This brownfield site had previously held tanks ranging from 2-3 million cubic feet, and although the tanks had been decommissioned, three tank pads approximately 150 ft in diameter and 30” thick remained, two of which were exposed at the bottom of 25 ft deep pits. These challenging features had a major influence over how new development could be sited and how to route site utilities. The driveways off 9th Avenue required adjustments by traffic engineers before approval. Located next to railroad tracks and the Light Rail line, noise was a concern.

We coordinated with the design team, environmental consultants, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the geotechnical engineer to strategically locate a new centralized stormwater facility, remediation of contaminated soil and building infrastructure siting. The team worked with an acoustical engineer, making the façade toward the train tracks more acoustically robust. To deter vandalism, select exterior materials and finishes were chosen in addition to secured perimeter fencing.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood, the design team chose an industrial aesthetic. Aluminum longboard warms up the exterior façades, and the wood tones consisting of wood ceilings, exposed glu-lams and wood joists are worked into the interior space. High clearstory windows were selected to provide natural light for employees.