University District Bouldering Project

University District Bouldering Project

Seattle, WA

SSF provided structural engineering services for tenant improvements to the historic University National Bank Building in Seattle’s University District, which now houses the University District Bouldering Project, Seattle Bouldering Project‘s third location. Originally constructed in 1912 in the Neo-Classical style, the building operated continuously as a bank for 106 years before Wells Fargo closed the branch in 2018. Hunters Capital purchased the vacant building from Wells Fargo in 2020 and led a $10 million renovation that included terra cotta façade restoration, interior refurbishment, life-safety upgrades, and the addition of an elevator.

SSF’s scope of work involved structural modifications to support new climbing walls, fitness spaces, and repurposed vault areas, all while preserving the building’s historic character. This included seismic anchorage and structural upgrades to the roof and second floor, as well as reinforcement of the first and second floors to accommodate new stair and elevator penetrations. The elevator shaft was constructed of concrete at the basement level and metal stud framing above. SSF also reinforced the original east basement wall to resist soil pressures from the adjacent alley and coordinated with a newly integrated system of underground cisterns and drains to manage groundwater during heavy rains. On the second floor, a horizontal steel truss system was designed to stabilize a central wall with limited connection points, transferring lateral loads to two full-height columns.

The 22,000 square foot gym spans three levels and features 7,000 square feet of climbing terrain across the upper two floors, with ceiling heights ranging from 14 to 17 feet. The project repurposed the original bank vaults in the basement into wellness amenities: the former main vault now houses a 26-person infrared sauna, while a second vault has been converted into two cold plunge pools. SSF collaborated closely with the project team to integrate new systems while preserving the building’s defining features, including the original marble pillars on the ground floor. The University National Bank Building was officially designated as a City of Seattle Landmark in 2022 and opened as a climbing gym in the fall of 2023. The project team also included Dunham as the MEP engineer, with the Bouldering Project overseeing construction.

DJC Article 7.14.22

DJC Article 12.10.24