This massive railroad shop building had been abandoned for so long that many people thought that it was too dilapidated to restore…McKinstry’s rehabilitation efforts deserve recognition for achieving a high standard for sustainability and energy efficiency while maintaining the building’s historic character.”
Reusing an Old Railcar Facility: Providing civil and structural services for this innovative office building
The Spokane & Inland Empire Railroad Building (SIERR) at McKinstry Station, built in 1907, was formerly a repair depot for the city’s first electric railway system. Designated a national historic landmark in 2010 through McKinstry’s efforts, the SIERR Building survives as the largest, most intact example of an electric streetcar facility from its era. McKinstry converted this turn-of-the-century building into their innovative, energy efficient Regional Inland Northwest headquarters, complete with green office space and retail tenants. DCI Engineers provided civil and structural design services for this 68,000-sf adaptive reuse project that preserves a unique part of Spokane’s history.
Location:
Spokane, Washington
Square Feet:
68,000
Stories:
1
Service:
Structural, Civil
Industries:
Commercial, Seismic/Adaptive Renovation
Primary Material:
Wood
Project Highlights
McKinstry’s office resides in 30,000-sf of the total building space.
Adaptive reuse required extensive structural upgrades to the building envelope.
Provided innovative structural solutions for damaged beams, parapets, deteriorated masonry and foundation.
Mezzanines, decks, and an elevator core were added to the interior of the building.
Sustainability included 95% demo material recycled, material reuse, removal of hazardous waste, energy efficient systems including ground-source heat pumps, radiant panels, and a rainwater harvesting system.
Added new mezzanine structure in such a way to maximize square footage while avoiding the need to retrofit the existing structure.
Provided bracing of unreinforced masonry parapets to maintain the original profile where possible.
Added foundations to support new mezzanine and lateral system without disrupting the existing rubble foundations.
Difficult stormwater design due to the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Underground Injection Control Program requirements and seasonal high groundwater caused by the Spokane River, which is adjacent to this site.
