues associated with aging and long-term use. In addition to these upgrades, one of the focal points of the project was to improve the aesthetic and brighten the overall exterior. Stemper AC’s design, which replaced all of the exterior cladding and existing roofing, resulted in a significant makeover of the dated exterior and created a new identity for the building in the community.
Metal Cladding System
As a publicly funded project, the design and construction budget focused on improving and upgrading infrastructure; therefore, incorporating aesthetic features were strategically selected. While the majority of the existing building exterior is covered by foliage and is not accessed by the public, the design accents feature customized metal shingles installed on the most visible facades including those facing the parking lot and main entry.
The Castle Top aluminum shingles were installed similar to traditional shingles and were installed directly on to sheathing with a concealed fastening system. The shingles have a turned-down edge on the front and a turned-up edge on the back for double sealing protection. The metal shingles, as a pieced-together custom system, provided great flexibility for design considerations.
The diamond-shaped metal shingles were applied at the selected exterior locations to minimize the large, solid-massed building facades and bring a visually tangible scale to users while also providing a playful and energetic appearance upon entry to the building. As this building is located in the Pacific Northwest, Stemper AC intended the metal shingle cladding to imitate the look of sea creature scales while other parts of the building have subtle nods to the local orca whale fins in Puget Sound.
Before
Construction
After
Meadowbrook Pool:
Our team completed replacement of the original exterior cedar siding in conjunction with structural seismic improvements. We replaced aging equipment such as the HVAC system and pool piping. The locker room facilities were reviewed for ADA accessibility and safety. Pool repairs and improvements included:
Installation of floor coating at the pool deck
Replacement of deck drains
Design of replacement of perimeter pool tile and depth markers
Repairs to concrete deck
Corrosion prevention
Before
Construction
After
Medgar Evers Pool:
Medgar Evers is a concrete structure located partially below grade. Aging and long-term effects from weathering caused significant cracking and allowed water to intrude into the interior spaces. We completed replacement of the pool deck and waterproofing of the elevated pool deck slab, and replaced the pool tile. Additional scope of work included:
Replacement of deck drains
Replacement of plaster liner and lights
Replacement of bulkhead
Waterproof coating at exterior stairs
Installation of access doors under stairs
Installation of exterior wall sealant
Repairs to existing concrete cracks
Repairs to SBS roof membrane
Before
Construction
After
Lowery Mounger Pool:
This facility houses two pools; a large teaching pool, and a smaller spa pool. The scope included mechanical equipment maintenance such as boiler room ventilation and make up water valve replacements, and pool maintenance items related to the plaster liner condition and gutter covers.
Before
Construction
After
Queen Anne Pool:
Our team performed waterproofing and roof repair design, structural improvements regarding seismic support at the roof and walls, and interior concrete beams. Areas of the building were updated for ADA accessibility, and the pool deck and locker room flooring was replaced. Additionally, we completed:
Partial pool deck replacement
Partial deck drain replacement
Design of replacement of perimeter pool tile and markers
Repairs to concrete beam at the filter room
Miscellaneous concrete repairs
Before
Southwest Pool:
Southwest Community Center & Pool offers a wide array of aquatic events and activities serving the local community. The center also provides meeting space for neighborhood groups and is governed by the Southwest Advisory Council. Stemper AC met with stakeholders, facility users, and maintenance staff to address each of their distinct needs. Overall Project Upgrades Included:
Plumbing replacements
Energy code upgrades
Fire alarm replacement
Automatic fire sprinkler system revisions
ADA restrooms & accessibility
HVAC replacement
Power distribution and lighting system replacements
Roof & Skylight Replacement
Roof & Skylight Replacement: The SW Community Center has a very complex roofing system and was experiencing interior leaking from the roof. Stemper AC and subconsultants investigated and surveyed the roof system and a new roof system was designed and skylights replaced.
Construction Monitoring: Our team provided quality assurance and technical monitoring during construction, and conducted water-testing for the new skylight systems.
Replacement of plaster liner
After
Client
Seattle Parks & Recreation
Team
Subconsultants
Building Envelope Technology & Research (BET&R) | Building Envelope Consultant
Tres West Engineers | Electrical Engineering Consultant
Jacobson Consulting Engineers | Civil Engineering Consultant
N.G. Jacobson & Associates | Structural Engineering Consultant
Pierce Transit Operator’s Lobby Grand Opening
Pierce Transit Operators and numerous officials including Pierce Transit commissioners and FTA representatives attended the highly anticipated opening of the new Operators’ Lobby at Pierce Transit headquarters in Lakewood, WA.
The 5,600 sf renovated interiors feature a new lounge, new meeting spaces and private conference areas, new kiosk check-in and state-of-the-art tech connections for the operators to access schedules as well as personal locker spaces for this 24/7 operating facility.
Stemper AC led the renovation design project.
Client
Pierce Transit
Team
Grand Opening: EVCC Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Education Center (AMTEC)
Everett Community College realized a long-term academic vision with the opening of AMTEC. Governor Inslee spoke to a packed and excited crowd of students, staff, instructors and EvCC leadership where he praised the center for enabling “our future to be as bright as our past.” EvCC’s AMTEC Department was integrally involved with the center’s layout – right down to fabricating the welding hoods. The 34,000 sf, innovative facility houses multiple manufacturing and technical programs that are primarily aerospace industry focused including: Composites, Machining, Fabrication, Welding and Technical Design. Spaces were designed for flexibility to adapt to shifting needs of the center’s programs.
Magnuson Park Development Open House
Representatives from the City of Seattle and Seattle Parks and Recreation were on hand to celebrate the completion of Magnuson Park’s Building 30 Renovation and to provide updates regarding the exciting new developments taking shape at the Park. Several partners and tenants of the park attended the public open house sponsored in part by Stemper Architecture Collaborative.
The newly renovated Building 30, a former military facility, is now 100% occupied with a range of tenants including artists and non-profit organizations. The hangar in the West Wing has already hosted an Oktoberfest Brewing Festival and Friends of the Library annual sale.
Stemper AC led the $8.4 million project renovation of this historic building.
Magnuson Park Building 30 Grand Opening
The grand opening celebration was well-attended by representatives from the City of Seattle, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and tenants of the space. Mayor McGinn officiated the ribbon cutting. The opening included tours of the renovated facility, live music, and performances from local theater groups and the One World Roller Derby Club.
After years of extensive planning, community and tenant input, and design upgrades, the building is now ready for returning tenants EarthCorps, Thistle Theatre, PlantAmnesty, Washington Native Plant Society, Bats Northwest and the many artists that resided in the facility prior to the renovation. The arts wing includes a historically refurbished event space, and the hangar will serve as a large event space.
Stemper AC led the $8.4 million project renovation of this historic building.
Housing Hope Snohomish County Charity Auction
Marc Tegen, Stemper AC, joined up with Ryan Carlisle and crew from Western Ventures to design and build a playhouse for auction by Housing Hope. Marc added several personal touches with signage, a dutch door and covered front porch. The playhouse was designed to be disassembled into five sections for ease of transport.
The result: a super cute “General Store” that any child would cherish. The “General Store” went to a lucky bidder for $4,000.00 and was donated back to Housing Hope’s Winter’s Creek North property in Sultan, Washington. By all accounts the auction was a huge success raising thousands of dollars for a very worthy cause.
Housing Hope promotes and provides safe, decent, and affordable housing and necessary related services to very low and low income residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island. Since 1987 the program has completed fifty-three housing developments and currently manages 347 units in 19 housing developments. The program provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, affordable rent units and home ownership opportunities.
Nice job Marc, Ryan and crew from Western Ventures!
