Structural Restoration of Historic Dining Hall

Structural restoration is Swenson Say Faget’s sweet spot. SSF worked with BOLA Architects, David A Clark Architects on the Des Moines Dining Hall project. Components included evaluation, renovation, and retrofit of the auditorium, restroom and picnic shelter.

Multiple issues needed to be addressed after the earthquake and flooding; not only was there a need to repair the buildings, they were also located in a flood plain, in designated shoreline and critical areas. Additionally, the historic buildings were located over and adjacent to the salmon bearing Des Moines Creek and its wetlands; there was an identified prehistoric archaeological site; and the park was listed on the local, state, and National Registers.

A detailed history and progression of the project is outlined in the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation’s newsletter, Trust News, page 9.